Walker County, AL CoL Index: 89.5 (10.5% below US avg) Local Tax: 0.00% (No City Tax) Birmingham metro median −6.3% vs US ● 2026 Labor Economics

Walker County, AL Metropolitan Wage Intelligence

Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025, HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget, 2026 tax tables · Methodology

Walker County, AL has a cost-of-living index of 89.5 (10.5% below the national average), HUD fair market rent of $776 for a 1-bedroom unit, and a single-adult living wage of $19.80/hour. BLS publishes no occupation-level wage estimates for Walker County, AL; see the state and national benchmarks below.

All-Occupation Median (BLS)
$47,770 / yr
$22.97 / hour · Birmingham metro (BLS)
HUD Fair Market Rent
$776 / mo (1BR)
$949 / mo (2BR)
Living Wage Benchmark
$19.80 / hr
$17.76/hr per adult (2 working adults + 1 child)
Local Municipal Tax
0.00%
Rent: 19.5% of Median

HUD Fair Market Rents & Family Expenditure Benchmarks

Official Fair Market Rent (FMR) levels established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paired with living wage targets.

Housing Affordability Ratio 5.1x Coverage
Studio / Efficiency
$684 $8,208 / year
1-Bedroom Unit
$776 $9,312 / year
2-Bedroom Family
$949 $11,388 / year
3-Bedroom Residence
$1,314 $15,768 / year
Living Wage & Self-Sufficiency Standards (EPI model)

In the Walker County, AL metropolitan statistical area, a single working adult needs an estimated $19.80/hour ($41,184/year) to cover basic expenditures, while two working adults supporting one child each need about $17.76/hour.

Annual Living Wage (Single) $41,184 / yr

Sector & Industry Compensation Highlights

Breakdown of median earnings, workforce scale, and premier occupations across major economic sectors.

Comparative Occupation Salary Matrix

Localized median wages, hourly equivalents, national premium deltas, and purchasing power across all tracked careers.

Occupation Title & Category Metro Median Salary Hourly Rate vs National Avg CoL Adjusted Real Wage Explore

Peer Metropolitan Market Comparisons

Side-by-side BLS median wages, housing rent benchmarks, and municipal tax rates across key regional competitors.

Metropolitan Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median salary in the Walker County, AL metropolitan area in 2026?

BLS does not publish Walker County, AL as an area of its own; it is part of the Birmingham, AL metropolitan area, where the BLS median wage across all occupations is $47,770 per year ($22.97/hour), −6.3% vs US (BLS OEWS May 2025). Pay within the metro area varies.

What are the HUD Fair Market Rents in Walker County, AL?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) data, a 1-bedroom apartment in Walker County, AL costs $776/month and a 2-bedroom $949/month. The metro's median wage covers annual 1BR rent 5.1x over.

What local municipal taxes apply to workers in Walker County, AL?

Workers residing or performing services within Walker County, AL are subject to no municipal income tax, in addition to statutory state income tax, federal income tax, and FICA withholdings.

What is the living wage required in Walker County, AL for single adults and families?

Based on the EPI Family Budget Calculator, a single working adult in Walker County, AL needs about $19.80/hour ($41,184/year) to cover basic expenses. Two working adults supporting one child each need about $17.76/hour, 73,882 a year for the household.

Walker County, AL Metropolitan Wage Intelligence Overview

Metropolitan statistical area compensation intelligence, living wage requirements, and occupation distributions in Walker County, AL. Official 2026 economic data for Walker County, AL compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.