Cost of Living in Perry County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Perry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Perry County ranks #153 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Perry County, Alabama
Perry County's deep poverty challenges affordability
Perry County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio mirrors strained national markets, but the underlying crisis is income: a $34,368 median household income is less than half the national median of $74,755. Even at $610 monthly rent, housing consumes disproportionate shares of severely limited household resources.
Perry ranks second-worst for affordability strain
Perry's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks second only to Montgomery among Alabama counties, with median rent of $610 being the lowest in this survey—yet the burden persists due to profound income poverty. This paradox highlights how low costs alone cannot solve affordability crises without adequate incomes.
Cheapest housing, lowest income combination
Perry's $610 median rent is lowest in this survey, but median household income of $34,368 is also lowest, creating a compounding poverty problem. While renters save money compared to Mobile or Montgomery, they earn far less, making relative affordability moot.
Poverty defines Perry County housing reality
Perry renters spend approximately $7,320 yearly on rent—21.3% of a median $34,368 annual income—leaving roughly $27,048 for all other expenses including utilities, food, and transportation. Homeowners pay just $417 monthly, but on properties valued at $87,700, suggesting limited generational wealth.
Perry offers housing access, not prosperity
Perry's ultra-low rents suit only those with guaranteed outside income—remote workers, retirees, or investors—since local employment opportunities remain scarce and wages are Alabama's lowest. Relocate to Perry only if bringing economic resources or secure employment from elsewhere.
Cost of Living Advisory: Perry County
Affordability Verdict
Perry County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $610/month — about 21.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Perry County is $610/month, while owner costs run $417/month. Owning saves approximately $193/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $17,871/year. With a median household income of $34,368, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Perry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Perry County sits 8% less expensive than Lowndes County ($663/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Perry County
Rent Burden
21.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$802
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Perry County
Median home value is $87,700. Estimated monthly cost: $700 vs. your max of $802.
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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