Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Clay, AL?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37.7% of gross income.
Clay rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Alabama state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Alabama cities have lower median rent than Clay, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Clay
View full rent data for Clay, AL →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Clay, AL?
Median rent in Clay is $1,698 a month. A typical firefighter in Alabama earns about $54,017 a year, which makes that rent 37.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Clay?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Alabama (~$54,017/yr) supports up to $1,350 a month in rent. Clay's current median rent is $1,698/mo, which is $348/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Clay?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a firefighter in Alabama works roughly 65.4 hours a month to cover Clay's median rent of $1,698.
Where is rent cheaper than Clay for a firefighter?
Nearby Alabama cities with lower median rent include Odenville ($1,697/mo), Foley ($1,691/mo), Foley ($1,690/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.