Cost of Living in Bay Minette, AL

Population 8,215 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

52
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Bay Minette run well below national norms — a median of $39,737 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $147,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Bay Minette sits roughly 25 miles northeast of Mobile — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Mobile's $170,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 48
Rent 58

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bay Minette

The median home value in Bay Minette is $146,500 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $767/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,737/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Bay Minette has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$146,500
52% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$205,931
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$767/mo
42% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,850/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$646
1 BR
$688
2 BR
$857
3 BR
$1,132
4 BR
$1,309
Owner-occupied 63.3%
Renter-occupied 36.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$767
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,381/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
30.5 min
13% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.9%
Carpooled
16.2%
Walked
1.4%
Work from home
5.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 5.2%
Property Tax 0.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$39,737
47% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,911
Unemployment Rate
7.0%
46% above avg
Poverty Rate
29.9%
Labor Force Participation
53.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.4%
Graduate degree 3.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.5
Male median age 36
Female median age 29.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 43 — Good
68%
Good air days/yr
90
Max AQI recorded
239
PM2.5 days
108
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bay Minette, AL?

Bay Minette has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.

What is average rent in Bay Minette, AL?

The median gross rent in Bay Minette is $767 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bay Minette?

The median home value in Bay Minette is $146,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Bay Minette?

The median household income in Bay Minette is $39,737 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bay Minette, AL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bay Minette is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Bay Minette, AL affordable?

Yes, Bay Minette is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.