Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Butler County, Alabama
Butler County has a HUD fair market rent of $959 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $725 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.44 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $959
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $725
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 28% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $18.44
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $38,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Alabama
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Butler County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $728 | $14.00 | $29,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $733 | $14.10 | $29,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $959 | $18.44 | $38,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,143 | $21.98 | $45,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,369 | $26.33 | $54,760 |
HUD area: Butler County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 7 ZIP codes in Butler County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36033 to $970 in 36037. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($959).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 36030 | Butler County, AL | $740 | $770 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36030 | Wilcox County, AL | $740 | $770 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,390 |
| 36033 | Butler County, AL | $700 | $700 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,320 |
| 36033 | Conecuh County, AL | $700 | $700 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,320 |
| 36033 | Monroe County, AL | $700 | $700 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,320 |
| 36037 | Butler County, AL | $740 | $740 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,380 |
| 36037 | Crenshaw County, AL | $740 | $740 | $970 | $1,160 | $1,380 |
- 36030 · Butler County, AL $960$1,200
- 36030 · Wilcox County, AL $960$1,200
- 36033 · Butler County, AL $920$1,100
- 36033 · Conecuh County, AL $920$1,100
- 36033 · Monroe County, AL $920$1,100
- 36037 · Butler County, AL $970$1,160
- 36037 · Crenshaw County, AL $970$1,160
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Butler County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,595 households rent in Butler County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Butler 46%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Butler County
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Butler County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 3
616 homes in all; 615 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Northridge Apartments HUD-assisted 601 Beeland St, Greenville 36037 200 low-income homes · For families · (334) 382-6581
- Hollis Cir Apartments and Washington Apartments HUD-assisted 175 North Palmer Avenue, Georgiana 36033 100 low-income homes · For families · (334) 376-9131
- Commerce Street Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Manor Ct, Greenville 36037 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Perdue Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 495 Perdue Pl, Greenville 36037 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2000 · For families
- The Heatherton Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 School Highlands Rd, Greenville 36037 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities, families
- Greenville Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 592 Glendale Ave, Greenville 36037 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Susanna Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 488 S Conecuh St, Greenville 36037 33 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Bradley Homes #3 HUD-assisted 300 Executive Dr, Greenville 36037 30 homes, 29 low-income · For older adults · (334) 382-6816
- Meadowview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 809 Cedar St, Greenville 36037 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1993 · For people with disabilities, families
- Woodglen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 630 Woodglen Dr, Georgiana 36033 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1992 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Hillcross Haven Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Hillcross St, Mc Kenzie 36456 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991 · For older adults
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Butler County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Butler County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $26,000 | $41,550 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $29,700 | $47,500 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $33,400 | $53,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $37,100 | $59,350 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $40,100 | $64,100 |
| 6 people | $43,050 | $43,050 | $68,850 |
| 7 people | $46,050 | $46,050 | $73,600 |
| 8 people | $49,000 | $49,000 | $78,350 |
Area median income: $66,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Butler County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $655 – $801
- 1 bedroom $660 – $806
- 2 bedrooms $863 – $1,055
- 3 bedrooms $1,029 – $1,257
- 4 bedrooms $1,232 – $1,506
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the City of GREENVILLE Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 181 vouchers (334) 382-6581 Housing Authority of the City of GREENVILLE: tonijohnson@greenvilleha.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Georgiana Public housing (334) 376-9131 Housing Authority of the City of Georgiana: gahouse01@georgianaha.org
Housing agencies in Alabama Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Alabama
What Alabama law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- Ala. Code §35-9A-201(a)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 60 calendar days
- Ala. Code §35-9A-201(b)-(c)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 7 business days
- Ala. Code §35-9A-421(b)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 calendar days
- Ala. Code §35-9A-441(b)
- Only a court order can remove youAla. Code §35-9A-427
- Protection from retaliationAla. Code §35-9A-501(a)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Butler County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Legal Services Alabama Inc
2567 Fairlane Drive Suite 300, Montgomery · 48 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Butler County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Alabama, the average home bill was $174 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$1,918
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $959
- Security deposit
- $959
- Total
- $1,918
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Butler County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $728; 1 bedroom: $733; 2 bedrooms: $959; 3 bedrooms: $1,143; 4 bedrooms: $1,369. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Butler County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($959) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.44 an hour full time, or $38,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Butler County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $37,100 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Butler County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $863 and $1,055 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Butler County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36033 to $970 in 36037. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Butler County?
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Butler County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Butler County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Butler County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).