Calhoun County, Florida Housing Market

📝 Editor's Insight

Calhoun County, Florida, functions as a distinctively affordable buyer’s market, characterized by significant value relative to national benchmarks. The median home value of $145,300 sits 36.2% below the national average and 48.9% below the Florida state average, while the price-to-income ratio of 2.88 remains below the national mean of 3.20. This affordability is reinforced by a price-to-rent ratio of 15.5, which is substantially lower than the national average of 18.7, suggesting that purchasing offers a more favorable long-term value proposition than renting for qualified buyers. The rent burden stands at 18.5% of income, slightly exceeding the national average of 17.2%, indicating that while housing costs are low in absolute terms, they consume a slightly larger share of local household budgets compared to the broader U.S. market. The market exhibits a strong upward trajectory in home values, with median prices increasing from $80,000 in 2017 to $145,300 in 2024. This represents a total appreciation of 81.6% over seven years, driven by peak annual growth of 14.5% in 2022 before moderating to 8.4% in 2024. This sustained price appreciation contrasts with a relatively stable median gross rent of $779, revealing a divergence where asset values are rising faster than rental costs. This pattern aligns with the broader trend signal that home values are outpacing rent growth, potentially narrowing the affordability gap for renters over time. The economic context supports this appreciation through net positive migration of 305 filers between 2021 and 2022, with incoming households averaging $55,747 in income, slightly below the outflow average of $56,374. Supply constraints are evident in the construction sector, with only four new housing units authorized in 2025, all single-family homes. This limited new supply, combined with a small labor force of 2,375 jobs and an average weekly wage of $821, creates a tight market dynamic. The current 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 7.40% impacts monthly carrying costs, yet the low entry price point mitigates some of this pressure for local buyers. With an owner-occupancy rate of 78.8%, the market remains rooted in homeownership. Potential buyers should note that while the market is accessible relative to national standards, the rapid recent appreciation and minimal new construction may limit inventory options. Renters face a stable cost environment but may find that the increasing disparity between home values and rents makes the transition to ownership increasingly financially logical, provided they can secure financing at prevailing interest rates. The data indicates a market that is growing in value without corresponding inflation in rental costs, favoring long-term asset accumulation.

Analyzed on 2026-10-13 using U.S. Census ACS 2024 data and AI reasoning.