Cost of Living in Rainsville, AL
Population 5,613 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rainsville offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $208,000 — costs less than 3.2 times median household income of $64,140, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 1.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Rainsville is about 50 miles east of Huntsville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Huntsville's $263,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rainsville
The median home value in Rainsville is $207,800 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $647/month, 51% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,140/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.0%, below 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, Rainsville has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.
Rainsville has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rainsville, AL?
Rainsville has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rainsville, AL?
The median gross rent in Rainsville is $647 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rainsville?
The median home value in Rainsville is $207,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rainsville?
The median household income in Rainsville is $64,140 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rainsville, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rainsville is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Rainsville, AL affordable?
Yes, Rainsville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
Rainsville at a Glance
- Population
- 5,613
- Median Income
- $64,140
- Home Value
- $207,800
- Median Rent
- $647/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.0%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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