Cost of Living in Stewart County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stewart County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stewart County ranks #713 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stewart County, Georgia
Stewart County's wages sharply lag housing
Stewart County faces the region's deepest affordability crisis: a 20.2% rent-to-income ratio combined with the lowest median household income of any county here at just $35,000—$39,755 below the national average. While absolute rents ($588) rank among the nation's cheapest, they still consume a fifth of meager household earnings.
Low income defines the challenge
Stewart County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average despite offering the state's lowest absolute rents, reflecting a county where housing costs are secondary to wage poverty. The $35,000 median household income represents the economic reality that affordable housing offers little relief without viable employment.
Cheapest housing, weakest wages
Stewart's $588 median rent ranks lowest among all eight counties, yet its $35,000 median income is the lowest by far, making relative affordability worse than these numbers suggest. The $53,000 median home value is also the region's cheapest, but homeownership remains out of reach for most residents.
Housing affordable, income insufficient
Stewart renters spend just $588 monthly (20.2% of a $35,000 annual income) on housing, while homeowners allocate 17.4% ($510), but these percentages mask a deeper crisis. The true challenge is that even affordable housing strains an insufficient wage base with limited job opportunities.
Affordable only with outside income
Stewart County offers unbeatable housing costs but ranks as the region's economically weakest county, with median incomes far below state norms. Relocate here only if you bring remote work, retirement income, or strong portable employment—local job prospects remain severely limited.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stewart County
Affordability Verdict
Stewart County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $588/month representing approximately 20.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $588/month rent versus $510/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $78/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,857/year. With a median household income of $35,000, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Stewart County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Georgia, Stewart County is less affordable than Baker County by roughly 9% ($588/mo vs $643/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stewart County
Rent Burden
20.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$817
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Stewart County
Median home value is $53,000. Estimated monthly cost: $423 vs. your max of $817.
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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