DeKalb County, Alabama
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How DeKalb County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: DeKalb County
Income Verdict
DeKalb County has a median household income of $51,149 and per capita income of $25,274 — a gap of $25,875, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $683/month and a median household income of $51,149, rent consumes approximately 16.0% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
With a median household income of $51,149, residents of DeKalb County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $25,274 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.
Neighbor Context
DeKalb County earns approximately 5.6% below the Alabama state median household income of $54,196.
Data Story
About Household Income in DeKalb County, Alabama
DeKalb lags behind national income
DeKalb County's median household income of $51,149 sits 31% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap means typical DeKalb households earn roughly $23,600 less per year than their counterparts across the United States.
Slightly above Alabama average
At $51,149, DeKalb's median household income exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by a small margin, ranking the county in the middle tier statewide. DeKalb residents earn about 6% less than the typical Alabama household.
Mixed fortunes among neighbors
DeKalb's $51,149 median income places it between Etowah County ($53,070) to the south and Fayette County ($50,733) to the west. The neighboring variation is modest, with all three counties hovering within a narrow $2,400 band.
Rent remains affordable here
DeKalb's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing costs are manageable for renters, sitting below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $135,500 align reasonably with local incomes, suggesting homeownership remains attainable for many households.
Build wealth beyond your paycheck
With a median household income of $51,149, DeKalb residents have room to invest in retirement accounts and emergency savings. Even modest monthly contributions to a 401(k) or IRA compound significantly over time, helping close the wealth gap with higher-income counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median household income in DeKalb County, Alabama?
How much do people earn in DeKalb County?
How does DeKalb County compare to the Alabama average?
What is the per capita income in DeKalb County, Alabama?
Is DeKalb County a low-income area in Alabama?
How does DeKalb County rank for income in Alabama?
Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in DeKalb County
Your income is above the DeKalb County median
County median: $51,149 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-6%
vs. National Median
-32%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($4,262) vs. median rent ($683/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
Grow Your Wealth
See how your income stacks up in DeKalb County, Alabama? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.
Start InvestingCounties with Similar Income Levels
Compare Financial Products in Alabama
Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.
Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.