Cost of Living in Ben Hill County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ben Hill County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ben Hill County ranks #2,713 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ben Hill County, Georgia
Ben Hill rents eat larger share of income
Renters in Ben Hill County spend 21.3% of their household income on rent, well above the national benchmark where housing should consume no more than 30% but ideally closer to 28%. This burden hits harder here than nationwide, where median household income reaches $74,755 compared to Ben Hill's $39,081.
Above Georgia's affordability line
At 21.3%, Ben Hill's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. The county's median rent of $692 runs $235 cheaper than Georgia's state average of $927, but incomes lag further behind, creating the affordability gap.
Affordable compared to nearby peers
Ben Hill's $692 rent undercuts most neighboring counties—Bibb County averages $1,026 and Bleckley $765. However, Ben Hill's lower incomes mean residents feel the squeeze more acutely than neighbors with similar or higher rents.
Renters and owners face similar pressures
Monthly rent averages $692 while homeowners pay $654 in costs on median homes valued at $114,600. With median household income at $39,081 annually, housing consumes over one-fifth of what families earn each month.
Consider Ben Hill for true affordability
If you're relocating on a modest budget, Ben Hill offers some of Georgia's lowest rents and home values. Compare these numbers carefully with counties like Bibb or Bulloch, where higher incomes may offset higher housing costs for your specific situation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ben Hill County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Ben Hill County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $692/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ben Hill County pay $692/month on average, compared to $654/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,029/year. With a median household income of $39,081, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Ben Hill County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Crisp County where rent averages $743/month, Ben Hill County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ben Hill County
Rent Burden
21.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$912
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.1%
of gross income
The median home in Ben Hill County may be a stretch
Median home value is $114,600. Estimated monthly cost: $915 vs. your max of $912.
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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