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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Alabama (2026)

A typical home in Alabama is worth $209,900; the typical rent is $1,007 a month. The FHA limit for a one-unit home is $541,287 in every one of its counties. 25 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Alabama; 8 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $114,000
  • $114,000–$136,000
  • $136,000–$161,300
  • $161,300–$199,100
  • $199,100 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$209,900
37% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$1,007
29% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$63,999
21% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287
It is the same across Alabama.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
0.38%
of value a year
The typical bill is $788 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Alabama

A typical home in Alabama is worth $209,900, 37% less than in the country overall. Across its 67 counties, the typical value runs from $81,200 in Greene County to $326,100 in Shelby County. A typical household earns $63,999 a year and pays $1,007 a month in rent; 49% of renters put 30% or more of their income toward housing. 70% of households live in a home they own; they pay a typical property tax of $788 a year, about 0.38% of value.

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 across Alabama. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Alabama ($1,170) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $22.50 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Alabama

More on property tax

  • Basic homestead exemption (type H-1)

    The basic homestead exemption (type H-1) is for owners under 65 who are not disabled. It takes $4,000 off the assessed value for state tax and $2,000 off the assessed value for county tax.

    Alabama Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Deadline: October 1 to December 31 for the current year

    Whoever owns the home on October 1 (the tax lien date) files the application and all supporting documents with the tax assessing official of the county where the home is located. If you apply between October 1 and December 31, the exemption applies to the current year. You may also apply at any other time of the year for it to apply to the following year.

    Alabama Department of Revenue (Administrative Rule 810-4-1-.23) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Deadline to object to the valuation with the board of equalization

    If the county board of equalization raises your property's value over the prior year, its secretary sends you a statement by mail or in person no later than July 1, unless the Department of Revenue provides otherwise. You have 30 calendar days from the date of that statement to file a written objection with the secretary of the county board of equalization.

    Alabama Legislature (Code of Alabama 1975) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • No state property tax for owners over 65, disabled or blind

    If you are over 65, or permanently and totally disabled (at any age), or blind (at any age), you are exempt from the state portion of property tax. County taxes may still be due. You claim the homestead exemption with your local taxing official.

    Alabama Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

  • State tax to record the deed (deed tax)

    To record a deed that conveys property, the tax is 50 cents for each $500 (or fraction) of the property's value; if the value is $500 or less, it is 50 cents. Only the value above any mortgages or vendor's lien on the property on which the mortgage tax has been paid is taxed.

    Alabama Legislature (Code of Alabama 1975) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • State tax to record the mortgage

    To record a mortgage, the tax is 15 cents for each $100 (or fraction) of the initial debt; if the debt is $100 or less, it is 15 cents.

    Alabama Legislature (Code of Alabama 1975) · Verified October 24, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Alabama

What homes there are in Alabama, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

In Alabama, 7 in 10 homes are single-family detached houses; in the U.S., 6.

Mobile homes are 12% of homes in Alabama, more than in the U.S. (6%).

Year built

Homes in Alabama are newer: the typical year built is 1986; in the U.S., 1980.

Homes in Alabama are bigger: 71% have 3 bedrooms or more; in the U.S., 61%.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

The largest group of owner-occupied homes in Alabama is worth between $100K and $200K: 25%.

Monthly rent with utilities

The most common rent in Alabama is between $500 and $999 a month: that is where 39% of rented homes sit.

With a mortgage

$1,433 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$447 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

54%

United States: 61%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Alabama is $1,433 a month, less than in the U.S. ($1,963); without one, $447.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in Alabama rose 47% since 2015–2019, less than in the U.S. (53%).

The typical rent in Alabama rose 27% over the same time; in the U.S., it rose 33%.

To compare: typical income in Alabama rose 27%; the home, +47%; the rent, +27%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureAlabamaUnited States
Rental vacancy 7.2%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 1.1%0.9%
More than one person per room 1.7%3.4%
People per household 2.482.53
Drive alone 81%69%
Carpool 8%9%
Public transit 0%3%
Walk or bike 1%3%
Work from home 9%15%
Other means 1%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

In Alabama, the rental vacancy rate is 7.2%; in the U.S., 5.5%.

Fewer households are short on space in Alabama: 1.7% have more than one person per room; in the U.S., 3.4%.

Much as in the U.S., a household in Alabama has 2.48 people on average.

In Alabama, 81% of workers drive alone to work; in the U.S., 69%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Alabama

Sort by any column or type a name. The 25 most populous are shown; the button reveals the rest.

See the counties page

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Alabama

Start from the typical home value in Alabama, $209,900, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Alabama

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$1,643

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Alabama rose 77% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Alabama United States
In 2025 +2.5% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +47% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +77% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Alabama were 11% lower than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 39% lower than nationwide.

Category Alabama United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 88.8 100.0 11% less
Housing rents What renters pay 61.8 100.6 39% less
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 84.6 98.4 14% less
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 96.4 99.6 3% less
Other services Services other than rent 96.7 100.1 3% less

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Alabama 3.2% of homes (62,310) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 29% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Alabama United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 3.2% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 29% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 1.3% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Alabama

The 16 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (104)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Alabama

    Our list has 3 official programs that help you buy in Alabama. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 3 programs
    1. Step Up

      Alabama state authority program with down payment assistance of 4% of the price (up to $10,000) as a 10-year second mortgage, alongside a 30-year fixed mortgage. Offered by Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA).

      Repayable Verified November 5, 2026

    2. First Step Mortgage Revenue Bonds

      Alabama state authority 30-year low-rate mortgage, for first-time buyers and for people who have owned a home before, with down payment assistance of 4% of the price, up to $10,000, as a ten-year second mortgage. Offered by Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA).

      Repayable Verified November 5, 2026

    3. Affordable Income Subsidy Grant

      Alabama state authority grant for closing costs with an HFA Advantage conventional loan: 1% of the loan if you earn up to 50% of the area median, or half a percent if you earn 50% to 80%. Offered by Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA).

      Grant Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Alabama

    Alabama law answers 4 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      In Alabama, a landlord cannot ask for or accept a security deposit of more than one month's rent. The law allows more for pets, changes to the home, or increased liability risk to the landlord or the property.

      Ala. Code §35-9A-201(a)

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      After the tenancy ends and you give back the home, the landlord has 60 days to give you what is owed from the deposit. The landlord may deduct unpaid rent and damages from not keeping up the home as the law requires. If the full deposit is not refunded, the landlord must give you a list of what was kept within those 60 days.

      Ala. Code §35-9A-201(b)-(c)

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      If you don't pay rent on time, the landlord can give you a written notice to end the rental agreement. The notice states how much rent and late fees you owe. If you don't pay within 7 business days after you receive it, the rental agreement ends.

      Ala. Code §35-9A-421(b)

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      To end a month-to-month rental in Alabama, the landlord or the tenant must give written notice at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice.

      Ala. Code §35-9A-441(b)

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      Data not available

    The simple kitchen of an apartment, with an electric stove, a refrigerator and wood cabinets.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Alabama?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    25 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Alabama; 8 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    142 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Alabama.

    See all 25 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in Alabama

    • Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA)

      The Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) offers several programs to help homebuyers, including First Step, Step Up and the Affordable Income Subsidy Grant. They aim to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for Alabama residents.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 24, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in Alabama

    • Help with insurance complaints

      Before asking the Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) for help, you first contact the insurance company or agent to try to resolve the issue. If you do not get a satisfactory response, you fill in the Department's online consumer complaint form.

      Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) · Verified October 24, 2026

    • Insurance of last resort in Baldwin and Mobile counties (AIUA)

      The Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association (AIUA) was formed in the early 1970s in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Insurance, and the Legislature codified it in 2008. Its mission is to provide a market for owners of eligible property in Baldwin and Mobile counties to obtain essential insurance when they cannot get coverage in the private market.

      Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association (AIUA) · Verified October 24, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Alabama

    We picked them with the numbers of Alabama. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Alabama

    What is the FHA limit in Alabama in 2026?

    In Alabama, the FHA limit for a one-unit home is $541,287 in every one of its counties.

    How much does a typical home cost in Alabama?

    The typical home value in Alabama is $209,900 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in Shelby County ($326,100) and the lowest in Greene County ($81,200).

    How much does it cost to rent in Alabama?

    The typical rent in Alabama is $1,007 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Alabama?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Alabama ($1,170, Fiscal year 2027), about $22.50 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Alabama?

    The typical property tax in Alabama is $788 a year, about 0.38% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Alabama?

    There are 25 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Alabama; 8 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).