Cost of Living in Morgan County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Morgan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Morgan County ranks #375 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Morgan County, Alabama
Morgan County achieves rare affordability balance
Morgan County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this survey and well below both national and state averages of roughly 18%, offering genuine housing affordability. With median household income of $64,858—closer to the national median than most Alabama peers—Morgan residents enjoy breathing room in their budgets.
Morgan leads Alabama in housing affordability
Morgan's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks best statewide, roughly 3.4 percentage points better than Alabama's 18% average, and monthly rent of $835 matches the state average closely. This combination makes Morgan an outlier in affordable Alabama housing.
Balanced costs across region
Morgan's $835 median rent falls between affordable rural counties and pricier urban centers, reflecting its hybrid identity as a suburban-industrial zone anchored by Decatur. Compared to rural Perry ($610) and urban Mobile ($1,021), Morgan strikes a practical middle ground.
Housing remains manageable in Morgan County
Morgan renters allocate just 15.4% of their $64,858 annual income—approximately $9,975 yearly—to rent, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homeowners benefit similarly, paying $822 monthly on homes valued at $193,000, supporting genuine wealth-building opportunities.
Morgan offers rare affordability-opportunity blend
Morgan County combines reasonable housing costs with proximity to Huntsville's growing tech economy and aerospace industry, making it ideal for families seeking affordability without job-market sacrifice. Relocators will find breathing room in budgets while accessing regional employment networks.
Cost of Living Advisory: Morgan County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Morgan County is affordable. The median rent is $835/month against a median household income of $64,858, putting rent at 15.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $835/month rent versus $822/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $13/month cheaper — a 2% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,229/year. With a median household income of $64,858, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Morgan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Conecuh County where rent averages $781/month, Morgan County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Morgan County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,513
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
The median home in Morgan County may be a stretch
Median home value is $193,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,541 vs. your max of $1,513.
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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