Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Franklin County, Alabama
Franklin 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 $676 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
- $676
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 33% 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
- 36%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 26% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Franklin County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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25% of households in Franklin County have no internet at home, against 10% in Alabama.
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Among the neighboring counties, Lamar County has the lowest typical rent ($549), 19% below the $676 in Franklin County.
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At 36%, Franklin County ranks 5th among the 65 counties in Alabama with this figure for the smallest share of rent-burdened renters.
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 Franklin 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 | $748 | $14.38 | $29,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $846 | $16.27 | $33,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,196 | $23.00 | $47,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,210 | $23.27 | $48,400 |
HUD area: Franklin 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 14 ZIP codes in Franklin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35582 to $1,100 in 35585. 7 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)
| 35571 | Franklin County, AL | $750 | $850 | $940 | $1,240 | $1,280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35571 | Marion County, AL | $750 | $850 | $940 | $1,240 | $1,280 |
| 35581 | Franklin County, AL | $750 | $850 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,300 |
| 35581 | Marion County, AL | $750 | $850 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,300 |
| 35582 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $750 | $850 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,270 |
| 35582 | Franklin County, AL | $750 | $850 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,270 |
| 35585 | Franklin County, AL | $890 | $1,010 | $1,100 | $1,430 | $1,450 |
| 35593 | Franklin County, AL | $730 | $830 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,260 |
| 35593 | Marion County, AL | $730 | $830 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,260 |
| 35653 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $810 | $920 | $1,000 | $1,300 | $1,310 |
| 35653 | Franklin County, AL | $810 | $920 | $1,000 | $1,300 | $1,310 |
| 35654 | Decatur, AL | $740 | $830 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,400 |
| 35654 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $740 | $830 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,400 |
| 35654 | Franklin County, AL | $740 | $830 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,400 |
- 35571 · Franklin County, AL $940$1,240
- 35571 · Marion County, AL $940$1,240
- 35581 · Franklin County, AL $950$1,240
- 35581 · Marion County, AL $950$1,240
- 35582 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $920$1,200
- 35582 · Franklin County, AL $920$1,200
- 35585 · Franklin County, AL $1,100$1,430
- 35593 · Franklin County, AL $920$1,210
- 35593 · Marion County, AL $920$1,210
- 35653 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,000$1,300
- 35653 · Franklin County, AL $1,000$1,300
- 35654 · Decatur, AL $920$1,190
- 35654 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $920$1,190
- 35654 · Franklin County, AL $920$1,190
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 Franklin County, 36% 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.
36%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,303 households rent in Franklin County
- Spend half or more of their income 13%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 64%
Compared with the state and the country
- Franklin 36%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Franklin County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Franklin 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
- 4
- public housing
- 3
920 homes in all; 869 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Westside Public housing 100 Engle Plz, Russellville 35653 209 low-income homes · Run by Ha Russellville · Average payment: $295 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (256) 332-1561
- Fifth Court Public housing 703 Nixon Cir, Red Bay 35582 164 homes, 163 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Red Bay · Average payment: $314 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (256) 356-4695
- Village Square Apts HUD-assisted 100 Village Sq, Russellville 35654 64 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 332-4620
- Stalcup Circle Public housing 3673 Nix Rd, Phil Campbell 35581 64 homes, 62 low-income · Run by Phil Campbell Housing Authority · Average payment: $378 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (205) 993-4844
- Village Green Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 111 Village Green Cir, Red Bay 35582 57 low-income homes · 1 bd: 31 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families · (256) 356-8761
- Southwood Gardens HUD-assisted 100/13-18 Southwood Gardens, Russellville 35653 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 332-9027
- Charles Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 908 Village Wood Dr, Russellville 35654 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Creekstone Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1570 Lawrence St E, Russellville 35654 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Willow Bend Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Willow Bend Plz, Russellville 35653 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1995 · For older adults, families
- Windsor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 Hospital Rd, Red Bay 35582 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1999 · For people with disabilities, families
- Fox Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Foxridge Plz, Russellville 35654 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Fox Ridge Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Foxridge Plz, Russellville 35654 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Redmont Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 112 Hospital Rd, Red Bay 35582 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Regency Plaza Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Regency Plz, Russellville 35654 64 homes, 16 low-income · For families · (256) 332-7633
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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: $70,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Franklin County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $673 – $823
- 1 bedroom $761 – $931
- 2 bedrooms $829 – $1,013
- 3 bedrooms $1,076 – $1,316
- 4 bedrooms $1,089 – $1,331
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
- Ha Russellville Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 93 vouchers · 209 public housing units (256) 332-1561 Ha Russellville: rha@hiwaay.net
- Housing Authority of Red Bay Public housing · 163 public housing units (256) 356-4695 Housing Authority of Red Bay: redbayhousing@gmail.com
- Phil Campbell Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 56 vouchers · 62 public housing units (205) 993-4844 Phil Campbell Housing Authority: office@philcampbellhousing.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 Franklin County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Franklin County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama - Franklin County
13150 Highway 43 Ste 4, Russellville
- 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 Franklin 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 Franklin County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $748; 1 bedroom: $846; 2 bedrooms: $921; 3 bedrooms: $1,196; 4 bedrooms: $1,210. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Franklin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35582 to $1,100 in 35585. 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 Franklin County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Franklin 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 Franklin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Franklin County, 36% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).