Florida · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Walton County, FL

The median household in Walton County, FL earns $81,986 a year ($6,832/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,364/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $54,560 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$81,986$6,832 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,364HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)97.0-3% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential FL
Census Population82,948Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Walton County, FL

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,364Monthly market rent
Share of gross income20%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$54,560To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,050At 30% of $81,986
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Walton County, FL

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Walton County, FL HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 Walton County, FL
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,058$12,696$42,32015.5%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,244$14,928$49,76018.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,364$16,368$54,56020%
3-Bedroom Home$1,897$22,764$75,88027.8%
4-Bedroom Home$2,288$27,456$91,52033.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Walton County, FL →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Walton County, FL

Based on the local median household income of $81,986/year ($6,832/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,416/moRent ($1,364 2-BR), utilities (~$136/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,050/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 97.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,366/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Florida

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

$81,986
$30,000$165,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$81,986
Net 81%
Fed 11%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$66,507After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,542Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,558Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate18.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$9,207 / yr
Florida state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,272 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Walton County, FL

What is the median household income in Walton County, FL?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Walton County, FL is $81,986 per year (approximately $6,832 per month).

What is the average rent in Walton County, FL?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Walton County, FL are $1,058 for a studio, $1,244 for 1 bedroom, $1,364 for 2 bedrooms, $1,897 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,288 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Walton County, FL compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Walton County, FL is 97.0 (3% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Walton County, FL?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,364/month) in Walton County, FL requires a minimum gross household income of $54,560 per year ($4,547 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Walton County, FL?

For a typical household earning the median income of $81,986/year ($6,832/month) in Walton County, FL, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,416/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,050/month to discretionary spending, and $1,366/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Walton County, FL?

Residential electricity rates in Florida average 15.1¢ 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 $136 per month.