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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clarke County ranks #3,072 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clarke County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clarke County is moderately affordable. The median rent is $1,162/month against a median household income of $52,267, putting rent at 26.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clarke County is $1,162/month, while owner costs run $1,163/month. Renting saves approximately $1/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,843/year. With a median household income of $52,267, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Clarke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Walton County where rent averages $1,231/month, Clarke County is approximately 6% less expensive.
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
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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