Lowndes County, Alabama Housing Market
In Lowndes County, Alabama, the median home value is $86,300, with a median monthly rent of $710. This places Lowndes County at #3042 nationally out of 3134 counties by median home value, and #64 within Alabama.
📈 Price Trend (2017 → 2024)
ℹ️ FHFA HPI data is not available for this county due to limited mortgage transaction volume.
📍 Economic Snapshot
Employment & Wages
- Avg weekly wage: $1,204
- Establishments: 178
- BLS QCEW, 2025
Housing Supply
- Single-family: 4
- Multi-family: 0
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey
Migration Patterns
- Inflow: 3,863 (avg $47,723)
- Outflow: 3,731 (avg $47,976)
- IRS Statistics of Income
📝 Local Market Notes
Lowndes County, Alabama, functions primarily as a renter’s market, characterized by a price-to-rent ratio of 10.1, significantly below the national average of 18.7. This metric indicates that purchasing is comparatively less attractive than renting relative to income levels, despite a high owner-occupancy rate of 77.5%. The affordability profile is mixed; while the price-to-income ratio of 2.33 is well below the national benchmark of 3.20, suggesting strong purchase affordability, the rent burden stands at 23.0% of median household income, exceeding the national average of 17.2%. This divergence highlights that while housing assets are inexpensive, the cost of renting consumes a disproportionate share of local earnings. The market exhibits volatile yet generally upward momentum. Home values surged 16.8% in 2021 before moderating to 7.1% growth in 2024, reaching a median of $86,300. This trajectory contrasts with the national 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 7.40%, which remains elevated. Notably, the county’s home values are 45.9% below the state average and 62.1% below the national mean, reflecting its status as a low-cost region. The local economy supports this low-cost structure, with a median household income of $37,052, which is 45.5% below the national average. Employment data shows only 1,891 total jobs and an average weekly wage of $1,204, indicating a limited wage base that constrains further price appreciation. A significant data anomaly is the divergence between asset value growth and rental costs. While home values have risen steadily since 2017, the rent burden has increased relative to national norms, suggesting that rental supply may be tightening or rents are rising faster than incomes. Housing supply is extremely constrained, with only four new single-family units authorized in 2025 and zero multi-family units, creating a rigid market with minimal new inventory. Migration data shows a net inflow of 132 filers, with incoming residents earning an average of $47,723, slightly lower than the $47,976 average of outflowing residents, indicating that migration is not driving a significant income upgrade. For potential buyers, the low price-to-income ratio offers entry-level opportunities, but the limited local employment base and high rent burden suggest that long-term wealth accumulation may be hindered by stagnant wage growth and a lack of diversified economic drivers.
🔗 Explore Lowndes County on Our Sister Sites
Get the complete picture for Lowndes County — financing options and ongoing ownership costs.
💰 Mortgage Guide → 🧾 Property Tax Data →How Lowndes County Compares
| Metric | Lowndes County | Alabama Average | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $86,300 | $159,659 | $227,706 |
| Median Gross Rent | $710 | $820 | $968 |
| Owner Occupancy Rate | 77.5% | 73.2% | 73.3% |
| Price/Rent Ratio | 10.1 | 16.0 | 18.7 |
Market Analysis
The median home value in Lowndes County is 45.9% below the Alabama state average and 62.1% below the U.S. national average. The median rent of $710/month is 13.4% below the state average.
With a price-to-rent ratio of 10.1, buying a home in Lowndes County is generally more favorable than renting for those planning to stay long-term. A ratio below 15 typically signals that purchasing is financially advantageous over a multi-year horizon.
Lowndes County has an owner-occupancy rate of 77.5%, compared to 73.2% in Alabama and 73.3% nationally. This indicates a more homeowner-heavy market than the U.S. average.
Similar Counties by Home Value
| County | State | Median Home Value | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkinson County | Georgia | $86,300 | $825 |
| Tensas Parish | Louisiana | $86,300 | $601 |
| Swisher County | Texas | $86,300 | $783 |
| Perry County | Alabama | $86,400 | $592 |
| Osborne County | Kansas | $86,400 | $595 |
Other Counties in Alabama
| County | Median Home Value | Median Rent | Owner Occ. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perry County | $86,400 | $592 | 77.5% |
| Sumter County | $82,600 | $775 | 66.8% |
| Bullock County | $81,700 | $556 | 66.6% |
| Greene County | $81,200 | $432 | 61.6% |
| Dallas County | $94,600 | $733 | 63.8% |
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2024 5-Year Estimates (2017–2024). Variables: B25077 (Median Home Value), B25064 (Median Gross Rent), B25003 (Tenure). Data collected on 2026-10-14. The price-to-rent ratio is calculated as Median Home Value ÷ (Median Monthly Rent × 12).