Cost of Living in Decatur County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Decatur County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Decatur County ranks #3,039 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Decatur County, Georgia
Decatur's housing affordability faces real strain
At 20.4%, Decatur County's rent-to-income ratio ranks significantly above Georgia's state average of 18.6% and the national norm, indicating housing pressure. With a median household income of just $50,485—well below the national median of $74,755—residents here stretch smaller paychecks to cover housing.
Among Georgia's least affordable counties
Decatur County ranks near the bottom of Georgia counties for affordability, with housing costs consuming an outsized 20.4% of median income. The county's $860 monthly rent exceeds the state average, creating real strain for residents in this rural southwest Georgia community.
Decatur caught between cheaper and pricier
Decatur's $860 rent falls between the bargain rates of Dodge ($688) and Dooly ($761) counties and the steeper costs of urban Dougherty County ($905). Despite modest local incomes, Decatur's housing costs are comparatively high for its region.
Housing eats into lean household budgets
A renter in Decatur devotes roughly $860 monthly to housing while the median household earns $50,485 annually—meaning over 20% of gross income flows to rent alone. Homeowners faring better at $750 monthly, but both scenarios leave limited resources for other essentials.
Decatur requires careful financial planning
If relocating to rural Georgia, compare Decatur's tight housing ratio to nearby Dodge or Dooly counties, where similar rural lifestyles carry lower rent burdens. Only consider Decatur if your income significantly exceeds the county median, or if non-housing factors make it worth the trade-off.
Cost of Living Advisory: Decatur County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Decatur County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $860/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Decatur County pay $860/month on average, compared to $750/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,143/year. With a median household income of $50,485, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Decatur County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lamar County where rent averages $913/month, Decatur County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Decatur County
Rent Burden
20.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,178
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Decatur County
Median home value is $146,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,167 vs. your max of $1,178.
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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