Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Colbert County, Alabama
Colbert County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,085 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $887 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.87 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,085
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% less than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $887
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 12% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $20.87
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Colbert County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Marion County has the lowest typical rent ($630), 29% below the $887 in Colbert 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 Colbert 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 Colbert County was $949 a month in September 2026: 1.3% 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 | $760 | $14.62 | $30,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $834 | $16.04 | $33,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,085 | $20.87 | $43,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,348 | $25.92 | $53,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,426 | $27.42 | $57,040 |
HUD area: Florence-Muscle Shoals, 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 7 ZIP codes in Colbert County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $990 in 35646 to $1,240 in 35661. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,085).
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)
| 35616 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35616 | Franklin County, AL | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,350 |
| 35646 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $690 | $760 | $990 | $1,230 | $1,300 |
| 35660 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $760 | $840 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,430 |
| 35661 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $870 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,540 | $1,630 |
| 35674 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,350 |
| 35674 | Franklin County, AL | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,350 |
- 35616 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,030$1,280
- 35616 · Franklin County, AL $1,030$1,280
- 35646 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $990$1,230
- 35660 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,090$1,350
- 35661 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,240$1,540
- 35674 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,030$1,280
- 35674 · Franklin County, AL $1,030$1,280
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 Colbert County, 41% 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.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,978 households rent in Colbert County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Colbert 41%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Colbert County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Colbert 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
- 4
- public housing
- 5
1,167 homes in all; 1,163 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Gary Courts Public housing 717 N Hook St, Tuscumbia 35674 241 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Tuscumbia · Average payment: $335 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (256) 381-0915
- Archer Village Public housing 2810 E 12th Ave, Sheffield 35660 154 homes, 153 low-income · Run by Sheffield Housing Authority · Average payment: $411 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (256) 383-4773
- Manning Public housing 2207 W 17th St, Sheffield 35660 126 low-income homes · Run by Sheffield Housing Authority · Average payment: $415 a month · Average wait: 4 months · Homes at several sites · (256) 383-4773
- Long Lowe Public housing 1207 Long Lowe Ct, Sheffield 35660 116 homes, 114 low-income · Run by Sheffield Housing Authority · Average payment: $431 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (256) 383-4773
- Keller Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 901 Keller Ln, Tuscumbia 35674 105 low-income homes · 1 bd: 70 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
- Keller Court Apartments HUD-assisted 901K Keller Ln, Tuscumbia 35674 105 homes, 104 low-income · For older adults · (256) 381-5193
- Avalon Park Apartments HUD-assisted 1901J Sheffield Ave, Muscle Shoals 35661 60 low-income homes · For families · (256) 381-8406
- Tuscumbia Heights Apartments HUD-assisted 1200 Avenue A, Tuscumbia 35674 60 low-income homes · For families · (256) 383-0261
- Sullivan Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 Carrie LN, Tuscumbia 35674 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Timberline Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 Timberline St, Tuscumbia 35674 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Ivy Pointe Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 John Aldridge Dr, Tuscumbia 35674 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Leighton Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1840 Church St, Leighton 35646 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1990 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Oak Terrace HUD-assisted 705 Shoemaker Dr, Tuscumbia 35674 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (256) 381-3746
- Jackson Homes Public housing 2610 E 12th Ave, Sheffield 35660 10 low-income homes · Run by Sheffield Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (256) 383-4773
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 Colbert 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 Colbert 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)
-
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 | $19,050 | $31,700 | $50,750 |
| 2 people | $21,800 | $36,250 | $58,000 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,800 | $65,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,300 | $72,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,950 | $78,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,550 | $84,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,200 | $89,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,800 | $95,650 |
Area median income: $95,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $684 – $836
- 1 bedroom $751 – $917
- 2 bedrooms $977 – $1,194
- 3 bedrooms $1,213 – $1,483
- 4 bedrooms $1,283 – $1,569
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
- Sheffield Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 421 vouchers · 403 public housing units (256) 383-4773 Sheffield Housing Authority: ssides@sheffieldhousing.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Tuscumbia Public housing · 241 public housing units (256) 381-0915 Housing Authority of the City of Tuscumbia: jennifercurtissmiththa@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 Colbert County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Colbert County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama - Colbert County
505 N Columbia Avenue, Sheffield
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Colbert 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
$2,170
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,085
- Security deposit
- $1,085
- Total
- $2,170
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 Colbert County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $760; 1 bedroom: $834; 2 bedrooms: $1,085; 3 bedrooms: $1,348; 4 bedrooms: $1,426. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Colbert County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,085) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.87 an hour full time, or $43,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Colbert County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,300 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 Colbert 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 $977 and $1,194 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Colbert County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $990 in 35646 to $1,240 in 35661. 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 Colbert County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Colbert 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 Colbert County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Colbert County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).