Cost of Living in Sumter County, Florida
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 #1,243 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sumter County, Florida
Sumter offers rare housing affordability
Sumter County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio delivers affordability rarely seen nationwide, despite a median household income of $73,297—just below the national median of $74,755. At $1,225 in median rent, the county punches above its weight for budget-conscious relocators.
Among Florida's most affordable counties
Sumter's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio matches St. Johns—Florida's wealthiest county—and beats the state average of 22.5%. This achievement reflects the county's modest rental market, where $1,225 median rent aligns closely with the statewide median.
Comparable to rural northern neighbors
Sumter's $1,225 rent and 20.1% ratio mirror Suwannee ($849 rent, 18.4% ratio) and Union ($846 rent, 15.6% ratio) for affordability, though Sumter's rents run higher. All three offer far better value than Seminole, St. Johns, or Volusia counties.
Balanced costs across renter and owner
Renters pay $1,225 (20.1% of income) and homeowners pay $837 (13.7% of income), both well within affordability guidelines. The median home value of $356,000 surprises—nearly matching Seminole's despite much lower housing costs—suggesting strong equity for long-term residents.
Sumter welcomes middle-income movers
Households earning $70,000–$85,000 should seriously consider Sumter for its rare combination of affordability and home value. Retirees and remote workers especially benefit; those prioritizing walkable downtowns should explore Seminole or St. Johns instead.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sumter County
Affordability Verdict
Sumter County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,225/month — about 20.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sumter County is $1,225/month, while owner costs run $837/month. Owning saves approximately $388/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $49,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,871/year. With a median household income of $73,297, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Sumter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Sumter County is more affordable than Marion County by roughly 4% ($1,225/mo vs $1,174/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sumter County
Rent Burden
20.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,710
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
The median home in Sumter County may be a stretch
Median home value is $356,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,842 vs. your max of $1,710.
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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