Cost of Living in Sumter County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sumter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sumter County ranks #2,969 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sumter County, Georgia
Sumter's rent squeeze vs. America
Sumter County renters spend 24.3% of their income on rent, well above the national sweet spot of 18.6%. Households earning $41,877 annually face tighter housing costs than the typical American household making $74,755, putting affordability pressure on local renters.
Where Sumter ranks in Georgia
Sumter's 24.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's least affordable counties, significantly straining households compared to the state average of 18.6%. The median rent of $847 is actually below Georgia's $927 state average, but lower incomes make the burden proportionally heavier.
Sumter vs. neighboring counties
Sumter renters pay more of their paycheck for housing than residents in nearby Taliaferro (17.9%) and Tattnall (15.1%), despite comparable rent levels. Talbot County, with similar median rent ($950), imposes even higher rent stress at 25.3%.
How housing dollars divide
Sumter renters spend $847 monthly while owners pay $772, but the real story is income: renters lose nearly a quarter of earnings to housing, while owners spend 22.1% of income on mortgage and property costs. At $41,877 median household income, residents have less cushion for non-housing expenses than most Georgians.
Consider Sumter for affordability
If you're relocating to rural Georgia, Sumter offers modest rents and home values ($122,300) below state norms, though incomes are lower too. Prospective movers should compare job opportunities carefully—affordable housing matters little without stable, adequate income to match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sumter County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Sumter County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $847/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sumter County is $847/month, while owner costs run $772/month. Owning saves approximately $75/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,086/year. With a median household income of $41,877, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Sumter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Meriwether County where rent averages $899/month, Sumter County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sumter County
Rent Burden
24.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$977
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sumter County
Median home value is $122,300. Estimated monthly cost: $976 vs. your max of $977.
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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