Cost of Living in Pike County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pike County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pike County ranks #1,868 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pike County, Alabama
Pike County's affordability matches national strain
Pike County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio aligns with strained national markets, though median income of $47,961 is nearly $27,000 below the national median. Housing costs consume an outsized portion of Pike households' modest incomes, limiting discretionary spending.
Pike ranks among state's most burdened
Pike's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Alabama's worst alongside Mobile, Monroe, and Montgomery, with median rent of $855 exceeding the state average by $56 monthly. This places Pike among the state's least affordable counties for renters.
Moderate costs mask income challenges
Pike's $855 median rent falls between rural affordability champions (Pickens $600) and urban centers (Mobile $1,021), but Pike's median income of $47,961 is lower than more expensive neighbors. This income-to-cost mismatch creates affordability strain despite moderate nominal rents.
Housing burden limits Pike household flexibility
Pike renters dedicate 21.4% of their $47,961 annual income—approximately $10,264 yearly—to rent alone, consuming resources needed for other priorities. Homeowners pay $744 monthly toward properties valued at $149,000, making ownership challenging without substantial down payments or family assistance.
Pike offers potential for disciplined movers
Pike County's moderate rents and proximity to Troy University and Ozark create modest economic activity, but affordability requires careful budgeting and likely dual incomes. Relocators should verify employment and commit to conservative spending before moving to Pike.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pike County
Affordability Verdict
Pike County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $855/month representing approximately 21.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 33.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $855/month rent versus $744/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $111/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,886/year. With a median household income of $47,961, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Pike County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Alabama, Pike County is more affordable than Calhoun County by roughly 6% ($855/mo vs $804/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pike County
Rent Burden
21.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,119
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.6%
of gross income
The median home in Pike County may be a stretch
Median home value is $149,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,190 vs. your max of $1,119.
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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