Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lamar County, Alabama
Lamar 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 $549 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
- $549
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 45% 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
- 52%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Lamar County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Lamar County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $549, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Marion County ($630).
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Lamar County has the 3rd lowest typical rent of the 67 counties in Alabama ($549).
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17% of households in Lamar County have no internet at home, against 10% in Alabama.
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 Lamar 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 | $706 | $13.58 | $28,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $741 | $14.25 | $29,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,206 | $23.19 | $48,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,210 | $23.27 | $48,400 |
HUD area: Lamar 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 9 ZIP codes in Lamar County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35592 to $1,370 in 35544. 8 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)
| 35544 | Lamar County, AL | $1,050 | $1,100 | $1,370 | $1,790 | $1,800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35574 | Fayette County, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,410 | $1,530 |
| 35574 | Lamar County, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,410 | $1,530 |
| 35574 | Pickens County, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,410 | $1,530 |
| 35574 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,410 | $1,530 |
| 35576 | Lamar County, AL | $800 | $840 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,390 |
| 35576 | Pickens County, AL | $800 | $840 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,390 |
| 35586 | Lamar County, AL | $740 | $780 | $970 | $1,270 | $1,270 |
| 35592 | Lamar County, AL | $710 | $740 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,210 |
- 35544 · Lamar County, AL $1,370$1,790
- 35574 · Fayette County, AL $1,100$1,410
- 35574 · Lamar County, AL $1,100$1,410
- 35574 · Pickens County, AL $1,100$1,410
- 35574 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,100$1,410
- 35576 · Lamar County, AL $1,050$1,370
- 35576 · Pickens County, AL $1,050$1,370
- 35586 · Lamar County, AL $970$1,270
- 35592 · Lamar County, AL $920$1,210
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 Lamar County, 52% 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.
52%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,237 households rent in Lamar County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 48%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lamar 52%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lamar County
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Lamar 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)
- 4
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 4
533 homes in all; 532 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Vernon Courts Public housing 9400 Highway 18, Vernon 35592 145 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Vernon, AL · Average payment: $279 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (205) 695-7122
- Sulligent Courts Public housing 399 Franklin Dr, Sulligent 35586 123 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Sulligent, AL · Average payment: $276 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (205) 698-9482
- Harrison Court Apts. HUD-assisted 1110-2 RFD 1, Vernon 35592 50 low-income homes · For families · (205) 695-7122
- Millport Public housing 196 Francis St, Millport 35576 44 low-income homes · Run by Ha Millport · Average payment: $298 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (205) 662-3269
- Amberwood Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 240 Amberwood Dr, Sulligent 35586 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Fox Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 520 County Road 9, Vernon 35592 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1996 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
- Wolf Run Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Wolf Run, Sulligent 35586 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Lamar Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1431 Buck Jackson Rd, Sulligent 35586 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Kennedy HSNG Project Public housing 133 Project St, Kennedy 35574 14 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Kennedy · Average payment: $227 a month · (205) 712-2228
- Lamar Haven HUD-assisted 45335 Highway 17, Vernon 35592 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (205) 695-7433
- Sulligent Apartments HUD-assisted 480 Wadsworth Rd., Sulligent 35586 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (205) 387-0541
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 Lamar 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 Lamar 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: $68,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lamar County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $635 – $777
- 1 bedroom $667 – $815
- 2 bedrooms $829 – $1,013
- 3 bedrooms $1,085 – $1,327
- 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
- Housing Authority of the City of Vernon, AL Public housing · 145 public housing units (205) 695-7122 Housing Authority of the City of Vernon, AL: vernonhousing1@gmail.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Sulligent, AL Public housing · 123 public housing units (205) 698-9482 Housing Authority of the City of Sulligent, AL: sulligenthousing@gmail.com
- Ha Millport Public housing · 44 public housing units (205) 662-3269 Ha Millport: mhao95@frontiernet.net
- Housing Authority of the Town of Kennedy Public housing · 14 public housing units (205) 712-2228 Housing Authority of the Town of Kennedy: kha141pha@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 Lamar County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Walker County Community Action Agency
224 Highway 195, Jasper · 46 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
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City of Tuscaloosa - Office of Community and Neighborhood Services
2201 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa · 50 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 7 more
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Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc.
601 Black Bears Way, Tuscaloosa · 51 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lamar 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 Lamar County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $706; 1 bedroom: $741; 2 bedrooms: $921; 3 bedrooms: $1,206; 4 bedrooms: $1,210. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lamar 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 Lamar 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 Lamar 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 Lamar County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35592 to $1,370 in 35544. 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 Lamar County?
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Lamar 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 Lamar County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lamar County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).