Cost of Living in Washington County, Alabama

$628/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$152,800
Median Home Value
21% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$628/mo
21% below state average
Median Home Value
$152,800
46% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
25.0%
% 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 Washington County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Washington County$628/mo
Alabama Average$799/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$628/mo
Median Gross Rent
$152,800
Median Home Value
$529/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
25.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Washington County, Alabama

Washington County's Housing Deal

At 12.5%, Washington County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard by a comfortable margin—renters here spend far less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $628 sits well below the national norm, giving households breathing room in their budgets compared to peers across the country.

Most Affordable in Alabama

Washington County ranks among Alabama's most housing-friendly counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.5% versus the state average of 18%. This advantage reflects both lower rents and a median household income of $60,503 that outpaces many rural Alabama communities.

Cheaper Than Its Peers

Washington County's $628 median rent undercuts neighboring Wilcox County ($699) and Winston County ($744) by significant margins. Renters here enjoy one of the region's best affordability profiles, with housing costs that remain genuinely accessible to working families.

Rent, Ownership, Income

Renters spend $628 monthly while homeowners budget $529 for mortgage and taxes—meaning both groups stay well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median household income of $60,503, Washington County residents dedicate just 12.5% of earnings to rent, leaving substantially more for other necessities.

Consider Washington County

If affordability matters, Washington County delivers: low rents, modest home prices ($152,800 median), and a cost-of-living advantage over neighboring counties and most of Alabama. Families and remote workers seeking genuine housing bargains while staying in the Southeast should put this county on their comparison list.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County

$

Rent Burden

12.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,412

per month

Owner Cost Burden

10.5%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Washington County

Median home value is $152,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,220 vs. your max of $1,412.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio12.5%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Washington County, Alabama?
Washington County, Alabama has a median monthly rent of $628/mo and a median home value of $152,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 25.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Washington County?
The median gross rent in Washington County is $628/mo. This is 21% below state average for Alabama.
Is Washington County affordable?
Washington County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Washington County's rent compare to the state average?
Washington County's median rent of $628/mo is 21% below state average of $799/mo for Alabama.
What is the median home value in Washington County?
The median home value in Washington County, Alabama is $152,800. This is 46% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.