Cost of Living in Sumter County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sumter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sumter County ranks #663 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sumter County, Alabama
Sumter faces steepest affordability crisis
Sumter County residents earn just $37,981—49% below the national median of $74,755—yet spend 26.6% of income on rent, edging toward unaffordable territory. This rural west Alabama county experiences the sharpest gap between limited incomes and housing costs among these eight counties.
Alabama's most strained renters
Sumter County's 26.6% rent-to-income ratio stands 48% higher than Alabama's 18.0% state average, the worst affordability in this eight-county comparison. Even at modest rents of $841 monthly, the county's depressed income levels create genuine housing stress.
Struggling more than surrounding counties
Sumter's $841 rent slightly exceeds Tallapoosa ($734) and Talladega ($772) despite lower median incomes, creating a uniquely tough affordability squeeze. Owner costs of $540 monthly remain the lowest in the group, but even these strain households earning $37,981 annually.
Thin margins for housing decisions
Sumter County renters commit $841 of $37,981 annual income—26.6%—to housing, leaving limited flexibility for other essential expenses. The median home value of $84,100 offers entry-level ownership, but household incomes barely support the $540 monthly payment.
Sumter requires careful income planning
Sumter County's genuine affordability challenge demands households secure incomes at or above the $37,981 median before relocating. Job seekers should prioritize positions offering $45,000+ salaries to comfortably navigate housing costs; lower-wage work may require housing assistance programs or relocation to even more rural areas.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sumter County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Sumter County is moderately affordable. The median rent is $841/month against a median household income of $37,981, putting rent at 26.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Sumter County pay $841/month on average, compared to $540/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 36%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,143/year. With a median household income of $37,981, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 41.0% of renter households in Sumter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clarke County where rent averages $785/month, Sumter County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sumter County
Rent Burden
26.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$886
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sumter County
Median home value is $84,100. Estimated monthly cost: $671 vs. your max of $886.
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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