Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Houston County, Alabama
Houston County has a HUD fair market rent of $966 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $945 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $966
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% less than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $945
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $18.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $38,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Houston County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Barbour County, the typical rent is $688: 27% less than in Houston County ($945).
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 Houston 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 Houston County was $1,214 a month in September 2026: 3.3% 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 | $763 | $14.67 | $30,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $768 | $14.77 | $30,720 |
| 2 bedrooms | $966 | $18.58 | $38,640 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,291 | $24.83 | $51,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,415 | $27.21 | $56,600 |
HUD area: Dothan, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 13 ZIP codes in Houston County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36301 to $1,250 in 36305. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($966).
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)
| 36301 | Dothan, AL | $730 | $730 | $920 | $1,230 | $1,350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36303 | Dale County, AL | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,290 | $1,420 |
| 36303 | Dothan, AL | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,290 | $1,420 |
| 36303 | Henry County, AL | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,290 | $1,420 |
| 36305 | Dothan, AL | $990 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,670 | $1,830 |
| 36312 | Dothan, AL | $730 | $730 | $920 | $1,230 | $1,350 |
| 36320 | Dothan, AL | $740 | $750 | $940 | $1,260 | $1,380 |
| 36321 | Dothan, AL | $730 | $740 | $930 | $1,240 | $1,360 |
| 36343 | Dothan, AL | $770 | $770 | $970 | $1,300 | $1,420 |
| 36352 | Dale County, AL | $700 | $780 | $920 | $1,250 | $1,420 |
| 36352 | Dothan, AL | $700 | $780 | $920 | $1,250 | $1,420 |
| 36370 | Dothan, AL | $730 | $730 | $920 | $1,230 | $1,350 |
| 36376 | Dothan, AL | $730 | $730 | $920 | $1,230 | $1,350 |
- 36301 · Dothan, AL $920$1,230
- 36303 · Dale County, AL $960$1,290
- 36303 · Dothan, AL $960$1,290
- 36303 · Henry County, AL $960$1,290
- 36305 · Dothan, AL $1,250$1,670
- 36312 · Dothan, AL $920$1,230
- 36320 · Dothan, AL $940$1,260
- 36321 · Dothan, AL $930$1,240
- 36343 · Dothan, AL $970$1,300
- 36352 · Dale County, AL $920$1,250
- 36352 · Dothan, AL $920$1,250
- 36370 · Dothan, AL $920$1,230
- 36376 · Dothan, AL $920$1,230
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 Houston County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
15,678 households rent in Houston County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Houston 46%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Houston County
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Houston 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
- 9
- public housing
- 3
1,148 homes in all; 1,114 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Vaughn Towers HUD-assisted 342 S Saint Andrews St, Dothan 36301 120 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 793-7660
- Beverlye Crossings Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Crossing Ln, Dothan 36303 104 low-income homes · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 52 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Hutto Tower HUD-assisted 4426 W Main St, Dothan 36305 98 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 793-3930
- Westgate Village HUD-assisted 2233 Westgate Pkwy, Dothan 36303 98 low-income homes · For families · (334) 793-0591
- Magnolia Homes Public housing 700 1st Ave, Ashford 36312 76 low-income homes · Run by Ha Ashford · Average payment: $408 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (334) 899-5463
- Biltmore Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2810 Fortner St, Dothan 36305 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- Summertree Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 560 Fortner St, Dothan 36301 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Tanglewood Apts HUD-assisted 401 W Inez Rd, Dothan 36301 72 low-income homes · For families · (334) 794-0306
- Alabaster Bay Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 291 Alabaster Dr, Dothan 36301 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Eagle Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1181 Murray Rd, Dothan 36303 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996 · For older adults, families
- Grady's Walk Tax credit (LIHTC) 2031 Third Ave, Dothan 36301 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Willow Lane Public housing 515 Sealy Wells Rd, Cottonwood 36320 53 low-income homes · Run by Cottonwood Housing Authority · Average payment: $136 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (334) 691-2451
- Eagle Ridge Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1181 Murray Rd, Dothan 36303 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Glen East HUD-assisted 114 Seniors Dr, Dothan 36303 39 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 671-2999
- Glen East II HUD-assisted 114 Seniors Dr, Dothan 36303 37 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 671-8015
- Medical Center Terrace HUD-assisted 305 Sixth Ave, Dothan 36301 52 homes, 20 low-income · For families · (334) 793-3337
- Columbia Ha Public housing 110 Bremond St, Columbia 36319 17 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Average payment: $358 a month · (334) 693-2525
- Columbia-Hall Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Radney St, Columbia 36319 14 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 1992 · For families
- WRC Housing HUD-assisted 588 Burkett Rd, Dothan 36303 8 homes, 7 low-income · For people with disabilities · (334) 308-0049
- WRC Housing II HUD-assisted 590 Burkett Rd, Dothan 36303 8 homes, 7 low-income · For people with disabilities · (334) 792-0022
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 Houston 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 Houston 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
-
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)
-
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 | $16,700 | $27,800 | $44,450 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,750 | $50,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,700 | $57,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,650 | $63,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $42,850 | $68,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,000 | $73,650 |
| 7 people | $49,200 | $49,200 | $78,700 |
| 8 people | $52,350 | $52,350 | $83,800 |
Area median income: $79,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Dothan, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $687 – $839
- 1 bedroom $691 – $845
- 2 bedrooms $869 – $1,063
- 3 bedrooms $1,162 – $1,420
- 4 bedrooms $1,274 – $1,557
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 Dothan Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,663 vouchers (334) 794-6713 Housing Authority of the City of Dothan: dirdph@dothanhousing.org
- Ha Ashford Public housing · 76 public housing units (334) 899-5463 Ha Ashford: headlandha@comcast.net
- Cottonwood Housing Authority Public housing · 53 public housing units (334) 691-2451 Cottonwood Housing Authority: cpha@graceba.net
- Housing Authority of the City of Columbia Public housing · 17 public housing units (334) 693-2525 Housing Authority of the City of Columbia: headlandha@comcast.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 Houston County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Houston County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Houston 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
$1,932
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $966
- Security deposit
- $966
- Total
- $1,932
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 Houston County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $763; 1 bedroom: $768; 2 bedrooms: $966; 3 bedrooms: $1,291; 4 bedrooms: $1,415. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Houston County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($966) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.58 an hour full time, or $38,640 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Houston County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,650 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 Houston 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 $869 and $1,063 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Houston County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36301 to $1,250 in 36305. 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 Houston County?
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Houston 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 Houston County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Houston County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).