Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Jackson County, Alabama
Jackson 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 $780 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
- $780
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% 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
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% less than in Alabama
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 Jackson 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 | $720 | $13.85 | $28,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $728 | $14.00 | $29,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,236 | $23.77 | $49,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,453 | $27.94 | $58,120 |
HUD area: Jackson 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 Jackson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35740 to $1,180 in 35776. 15 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)
| 35740 | Jackson County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35744 | DeKalb County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
| 35744 | Jackson County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
| 35745 | Jackson County, AL | $880 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,480 | $1,830 |
| 35746 | Jackson County, AL | $810 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,380 | $1,630 |
| 35751 | Jackson County, AL | $850 | $890 | $1,030 | $1,340 | $1,710 |
| 35752 | Jackson County, AL | $880 | $890 | $1,130 | $1,520 | $1,780 |
| 35764 | Jackson County, AL | $770 | $800 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| 35765 | DeKalb County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,460 |
| 35765 | Jackson County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,460 |
| 35766 | Jackson County, AL | $960 | $1,000 | $1,160 | $1,510 | $1,910 |
| 35768 | Jackson County, AL | $730 | $730 | $930 | $1,250 | $1,470 |
| 35769 | Jackson County, AL | $740 | $740 | $950 | $1,280 | $1,460 |
| 35769 | Marshall County, AL | $740 | $740 | $950 | $1,280 | $1,460 |
| 35771 | DeKalb County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,230 | $1,450 |
| 35771 | Jackson County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,230 | $1,450 |
| 35772 | Jackson County, AL | $770 | $770 | $980 | $1,310 | $1,550 |
| 35774 | Jackson County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,440 |
| 35776 | Huntsville, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35776 | Jackson County, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35776 | Marshall County, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35958 | Jackson County, AL | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
| 35966 | DeKalb County, AL | $750 | $750 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,560 |
| 35966 | Jackson County, AL | $750 | $750 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,560 |
- 35740 · Jackson County, AL $920$1,240
- 35744 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,240
- 35744 · Jackson County, AL $920$1,240
- 35745 · Jackson County, AL $1,120$1,480
- 35746 · Jackson County, AL $1,030$1,380
- 35751 · Jackson County, AL $1,030$1,340
- 35752 · Jackson County, AL $1,130$1,520
- 35764 · Jackson County, AL $950$1,250
- 35765 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,240
- 35765 · Jackson County, AL $920$1,240
- 35766 · Jackson County, AL $1,160$1,510
- 35768 · Jackson County, AL $930$1,250
- 35769 · Jackson County, AL $950$1,280
- 35769 · Marshall County, AL $950$1,280
- 35771 · DeKalb County, AL $920$1,230
- 35771 · Jackson County, AL $920$1,230
- 35772 · Jackson County, AL $980$1,310
- 35774 · Jackson County, AL $920$1,240
- 35776 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35776 · Jackson County, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35776 · Marshall County, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35958 · Jackson County, AL $920$1,240
- 35966 · DeKalb County, AL $970$1,260
- 35966 · Jackson County, AL $970$1,260
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 Jackson County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,421 households rent in Jackson County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Jackson 45%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Jackson County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Jackson 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
- 4
- public housing
- 2
825 homes in all; 819 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Scott Hunter Homes HUD-assisted 244 Boggus Dr, Pisgah 35765 166 low-income homes · For families · (256) 259-5600
- Pleasant Hill Homes HUD-assisted 429 Ridgewood Dr, Scottsboro 35768 150 low-income homes · For families · (256) 259-6600
- Avery Site Public housing 931 E 2nd St, Stevenson 35772 94 homes, 90 low-income · Run by Stevenson Housing Authority · Average payment: $353 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (256) 437-3009
- Riverview HMS/MTN View Public housing 603 Edmonds Ave, Bridgeport 35740 63 homes, 62 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport · Average payment: $299 a month · Average wait: 2 months · Homes at several sites · (256) 495-2553
- Austin Springs Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 716 Windsor Dr, Scottsboro 35769 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Scottsboro East HUD-assisted 86 Wall St, Scottsboro 35768 50 low-income homes · For families · (256) 259-1205
- Crawford Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 724 Snodgrass Rd, Scottsboro 35769 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Park Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 74 Sarah Betty Ln, Scottsboro 35769 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1997 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Greenbriar North Tax credit (LIHTC) 1130 Old Mount Carmel Rd, Stevenson 35772 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Shadowbluff Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 82 County Road 85, Stevenson 35772 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Shadowood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 256 Old Mount Carmel Rd, Stevenson 35772 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991 · For older adults
- Sunset Square Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 W Cloverdale Rd, Scottsboro 35768 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Sunset Square Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 W Cloverdale Rd, Scottsboro 35768 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1993 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Woodville Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 151 County Road 63, Woodville 35776 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1991 · For people with disabilities, families
- Canyon View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 Canyonview Dr, Pisgah 35765 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Cumberland Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 5648 Tammy Little Dr, Section 35771 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Scottsboro Group Home HUD-assisted 302 S Houston St, Scottsboro 35768 10 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (256) 259-2747
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 Jackson 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 Jackson 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)
-
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 | $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: $69,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Jackson County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $648 – $792
- 1 bedroom $655 – $801
- 2 bedrooms $829 – $1,013
- 3 bedrooms $1,112 – $1,360
- 4 bedrooms $1,308 – $1,598
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 Scottsboro Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 179 vouchers (256) 259-5600 Ha Scottsboro: scotha@scottsboro.org
- Stevenson Housing Authority Public housing · 90 public housing units (256) 437-3009 Stevenson Housing Authority: stalhoau@yahoo.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Public housing · 62 public housing units (256) 495-2553 Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport: bportalhousing@gmail.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 Jackson 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 · 21 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
Family Services Center, Inc.
520 Madison St SE, Huntsville · 34 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Community Action Partnership, Huntsville/Madison & Limestone Counties, Inc
3516 Stringfield Rd NW, Huntsville · 36 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Jackson 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 Jackson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $720; 1 bedroom: $728; 2 bedrooms: $921; 3 bedrooms: $1,236; 4 bedrooms: $1,453. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35740 to $1,180 in 35776. 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 Jackson County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Jackson 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 Jackson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Jackson County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).