Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Calhoun County, Alabama
Calhoun County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,010 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $826 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.42 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,010
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% less than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $826
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $19.42
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Calhoun County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Clay County has the lowest typical rent ($619), 25% below the $826 in Calhoun County.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
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 Calhoun 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)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Calhoun County was $965 a month in September 2026: 3.2% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $796 | $15.31 | $31,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $801 | $15.40 | $32,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,010 | $19.42 | $40,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,337 | $25.71 | $53,480 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,341 | $25.79 | $53,640 |
HUD area: Anniston-Oxford, AL MSA. 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 13 ZIP codes in Calhoun County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36201 to $1,320 in 36279. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,010).
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)
| 36201 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $730 | $730 | $920 | $1,220 | $1,230 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36203 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $860 | $870 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,450 |
| 36203 | Talladega County, AL | $860 | $870 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,450 |
| 36205 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $850 | $850 | $1,080 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 36206 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $830 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,390 | $1,390 |
| 36207 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,110 | $1,470 | $1,470 |
| 36207 | Cleburne County, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,110 | $1,470 | $1,470 |
| 36250 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $940 | $940 | $1,190 | $1,580 | $1,580 |
| 36265 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $770 | $780 | $980 | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| 36271 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $730 | $730 | $920 | $1,220 | $1,230 |
| 36271 | Gadsden, AL | $730 | $730 | $920 | $1,220 | $1,230 |
| 36277 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $930 | $940 | $1,180 | $1,560 | $1,570 |
| 36279 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,320 | $1,750 | $1,750 |
- 36201 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $920$1,220
- 36203 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $1,090$1,440
- 36203 · Talladega County, AL $1,090$1,440
- 36205 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $1,080$1,430
- 36206 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $1,050$1,390
- 36207 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $1,110$1,470
- 36207 · Cleburne County, AL $1,110$1,470
- 36250 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $1,190$1,580
- 36265 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $980$1,300
- 36271 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $920$1,220
- 36271 · Gadsden, AL $920$1,220
- 36277 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $1,180$1,560
- 36279 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $1,320$1,750
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 Calhoun County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
13,361 households rent in Calhoun County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Calhoun 45%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Calhoun County
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Calhoun County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 6
1,782 homes in all; 1,761 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Craig Homes Public housing 707 Oak St, Piedmont 36272 211 homes, 210 low-income · Run by Ha Piedmont · Average payment: $355 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (256) 447-6734
- Constantine Homes Public housing 316 Elm St, Anniston 36201 195 homes, 194 low-income · Run by Anniston Ha · Average payment: $205 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (256) 236-1575
- Roebuck Manor Public housing 620 Church Ave SE, Jacksonville 36265 175 low-income homes · Run by Ha Jacksonville · Average payment: $368 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (256) 435-2485
- Sterling Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 329 Nottingham Woods Ln, Oxford 36203 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Sterling Pointe Apartments HUD-assisted 251 Sterling Pointe Ln, Oxford 36203 144 homes, 125 low-income · For families · (256) 831-7610
- Cooper Homes Public housing 411 W 29th St, Anniston 36201 123 low-income homes · Run by Anniston Ha · Average payment: $245 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (256) 236-1575
- Glenaddie Homes Public housing 1104 Boynton Ave, Anniston 36201 100 low-income homes · Run by Anniston Ha · Average payment: $310 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (256) 236-1575
- Westminster Apartments HUD-assisted 107 E 20th St, Anniston 36201 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 237-2569
- Wesley Apartments HUD-assisted 1401 Noble St, Anniston 36201 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 237-4371
- Snow Plaza Public housing 715 Armstrong St, Hobson City 36201 60 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Hobson City · Average payment: $380 a month · Average wait: 77 months · (256) 831-1651
- Southern Ridge Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 3000 Cresthill Ave, Anniston 36201 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2003 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Wesley Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1405 Crane Ave, Anniston 36201 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Cedars Green Apts HUD-assisted 6015 Weaver Rd, Anniston 36206 50 low-income homes · For families · (256) 820-1628
- Piedmont Manor HUD-assisted PO Box 420, Piedmont 36272 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 447-7373
- Casey Estates HUD-assisted 74 Polkville Dr, Anniston 36205 49 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 820-3008
- Myrick Manor HUD-assisted 806 Washington ST SW, Jacksonville 36265 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 435-2485
- Brookstone Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 705 Gardner Dr SE, Jacksonville 36265 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Oxford House HUD-assisted 119 E 6th St, Oxford 36203 43 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 835-7900
- Hickory Run Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 710 Lynn Dr SE, Jacksonville 36265 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Hobson City Apts HUD-assisted 1100 Martin Luther King Dr, Hobson City 36201 24 low-income homes · For families
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 Calhoun County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Calhoun County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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: $72,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Anniston-Oxford, AL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $716 – $876
- 1 bedroom $721 – $881
- 2 bedrooms $909 – $1,111
- 3 bedrooms $1,203 – $1,471
- 4 bedrooms $1,207 – $1,475
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
- Anniston Ha Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 588 vouchers · 417 public housing units (256) 236-1575 Anniston Ha: annistonhaed@annistonhousing.org
- Ha Jacksonville Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 219 vouchers · 175 public housing units (256) 435-2485 Ha Jacksonville: jessica@jacksonvillealhousing.com
- Ha Piedmont Public housing · 210 public housing units (256) 447-6734 Ha Piedmont: kelley_ballew@bellsouth.net
- Housing Authority of the Town of Hobson City Public housing · 60 public housing units (256) 831-1651 Housing Authority of the Town of Hobson City: HobsonCityHA@gmail.com
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 Calhoun County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, Inc.
1481 McCurdy Ave S, Rainsville · 49 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.
3600 8th Ave S, Birmingham · 57 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
-
Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham, Inc.
601 19th St N, Birmingham · 59 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Calhoun 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
$2,020
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,010
- Security deposit
- $1,010
- Total
- $2,020
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 Calhoun County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $796; 1 bedroom: $801; 2 bedrooms: $1,010; 3 bedrooms: $1,337; 4 bedrooms: $1,341. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Calhoun County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,010) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.42 an hour full time, or $40,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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 $909 and $1,111 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Calhoun County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36201 to $1,320 in 36279. 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 Calhoun County?
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Calhoun County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Calhoun County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Calhoun County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).