Cost of Living in Seminole County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Seminole County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Seminole County ranks #2,042 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Seminole County, Georgia
Seminole faces tighter affordability squeeze
At 19.8%, Seminole County's rent-to-income ratio runs slightly above the national norm despite having the lowest median household income ($49,559) in this eight-county group. The combination of low wages and modest rents ($819) creates a genuine affordability challenge relative to incomes earned locally.
Above state average affordability pressure
Seminole County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average, positioning it as a below-average affordability market for renters. The county's rents run modestly above the state median of $927, while incomes lag significantly.
Middle-ground pricing in rural tier
Seminole's $819 median rent positions it between low-cost Screven ($629) and moderate-cost Schley ($746), while its $111,600 median home value ranks low regionally. The county represents the painful middle—rents too high for its wage base but still below more developed counties.
Lowest incomes strain housing costs
Seminole renters allocate 19.8% of their income ($819 monthly) to housing, while homeowners spend 16.0% ($660), reflecting the county's income constraints rather than housing abundance. At $49,559 median household income, residents have limited financial flexibility after covering housing.
Compare before relocating for savings
While Seminole offers lower rents than urban areas, its weak income base means relocating here requires portable income or remote work to truly benefit. Nearby Schley and Screven offer comparable or lower housing costs with better regional infrastructure.
Cost of Living Advisory: Seminole County
Affordability Verdict
Seminole County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $819/month representing approximately 19.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $819/month rent versus $660/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $159/month cheaper — a 19% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,286/year. With a median household income of $49,559, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Seminole County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Georgia, Seminole County is less affordable than Polk County by roughly 6% ($819/mo vs $870/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Seminole County
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,156
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Seminole County
Median home value is $111,600. Estimated monthly cost: $891 vs. your max of $1,156.
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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