Cost of Living in Russell County, Alabama

$898/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$152,300

Median Home Value

12% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$898/mo

12% above state average

Median Home Value

$152,300

46% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Russell County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Russell County$898/mo

Alabama Average$799/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$898/mo

Median Gross Rent

$152,300

Median Home Value

$805/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Russell County, Alabama

Russell's rent burden runs high

Russell County renters spend 21.5% of income on rent, outpacing the national standard of 30% being unaffordable but still above where most Americans should be. Household incomes of $50,046 fall 33% below the national median of $74,755, putting pressure on every housing dollar spent.

Above Alabama's affordability line

Russell County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio sits notably higher than Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it in the less-affordable half of Alabama counties. At $898 monthly rent, the county exceeds the state median of $799 by $99, reflecting regional housing cost pressures.

Among the pricier corners

Russell County's $898 rent ranks it above neighboring Talladega ($772) and Walker County ($743), though below the more affluent Shelby County ($1,348). Owner costs similarly run higher here—$805 monthly—than in rural Tallapoosa ($646) and Walker ($593).

Where every dollar stretches thin

Renters here allocate roughly $898 of $50,046 annual income to rent, while homeowners commit $805 monthly toward ownership. The median home value of $152,300 remains accessible compared to state growth corridors, but tight incomes limit purchase power for many households.

Consider Russell if affordability matters most

Russell County offers lower absolute housing costs than many Alabama alternatives, though income levels mean careful budgeting is essential. If you're relocating for work in the region, compare your expected salary against the $50,046 county median to gauge true affordability before committing.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Russell County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

21.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,168

per month

Owner Cost Burden

19.3%

of gross income

The median home in Russell County may be a stretch

Median home value is $152,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,216 vs. your max of $1,168.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio21.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Russell County, Alabama?

Russell County, Alabama has a median monthly rent of $898/mo and a median home value of $152,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Russell County?

The median gross rent in Russell County is $898/mo. This is 12% above state average for Alabama.

Is Russell County affordable?

Russell County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Russell County's rent compare to the state average?

Russell County's median rent of $898/mo is 12% above state average of $799/mo for Alabama.

What is the median home value in Russell County?

The median home value in Russell County, Alabama is $152,300. This is 46% below the national median home value of $281,900.