Georgia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Ben Hill County, GA

The median household in Ben Hill County, GA earns $41,758 a year ($3,480/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $973/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $38,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.7% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$41,758$3,480 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$973HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)96.3-3.7% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate16.4¢per kWh · EIA Residential GA
Census Population17,089Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Ben Hill County, GA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$973Monthly market rent
Share of gross income28%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$38,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,044At 30% of $41,758
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Ben Hill County, GA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Ben Hill County, GA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Ben Hill County, GA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$788$9,456$31,52022.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment$793$9,516$31,72022.8%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$973$11,676$38,92028%
3-Bedroom Home$1,167$14,004$46,68033.5%
4-Bedroom Home$1,395$16,740$55,80040.1%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Ben Hill County, GA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Ben Hill County, GA

Based on the local median household income of $41,758/year ($3,480/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,740/moRent ($973 2-BR), utilities (~$147/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,044/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 96.3 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$696/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Georgia

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Georgia state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$41,758
$15,000$85,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$41,758
Net 82%
Fed 7%
GA 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$34,397After all taxes
Monthly deposit$2,866Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,323Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$2,831 / yr
Georgia state income tax$1,335 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,194 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Georgia with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Ben Hill County, GA

What is the median household income in Ben Hill County, GA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Ben Hill County, GA is $41,758 per year (approximately $3,480 per month).

What is the average rent in Ben Hill County, GA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Ben Hill County, GA are $788 for a studio, $793 for 1 bedroom, $973 for 2 bedrooms, $1,167 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,395 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Ben Hill County, GA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Ben Hill County, GA is 96.3 (3.7% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Ben Hill County, GA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($973/month) in Ben Hill County, GA requires a minimum gross household income of $38,920 per year ($3,243 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Ben Hill County, GA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $41,758/year ($3,480/month) in Ben Hill County, GA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,740/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,044/month to discretionary spending, and $696/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Ben Hill County, GA?

Residential electricity rates in Georgia average 16.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $147 per month.