Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Etowah County, Alabama
Etowah County has a HUD fair market rent of $975 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $847 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.75 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $975
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% less than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $847
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 16% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $18.75
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $39,000 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Etowah County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, DeKalb County has the lowest typical rent ($693), 18% below the $847 in Etowah 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 Etowah 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 Etowah County was $1,072 a month in September 2026: 5.4% 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 | $679 | $13.06 | $27,160 |
| 1 bedroom | $830 | $15.96 | $33,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $975 | $18.75 | $39,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,235 | $23.75 | $49,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,397 | $26.87 | $55,880 |
HUD area: Gadsden, 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 21 ZIP codes in Etowah County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35905 to $1,320 in 35907. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($975).
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)
| 35901 | Cherokee County, AL | $670 | $820 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,380 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35901 | Gadsden, AL | $670 | $820 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,380 |
| 35903 | Cherokee County, AL | $690 | $840 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,420 |
| 35903 | Gadsden, AL | $690 | $840 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,420 |
| 35904 | Gadsden, AL | $650 | $800 | $940 | $1,190 | $1,350 |
| 35905 | Anniston-Oxford, AL | $680 | $780 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,310 |
| 35905 | Gadsden, AL | $680 | $780 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,310 |
| 35906 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $810 | $1,000 | $1,170 | $1,480 | $1,680 |
| 35906 | Gadsden, AL | $810 | $1,000 | $1,170 | $1,480 | $1,680 |
| 35907 | Gadsden, AL | $920 | $1,120 | $1,320 | $1,670 | $1,890 |
| 35952 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $730 | $810 | $920 | $1,160 | $1,310 |
| 35952 | Gadsden, AL | $730 | $810 | $920 | $1,160 | $1,310 |
| 35952 | Marshall County, AL | $730 | $810 | $920 | $1,160 | $1,310 |
| 35954 | DeKalb County, AL | $640 | $780 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,320 |
| 35954 | Gadsden, AL | $640 | $780 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,320 |
| 35956 | DeKalb County, AL | $700 | $850 | $1,000 | $1,270 | $1,430 |
| 35956 | Gadsden, AL | $700 | $850 | $1,000 | $1,270 | $1,430 |
| 35956 | Marshall County, AL | $700 | $850 | $1,000 | $1,270 | $1,430 |
| 35972 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $730 | $820 | $920 | $1,160 | $1,310 |
| 35972 | Gadsden, AL | $730 | $820 | $920 | $1,160 | $1,310 |
| 35990 | Gadsden, AL | $710 | $810 | $920 | $1,160 | $1,310 |
- 35901 · Cherokee County, AL $960$1,220
- 35901 · Gadsden, AL $960$1,220
- 35903 · Cherokee County, AL $990$1,250
- 35903 · Gadsden, AL $990$1,250
- 35904 · Gadsden, AL $940$1,190
- 35905 · Anniston-Oxford, AL $920$1,170
- 35905 · Gadsden, AL $920$1,170
- 35906 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,170$1,480
- 35906 · Gadsden, AL $1,170$1,480
- 35907 · Gadsden, AL $1,320$1,670
- 35952 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $920$1,160
- 35952 · Gadsden, AL $920$1,160
- 35952 · Marshall County, AL $920$1,160
- 35954 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,170
- 35954 · Gadsden, AL $920$1,170
- 35956 · DeKalb County, AL $1,000$1,270
- 35956 · Gadsden, AL $1,000$1,270
- 35956 · Marshall County, AL $1,000$1,270
- 35972 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $920$1,160
- 35972 · Gadsden, AL $920$1,160
- 35990 · Gadsden, AL $920$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 Etowah County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,283 households rent in Etowah County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Etowah 48%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Etowah County
HUD lists 29 properties with homes for low-income households in Etowah 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)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 12
- public housing
- 8
2,201 homes in all; 2,172 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Colley Homes Public housing 424A N 6th St, Gadsden 35901 236 homes, 235 low-income · Run by Greater Gadsden · Average payment: $324 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (256) 547-2501
- Emma Sansom Homes Public housing 213A N 21st St, Gadsden 35904 220 homes, 219 low-income · Run by Greater Gadsden · Average payment: $330 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (256) 547-2501
- Carver Village Public housing 1110A Jacksonville Ct, Gadsden 35901 160 low-income homes · Run by Greater Gadsden · Average payment: $331 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (256) 547-2501
- Campbell Court Public housing 101 Campbell Ct, Gadsden 35903 150 low-income homes · Run by Greater Gadsden · Average payment: $370 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (256) 547-2501
- Hanby Manor Public housing 1002 9th St SW, Attalla 35954 108 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Attalla · Average payment: $452 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (256) 538-9365
- Gateway Village Public housing 606 S 14th St, Gadsden 35901 106 low-income homes · Run by Greater Gadsden · Average payment: $304 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (256) 547-2501
- Starnes Park Public housing 301 Starnes Park, Gadsden 35903 102 low-income homes · Run by Greater Gadsden · Average payment: $392 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (256) 547-2501
- Daugette Towers HUD-assisted 700 Forrest Ave, Gadsden 35901 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (205) 547-0507
- Princeton Park Apts. HUD-assisted 301 Princeton Ave, Gadsden 35901 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 543-7061
- Snead Homes Public housing 6773 Samuel Cir, Altoona 35952 97 low-income homes · Run by Altoona Housing Authority · Average payment: $380 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (256) 593-9164
- Columbia Square Towne Houses HUD-assisted 3428 Cahaba Ct, Rainbow City 35906 100 homes, 80 low-income · For families · (256) 442-6610
- College Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1408 Piedmont Cutoff, Gadsden 35903 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For people with disabilities, families · (256) 492-3283
- River Hill Estates HUD-assisted 720 Ewing Ave, Gadsden 35901 60 low-income homes · For families · (256) 547-2912
- Meadow Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3010 Jones St, Rainbow City 35906 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Baptist Retirement Village HUD-assisted 1315 Coats St, Gadsden 35903 55 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 494-9400
- Rainbow Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 120 Doris St, Rainbow City 35906 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993 · For people with disabilities, families · (256) 442-1985
- Coosa Bend Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 407 N 4th Pl, Gadsden 35901 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Coosa Bend Apts HUD-assisted 416 N 4th Pl, Gadsden 35901 50 low-income homes · For families · (256) 442-1985
- Baptist Retirement Village II HUD-assisted 1326 Coats St, Gadsden 35903 47 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 494-9400
- Bradley Park HUD-assisted 524 Gilbert Ferry Rd SE, Attalla 35954 40 low-income homes · For families · (256) 538-5080
- Holly Park Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Holly Ave, Gadsden 35901 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- The Lodge at Greenbridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Holly Ave, Gadsden 35901 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Greystone Tax credit (LIHTC) 2950 Jones St, Rainbow City 35906 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Melodie Meadow Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 College Pkwy, Gadsden 35903 40 homes, 34 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2001 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Pinecrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6848 Pinecrest St, Altoona 35952 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Chestnut Hill Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 3200 Smith Dr, Altoona 35952 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Fox Run South Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 642 Coosa Rd, Boaz 35956 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Episcopal Kyle Home HUD-assisted 929 Chestnut St, Gadsden 35901 10 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (256) 547-8280
- Sally Armstrong HUD-assisted 1103 Chestnut St, Gadsden 35901 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (256) 547-5545
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
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 Etowah County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Etowah 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)
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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)
-
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 | $16,550 | $27,550 | $44,050 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,450 | $50,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,400 | $56,650 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,300 | $62,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $42,450 | $67,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $45,600 | $73,000 |
| 7 people | $48,750 | $48,750 | $78,000 |
| 8 people | $51,900 | $51,900 | $83,050 |
Area median income: $78,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Gadsden, AL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $611 – $747
- 1 bedroom $747 – $913
- 2 bedrooms $878 – $1,073
- 3 bedrooms $1,112 – $1,359
- 4 bedrooms $1,257 – $1,537
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
- Greater Gadsden Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 194 vouchers · 972 public housing units (256) 547-2501 Greater Gadsden: gprice@ggha.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Attalla Public housing · 108 public housing units (256) 538-9365 Housing Authority of the City of Attalla: sheila@attallahousing.net
- Altoona Housing Authority Public housing · 97 public housing units (256) 593-9164 Altoona Housing Authority: tarha@hiwaay.net
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 Etowah 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 · 31 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama - Cullman Branch
107 2nd Ave, NE, Cullman · 47 miles away · Spanish
- Rental counseling
-
Family Services Center, Inc.
520 Madison St SE, Huntsville · 56 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Etowah 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
$1,950
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $975
- Security deposit
- $975
- Total
- $1,950
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 Etowah County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $679; 1 bedroom: $830; 2 bedrooms: $975; 3 bedrooms: $1,235; 4 bedrooms: $1,397. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Etowah County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($975) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.75 an hour full time, or $39,000 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Etowah County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,300 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 Etowah 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 $878 and $1,073 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Etowah County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35905 to $1,320 in 35907. 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 Etowah County?
HUD lists 29 properties with homes for low-income households in Etowah 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 Etowah County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Etowah County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).