Cost of Living in Leon County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Leon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Leon County ranks #2,895 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Leon County, Florida
Leon County tracks the state average
Leon County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% tracks remarkably close to Florida's statewide average of 22.5%, reflecting a balanced housing market. Renters pay $1,230 monthly on a median income of $65,074, putting the county near the state's middle ground for affordability.
Right in Florida's middle ground
At 22.7%, Leon County's rent-to-income ratio sits virtually at Florida's state average, positioning it as a representative case across the state's housing landscape. This balance makes Leon a useful benchmark for comparing other Florida counties' affordability.
Balanced compared to rural alternatives
Leon County's $1,230 median rent exceeds nearby rural counties like Levy ($826) and Madison ($819) but remains substantially cheaper than coastal hubs like Lee ($1,597). As the home of Florida's capital and universities, Leon maintains a more urban cost structure than surrounding rural areas.
Renters and owners share similar burdens
Leon County renters pay $1,230 monthly (22.7% of income), while homeowners spend $1,221 on mortgages for median homes at $279,800—an unusual alignment suggesting balanced market pressures. This equilibrium means both renting and owning consume roughly one-fifth of household income, leaving modest but adequate room for other expenses.
Leon County: the state's middle path
Leon County offers a middle-ground housing scenario: less expensive than coastal counties but pricier than rural alternatives, with a 22.7% rent burden near the state average. If you want urban amenities including a state capital and university community without extreme housing costs, Leon delivers a balanced option that mirrors statewide norms.
Cost of Living Advisory: Leon County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Leon County is affordable. The median rent is $1,230/month against a median household income of $65,074, putting rent at 22.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Leon County pay $1,230/month on average, compared to $1,221/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $49,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,329/year. With a median household income of $65,074, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Leon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Indian River County where rent averages $1,284/month, Leon County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Leon County
Rent Burden
22.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,518
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.5%
of gross income
The median home in Leon County may be a stretch
Median home value is $279,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,234 vs. your max of $1,518.
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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