Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in DeKalb County, Alabama
DeKalb County has a HUD fair market rent of $921 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $693 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.71 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $921
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $693
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 31% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $17.71
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $36,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in DeKalb County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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DeKalb County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $693, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Cherokee County ($762).
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 DeKalb 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 | $699 | $13.44 | $27,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $704 | $13.54 | $28,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,154 | $22.19 | $46,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,539 | $29.60 | $61,560 |
HUD area: DeKalb 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 24 ZIP codes in DeKalb County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35961 to $1,360 in 35981. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($921).
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)
| 35961 | Cherokee County, AL | $700 | $720 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,510 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35961 | DeKalb County, AL | $700 | $720 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,510 |
| 35961 | Gadsden, AL | $700 | $720 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,510 |
| 35962 | DeKalb County, AL | $740 | $750 | $980 | $1,240 | $1,620 |
| 35962 | Marshall County, AL | $740 | $750 | $980 | $1,240 | $1,620 |
| 35963 | DeKalb County, AL | $700 | $700 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,540 |
| 35967 | Cherokee County, AL | $710 | $720 | $940 | $1,180 | $1,570 |
| 35967 | DeKalb County, AL | $710 | $720 | $940 | $1,180 | $1,570 |
| 35968 | DeKalb County, AL | $700 | $700 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,540 |
| 35971 | DeKalb County, AL | $730 | $730 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| 35971 | Jackson County, AL | $730 | $730 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| 35974 | DeKalb County, AL | $710 | $720 | $940 | $1,180 | $1,570 |
| 35975 | DeKalb County, AL | $720 | $730 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 35975 | Marshall County, AL | $720 | $730 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 35978 | DeKalb County, AL | $900 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,970 |
| 35978 | Jackson County, AL | $900 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,970 |
| 35979 | DeKalb County, AL | $770 | $770 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 35979 | Jackson County, AL | $770 | $770 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 35981 | DeKalb County, AL | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,360 | $1,700 | $2,270 |
| 35984 | Cherokee County, AL | $740 | $750 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,560 |
| 35984 | DeKalb County, AL | $740 | $750 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,560 |
| 35986 | DeKalb County, AL | $700 | $700 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,540 |
| 35988 | DeKalb County, AL | $700 | $700 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,540 |
| 35989 | DeKalb County, AL | $700 | $700 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,540 |
- 35961 · Cherokee County, AL $920$1,150
- 35961 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,150
- 35961 · Gadsden, AL $920$1,150
- 35962 · DeKalb County, AL $980$1,240
- 35962 · Marshall County, AL $980$1,240
- 35963 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,150
- 35967 · Cherokee County, AL $940$1,180
- 35967 · DeKalb County, AL $940$1,180
- 35968 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,150
- 35971 · DeKalb County, AL $960$1,200
- 35971 · Jackson County, AL $960$1,200
- 35974 · DeKalb County, AL $940$1,180
- 35975 · DeKalb County, AL $950$1,250
- 35975 · Marshall County, AL $950$1,250
- 35978 · DeKalb County, AL $1,190$1,500
- 35978 · Jackson County, AL $1,190$1,500
- 35979 · DeKalb County, AL $970$1,260
- 35979 · Jackson County, AL $970$1,260
- 35981 · DeKalb County, AL $1,360$1,700
- 35984 · Cherokee County, AL $950$1,220
- 35984 · DeKalb County, AL $950$1,220
- 35986 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,150
- 35988 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,150
- 35989 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,150
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 DeKalb County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,691 households rent in DeKalb County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- DeKalb 44%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in DeKalb County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in DeKalb 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)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 7
942 homes in all; 926 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Williams Ave. Apts. Public housing 1310 Forest Ave NW, Fort Payne 35967 191 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Fort Payne · Average payment: $304 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (256) 845-0424
- Northside Homes Public housing 11 Goggins Dr, Rainsville 35986 98 low-income homes · Run by Rainsville Housing Authority · Average payment: $382 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (256) 593-9164
- Geraldine Homes Public housing 344 Traylor St E, Fyffe 35971 90 low-income homes · Run by Boaz Housing Authority · Average payment: $355 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (256) 593-5824
- Lookout Courts Public housing 2004 Watkins Ave NE, Fort Payne 35967 100 homes, 84 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Fort Payne · Average payment: $280 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (256) 845-0424
- Deerfield Apartments HUD-assisted 4001 Williams Ave NE, Fort Payne 35967 64 low-income homes · For families · (256) 845-5450
- Collinsville Homes Public housing 53 Truman Ln, Collinsville 35961 60 low-income homes · Run by Collinsville Housing Authority · Average payment: $343 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (256) 593-9164
- North Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Greenhill Blvd NW, Fort Payne 35967 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Spring Grove Apartments HUD-assisted 500 Turner Ave SE, Fort Payne 35967 53 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 845-6875
- Deer Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 Burt Hill Dr SW, Fort Payne 35968 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Jackson Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 227 Circle Dr, Rainsville 35986 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Eastwood Homes Public housing 121 George St, Crossville 35962 30 low-income homes · Run by Crossville Housing Auhtority · Average payment: $408 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (256) 593-5824
- Dekalb Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 240 55th St NE, Fort Payne 35967 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Mountain Oak Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 52 Mountain Valley Ave, Collinsville 35961 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Mountain View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 280 55th St NE, Fort Payne 35967 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Sandy Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 159 George Wallace Dr W, Rainsville 35986 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Sherwood Knoll Tax credit (LIHTC) 175 Circle Dr, Rainsville 35986 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993 · For people with disabilities, families
- Valley Head Ha Public housing 334 Third Ave, Valley Head 35989 8 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Fort Payne · Homes at several sites · (256) 845-0424
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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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: $70,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: DeKalb County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $629 – $769
- 1 bedroom $634 – $774
- 2 bedrooms $829 – $1,013
- 3 bedrooms $1,039 – $1,269
- 4 bedrooms $1,385 – $1,693
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 Fort Payne Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 115 vouchers · 283 public housing units (256) 845-0424 Housing Authority of the City of Fort Payne: fpha@farmerstel.com
- Rainsville Housing Authority Public housing · 98 public housing units (256) 593-9164 Rainsville Housing Authority: tarha@hiwaay.net
- Collinsville Housing Authority Public housing · 60 public housing units (256) 593-9164 Collinsville Housing Authority: tarha@hiwaay.net
- Crossville Housing Auhtority Public housing · 30 public housing units (256) 593-5824 Crossville Housing Auhtority: maura@boazhousingauthority.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 DeKalb County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in DeKalb County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, Inc.
1481 McCurdy Ave S, Rainsville
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in DeKalb 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
$1,842
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $921
- Security deposit
- $921
- Total
- $1,842
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 DeKalb County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $699; 1 bedroom: $704; 2 bedrooms: $921; 3 bedrooms: $1,154; 4 bedrooms: $1,539. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in DeKalb County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($921) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.71 an hour full time, or $36,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 $829 and $1,013 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in DeKalb County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35961 to $1,360 in 35981. 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 DeKalb County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In DeKalb County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).