Cost of Living in Baker County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Baker County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Baker County ranks #360 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Baker County, Georgia
Baker offers Georgia's best rental affordability
Baker County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight Georgia counties and well below the national average, reflecting smart wage-to-rent alignment. The median rent of $643 combined with $44,405 median income creates one of the region's tightest affordability profiles.
Top-tier affordability statewide
Baker County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's most affordable counties in this dataset, beating the state average of 18.6% by 1.2 percentage points. This rural county punches above its weight on affordability despite moderate income levels.
Underrated gem in rural Georgia
Baker County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio beats nearby Appling (19.5%) and Atkinson (19.4%), while offering rents only $68 above Atkinson's floor. The $120,100 median home value represents the highest in this rural cluster, signaling deeper market strength than rent prices alone suggest.
Just over a sixth goes to rent
Baker County residents earning $44,405 median income pay $643 monthly rent—only 17.4% of gross household earnings. Homeowners benefit even more, with $475 monthly mortgage costs on homes valued at $120,100, the highest median home value in this rural cohort.
Baker's the affordability sweet spot
Baker County delivers Georgia's best rental affordability in this region while maintaining the highest median home values, making it ideal for both renters and first-time buyers. Compare its 17.4% rent-to-income ratio against neighboring counties before moving—Baker genuinely offers more housing breathing room.
Cost of Living Advisory: Baker County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Baker County is affordable. The median rent is $643/month against a median household income of $44,405, putting rent at 17.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $643/month rent versus $475/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $168/month cheaper — a 26% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,357/year. With a median household income of $44,405, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Baker County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Georgia, Baker County is more affordable than Stewart County by roughly 9% ($643/mo vs $588/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Baker County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,036
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Baker County
Median home value is $120,100. Estimated monthly cost: $959 vs. your max of $1,036.
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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