Cost of Living in Clarke County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clarke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clarke County, Georgia
Clarke's affordability crisis is real
Clarke County's 26.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's worst, far exceeding the U.S. average of roughly 21%. On a median household income of just $52,267, residents here surrender over one-quarter of earnings to rent alone.
Georgia's toughest rental market
Clarke County's 26.7% rent-to-income ratio—the state's highest—dwarfs Georgia's 18.6% average by over 8 percentage points. Median rent of $1,162 runs $235 above state average, hitting hardest on Athens-area renters with lower-than-average incomes.
Clarke vs. region: an affordability outlier
Clarke's $1,162 rent matches or exceeds most peers despite having the lowest median household income ($52,267) in this comparison. Even Chattahoochee ($1,235) and Chatham ($1,382) residents earn more, making Clarke's rental burden uniquely punishing.
Renters squeezed, owners stretched
Renters dedicate 26.7% to housing—the worst ratio regionally—while homeowners pay 26.6% on ownership costs, offering little relief. The $271,900 median home value exceeds income-earning potential, locking renters out of affordable homeownership.
Clarke requires careful housing strategy.
Unless you earn well above Clarke's $52,267 median or plan to own, this Athens-based county presents genuine affordability headwinds. Consider nearby Chattooga (19.8% ratio) or negotiate remote work flexibility to offset Clarke's punishing rent burden.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clarke County
Rent Burden
26.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,220
per month
Owner Cost Burden
26.7%
of gross income
The median home in Clarke County may be a stretch
Median home value is $271,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,171 vs. your max of $1,220.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.