Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Dallas County, Alabama
Dallas County has a HUD fair market rent of $945 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $733 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.17 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $945
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 19% less than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $733
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 27% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $18.17
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,800 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 62%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 27% more than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Dallas County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 65 counties in Alabama with this figure, Dallas County has the largest share of rent-burdened renters: 62%.
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At $35,627, Dallas County ranks 4th among the 67 counties in Alabama for the lowest typical household income.
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Nearby, in Perry County, the typical rent is $592: 19% less than in Dallas County ($733).
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17% of households in Dallas County have no internet at home, against 10% in Alabama.
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 Dallas 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 | $718 | $13.81 | $28,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $722 | $13.88 | $28,880 |
| 2 bedrooms | $945 | $18.17 | $37,800 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,301 | $25.02 | $52,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,306 | $25.12 | $52,240 |
HUD area: Dallas 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 16 ZIP codes in Dallas County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36703 to $1,110 in 36775. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($945).
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)
| 36701 | Dallas County, AL | $750 | $750 | $980 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36701 | Montgomery, AL | $750 | $750 | $980 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
| 36701 | Perry County, AL | $750 | $750 | $980 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
| 36703 | Dallas County, AL | $700 | $710 | $920 | $1,270 | $1,290 |
| 36703 | Montgomery, AL | $700 | $710 | $920 | $1,270 | $1,290 |
| 36759 | Dallas County, AL | $740 | $750 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 |
| 36759 | Perry County, AL | $740 | $750 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 |
| 36761 | Dallas County, AL | $760 | $830 | $950 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
| 36761 | Montgomery, AL | $760 | $830 | $950 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
| 36761 | Wilcox County, AL | $760 | $830 | $950 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
| 36767 | Dallas County, AL | $720 | $730 | $950 | $1,310 | $1,310 |
| 36773 | Dallas County, AL | $730 | $740 | $950 | $1,300 | $1,310 |
| 36773 | Marengo County, AL | $730 | $740 | $950 | $1,300 | $1,310 |
| 36773 | Perry County, AL | $730 | $740 | $950 | $1,300 | $1,310 |
| 36775 | Dallas County, AL | $830 | $860 | $1,110 | $1,460 | $1,490 |
| 36775 | Montgomery, AL | $830 | $860 | $1,110 | $1,460 | $1,490 |
- 36701 · Dallas County, AL $980$1,350
- 36701 · Montgomery, AL $980$1,350
- 36701 · Perry County, AL $980$1,350
- 36703 · Dallas County, AL $920$1,270
- 36703 · Montgomery, AL $920$1,270
- 36759 · Dallas County, AL $950$1,200
- 36759 · Perry County, AL $950$1,200
- 36761 · Dallas County, AL $950$1,260
- 36761 · Montgomery, AL $950$1,260
- 36761 · Wilcox County, AL $950$1,260
- 36767 · Dallas County, AL $950$1,310
- 36773 · Dallas County, AL $950$1,300
- 36773 · Marengo County, AL $950$1,300
- 36773 · Perry County, AL $950$1,300
- 36775 · Dallas County, AL $1,110$1,460
- 36775 · Montgomery, AL $1,110$1,460
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 Dallas County, 62% 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.
62%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,769 households rent in Dallas County
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 32%
- Spend less than 30% 38%
Compared with the state and the country
- Dallas 62%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Dallas County
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Dallas 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)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 5
1,552 homes in all; 1,510 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- George Washington Carver Public housing Selma 36701 216 low-income homes · Run by Selma Housing Authority · Average payment: $286 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (334) 874-6271
- Felix Heights Public housing 405 Medical Center Pkwy, Selma 36701 127 low-income homes · Run by Selma Housing Authority · Average payment: $319 a month · Average wait: 19 months · (334) 874-6271
- Rangedale Public housing 52A Rangedale Apts, Selma 36703 126 low-income homes · Run by Selma Housing Authority · Average payment: $356 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (334) 874-6271
- Addison Way Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 Cloverdale Rd, Selma 36703 120 low-income homes · 2 bd: 102 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Valley Creek Homes Public housing 301A Valley Creek Homes, Selma 36701 100 low-income homes · Run by Selma Housing Authority · Average payment: $260 a month · Average wait: 22 months · (334) 874-6271
- Chanticleer Apts HUD-assisted 1200 Woodrow Ave, Selma 36701 96 homes, 86 low-income · For families · (334) 875-9310
- Beech Creek Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Beech Creek Ln, Selma 36703 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 872-5514
- Magnolia Gardens II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1941 Marie Foster St, Selma 36703 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Selma Square Apts HUD-assisted 1201 Woodrow Ave, Selma 36701 88 homes, 67 low-income · For families · (334) 872-5765
- Regis Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Hilltop Dr, Selma 36701 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 54 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- The Lodges on Lincoln Tax credit (LIHTC) 52 Tower Dr, Selma 36701 56 low-income homes · In service since 2020 · For families
- Woodrow East Subdivision II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2008 Deer Ridge Ave, Selma 36703 54 low-income homes · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 27 · In service since 1998 · For people with disabilities, families
- Westfork Apts - Selma Tax credit (LIHTC) 2811 Earl Goodwin Pkwy, Selma 36703 52 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1995 · For people with disabilities, families
- Cedar Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2917 Citizens Pkwy, Selma 36701 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1999 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Epworth House HUD-assisted 2500 Franklin St, Selma 36703 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 875-6450
- Woodrow East Subdivision I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2101 Woodrow Ave E, Selma 36703 45 homes, 43 low-income · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 1996 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Magnolia Gardens I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1943 Marie Foster St, Selma 36703 48 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Highland View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2713 N Broad St, Selma 36701 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Brad HMS for Eld #4 HUD-assisted 2500 Montague St, Selma 36701 30 homes, 29 low-income · For older adults · (334) 874-7900
- Hilltop Manor HUD-assisted 305 Hilltop Dr, Selma 36701 19 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 375-7731
- Magnolia Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 14855 Al Highway 22 W, Orrville 36767 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Moss Court Public housing Selma 36701 12 low-income homes · Run by Selma Housing Authority · Average payment: $296 a month · Average wait: 56 months · (334) 874-6271
- Hallmark at Selma Tax credit (LIHTC) 3195 Lincoln Dr, Selma 36701
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 Dallas County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Dallas 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: $51,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Dallas County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $646 – $790
- 1 bedroom $650 – $794
- 2 bedrooms $851 – $1,040
- 3 bedrooms $1,171 – $1,431
- 4 bedrooms $1,175 – $1,437
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
- Selma Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,178 vouchers · 581 public housing units (334) 874-6271 Selma Housing Authority: kennard.randolph@selmahousing.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 Dallas County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Legal Services Alabama Inc
2567 Fairlane Drive Suite 300, Montgomery · 51 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 Dallas 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
$1,890
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $945
- Security deposit
- $945
- Total
- $1,890
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 Dallas County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $718; 1 bedroom: $722; 2 bedrooms: $945; 3 bedrooms: $1,301; 4 bedrooms: $1,306. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Dallas County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($945) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.17 an hour full time, or $37,800 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Dallas 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 Dallas 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 $851 and $1,040 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Dallas County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36703 to $1,110 in 36775. 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 Dallas County?
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Dallas 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 Dallas County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dallas County, 62% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).