Cost of Living in Marengo County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marengo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marengo County ranks #1,760 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marengo County, Alabama
Marengo County matches national norms
Marengo County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio mirrors Lee County and exceeds the national average by about 1.7 percentage points. With median household income of $44,205 and rent of $722, the county offers modest housing costs offset by constrained wages.
Slightly above Alabama average
Marengo County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% exceeds Alabama's state average of 18.0%, positioning it in the lower-affordability tier statewide. The $722 median rent undercuts the state median, but modest income creates relative pressure.
Affordable rents, tight budgets
Marengo County's $722 rent is among the lowest in this group, yet median income of $44,205 ranks below most peers, creating proportional strain. Compared to Limestone and Madison counties, Marengo residents face tighter housing-to-income ratios despite lower absolute rents.
Homeowning offers modest savings
Renters spend $722 monthly while homeowners pay $563 on a $44,205 income, making ownership substantially cheaper if affordable financing exists. Either way, housing consumes 15-19% of income, leaving limited cushion for savings or unexpected expenses.
Marengo County suits patient investors
Relocators with home-buying power will find Marengo County particularly attractive—low ownership costs ($563/month) combined with modest income requirements. Renters should explore neighboring Macon County, which offers better income-to-rent balance.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marengo County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Marengo County is affordable. The median rent is $722/month against a median household income of $44,205, putting rent at 19.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Marengo County is $722/month, while owner costs run $563/month. Owning saves approximately $159/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,129/year. With a median household income of $44,205, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Marengo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Marengo County sits 8% more expensive than Franklin County ($667/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marengo County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,031
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marengo County
Median home value is $103,400. Estimated monthly cost: $825 vs. your max of $1,031.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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