Alabama Paying More to Drive

We talk about sky-high gas prices pretty regularly around here, as the price of gas often impacts what type of vehicle people consider buying. As much as gas prices affect us all, there are areas where it matters most. The city that pays more for gas as a percentage of income than any other is Camden, Ala., where 13% of every paycheck goes toward gas.

This is a trend in rural areas where people make less and have to travel farther for work. The CNNMoney.com story linked below makes sure to point out that a lot of folks in the area work at the local Hyundai factory, some making just $7 an hour. The pain at the pump has affected local businesses, from restaurants to hardware stores — though not the local bait shop; it seems hunting and fishing are immune to such economic woes. The story also interviewed two folks at a gas station complaining about the high costs. They drove a Pontiac Firebird and Jeep Cherokee SUV.

'You're working for gas now' (CNNMoney.com)

Comments

"they drove a Pontiac Firebird and Jeep Cherokee SUV"

my sympathies and all but these folks bought inefficient vehicles to begin with. there was a guy at an obama town meeting complainging about filling up his escalade.

i see this over and over. the biggest whiners are those who bought ginormous vehicles. while those of use who purchased sensible vehicles from the get go aren't complaining nearly as much. for years i've had to put up w/ these clowns in the huge cars bullying around my smaller car. well, now the shoe is on the other foot.

So is the fishin' any good down there?

Guess I'll have to drive down with Prius with Alabama tag "C52MPG" and find out.

Bob Wilson

I guess the reporter couldn't find anyone who was driving a Hummer.

I wouldn't call a Firebird an inefficient vehicle. They are not all v8s most of them had v6s that get at least 30 mpg. Even the v8s get close to 30 mpg. You could do a lot worse than a Cherokee also. Niether are "ginormous". Both of these cars have not been made in a while, that should show you these people buy vehicles they can afford not the one they want or should have.

The problem is that in general, Alabama folks get a smaller paycheck as compared to other states. Fuel however, doesn't cost less.

Just like the posters above....who don't care about anything but thier own back yard, this problem probably won't get fixed.

Don't worry though as the problem will soon find you too.

Hmmm were they *NEW*? Because they've been selling Firebirds and Cherokees for over 30 years.

And considering the Hyundai plant is apparently only paying $7/hr. and 13% of that is going to gas (after the government takes 30% Aproximate figure counting SS, Medicare, state and local)

You're only taking home $160 a week?!?

How much is the lease on a Prius again?