Cost of Living in Marshall County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marshall County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marshall County ranks #1,111 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marshall County, Alabama
Marshall County maintains balance
Marshall County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio sits well below both the national average (18.0%) and Alabama's state average, reflecting solid affordability. With median household income of $60,946 and $765 monthly rent, the county offers balanced economics.
Above-average Alabama affordability
Marshall County ranks in Alabama's upper tier for housing affordability, with renters spending significantly less of their income on housing than the state average. The 15.1% rent-to-income ratio positions the county as an attractive regional option.
Solid middle ground regionally
Marshall County's $765 rent falls between lower-cost Marion/Marengo counties and pricier Lee/Madison options, while income levels rank mid-tier among peers. This positioning makes Marshall a balanced choice for relocators seeking equilibrium between cost and earnings.
Balanced renting and owning costs
Renters spend $765 monthly while homeowners pay $792 on a $60,946 income, consuming roughly 15% either way. The tight parity suggests healthy housing market competition and reasonable options for both rental and ownership seekers.
Marshall County: reliable middle path
Relocators seeking balanced affordability without extremes will find Marshall County appealing—moderate rents, solid incomes, and a healthy homeownership path. The county represents Alabama's dependable option for pragmatic movers valuing stability over bargain hunting.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marshall County
Affordability Verdict
Marshall County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $765/month — about 15.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $765/month rent versus $792/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $27/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,943/year. With a median household income of $60,946, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Marshall County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Alabama, Marshall County is more affordable than Escambia County by roughly 8% ($765/mo vs $709/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marshall County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,422
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
The median home in Marshall County may be a stretch
Median home value is $183,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,464 vs. your max of $1,422.
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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