Alabama continues to stand out as one of the most affordable states in the nation, with 10 of its counties ranking among the 50 least expensive counties to live in, according to a new report from 24/7 Wall Street.
The report, “Where $50,000 Goes Furthest: America’s 50 Least Expensive Counties to Live In,” analyzed counties across the U.S. using data from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey. It ranked counties based on their regional price parity index (a measure of cost of living relative to the national average), along with local median household income, home values, and unemployment rates.
In these counties, goods and services cost anywhere from 18% to 25% less than the national average, thanks to lower housing costs and lower local demand. Many are in rural areas, where smaller populations and modest incomes help keep prices down.
Alabama’s counties lead the way in affordability
Of the 50 counties listed, Alabama accounts for 10 — the second most of any state in the report. Only Mississippi, with 18 counties, had more.
The highest-ranked Alabama county, Franklin County, came in at number 4 nationwide, with an estimated cost of living more than 21% lower than the national average. Median home prices there are just $128,000 — more than 60% below the U.S. median — and the median household income is about $51,500.
Here’s a look at all 10 Alabama counties on the list, with their national ranking and some key stats from the report:
- Franklin County (#4) — 21.3% below average cost of living; median income: $51,493; median home value: $128,000; unemployment: 3.6%
- Clay County (#10) — 20.5% below; median income: $51,852; median home value: $144,700; unemployment: 3.5%
- Winston County (#12) — 20.3% below; median income: $48,032; median home value: $110,500; unemployment: 4.2%
- Lamar County (#18) — 19.9% below; median income: $47,447; median home value: $112,700; unemployment: 6.4%
- Fayette County (#25) — 19.5% below; median income: $50,733; median home value: $121,200; unemployment: 9.5%
- Marion County (#28) — 19.5% below; median income: $50,714; median home value: $104,300; unemployment: 6.2%
- Randolph County (#29) — 19.4% below; median income: $51,551; median home value: $184,000; unemployment: 2.8%
- Jackson County (#37) — 19.2% below; median income: $49,454; median home value: $145,800; unemployment: 5.4%
- DeKalb County (#46) — 19.0% below; median income: $51,149; median home value: $135,500; unemployment: 4.2%
- Pickens County (#50) — 18.8% below; median income: $47,014; median home value: $123,300; unemployment: 6.5%
Why Alabama remains affordable
The findings align with broader state-level data showing Alabama among the most affordable states in the U.S. According to the Council for Community & Economic Research, Alabama’s overall cost of living is about 12–13% lower than the U.S. average, with housing costs nearly 30% below average.
While incomes in these counties tend to be lower than the national median, the low cost of living often means residents’ dollars stretch much further — particularly for housing. For households earning around $50,000, Alabama offers significant purchasing power compared to more expensive states.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
