Cost of Living in Spalding County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Spalding County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Spalding County ranks #3,014 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Spalding County, Georgia
Spalding's costs outpace local incomes
Spalding County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national average despite a median household income of $60,217 that runs $14,538 below the national figure. The county's median rent of $1,053 reflects higher costs than most rural Georgia peers, straining a below-average wage base.
Above Georgia's affordability threshold
At 21.0%, Spalding County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average by 2.4 percentage points, placing it among the state's more expensive rural markets. The county's $1,053 median rent runs $126 above Georgia's state average despite its rural character.
Priced above most rural comparables
Spalding's $1,053 median rent undercuts only Rockdale County's $1,341 while running well above Screven ($629) and Schley ($746), reflecting its position as an intermediate development tier. Its $196,600 median home value ranks second-highest in this group, behind only Rockdale's $256,600.
Higher housing burden stresses budgets
Spalding renters dedicate 21.0% of their $60,217 income to $1,053 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 20.3% on $1,018 mortgage payments, both above comfort levels. This dual burden—elevated costs and modest incomes—leaves limited cushion for other necessities.
Weigh costs against job availability
Spalding's housing costs exceed nearby affordable counties like Screven and Schley, so relocating here makes sense only if stronger local job opportunities justify the premium. Compare total cost-of-living packages rather than housing alone before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Spalding County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Spalding County is affordable. The median rent is $1,053/month against a median household income of $60,217, putting rent at 21.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Spalding County is $1,053/month, while owner costs run $1,018/month. Owning saves approximately $35/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,629/year. With a median household income of $60,217, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Spalding County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Spalding County sits 5% more expensive than Lowndes County ($1,002/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Spalding County
Rent Burden
21.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,405
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.3%
of gross income
The median home in Spalding County may be a stretch
Median home value is $196,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,570 vs. your max of $1,405.
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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