Cost of Living in Wakulla County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wakulla County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wakulla County ranks #1,026 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wakulla County, Florida
Wakulla's rent burden beats the nation
Wakulla County residents spend just 18.7% of their income on rent, well below the national affordability sweet spot and significantly lower than Florida's 22.5% average. With a median household income of $74,183—essentially matching the national median of $74,755—this county offers surprisingly accessible rental housing for middle-income families.
Most affordable rents in north Florida
Among Florida's 67 counties, Wakulla ranks among the most affordable for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio that outperforms the state average by nearly 4 percentage points. At $1,155 per month, median rent runs $78 below the state average, giving residents more breathing room in their budgets.
Cheaper than Walton, pricier than Washington
Wakulla's $1,155 monthly rent falls between its neighbors: Walton County ($1,674) and Washington County ($884). Homebuyers find similar middle-ground positioning, with Wakulla's median home value of $216,300 offering a more affordable path to ownership than Walton's $376,400 median.
Renting and owning stay affordable here
Wakulla households allocate 18.7% of income to rent or just 16.9% to mortgage payments—both comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. This leaves residents with substantially more income for savings, healthcare, and other essentials compared to higher-burden counties.
Consider Wakulla for balanced living costs
If you're priced out of coastal Florida but need reasonable housing costs, Wakulla delivers both. Compare its $1,155 rent and $216,300 home values to your current market—you may find thousands of dollars annually freed up for other priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wakulla County
Affordability Verdict
Wakulla County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,155/month — about 18.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Wakulla County pay $1,155/month on average, compared to $1,047/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,871/year. With a median household income of $74,183, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Wakulla County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hernando County where rent averages $1,209/month, Wakulla County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wakulla County
Rent Burden
18.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,731
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wakulla County
Median home value is $216,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,727 vs. your max of $1,731.
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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