Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lauderdale County, Alabama
Lauderdale County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,085 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $838 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.87 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,085
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% less than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $838
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $20.87
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 38%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 23% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Lauderdale County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Marion County has the lowest typical rent ($630), 25% below the $838 in Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County was $1,182 a month in September 2026: 3.2% 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 | $760 | $14.62 | $30,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $834 | $16.04 | $33,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,085 | $20.87 | $43,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,348 | $25.92 | $53,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,426 | $27.42 | $57,040 |
HUD area: Florence-Muscle Shoals, 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 11 ZIP codes in Lauderdale County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35648 to $1,260 in 35645. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,085).
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)
| 35610 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35610 | Huntsville, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35630 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $790 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,490 |
| 35632 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $790 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,490 |
| 35633 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $750 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,410 |
| 35634 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $820 | $900 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,540 |
| 35645 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $880 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,570 | $1,660 |
| 35648 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $650 | $710 | $920 | $1,140 | $1,270 |
| 35652 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35652 | Huntsville, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35677 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $740 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,350 |
- 35610 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35610 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35630 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,130$1,400
- 35632 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,130$1,400
- 35633 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,070$1,330
- 35634 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,170$1,450
- 35645 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,260$1,570
- 35648 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $920$1,140
- 35652 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35652 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35677 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,020$1,270
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 Lauderdale County, 38% 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.
38%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
12,211 households rent in Lauderdale County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 62%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lauderdale 38%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lauderdale County
HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Lauderdale County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 17
- HUD-assisted
- 16
1,862 homes in all; 1,820 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Magnolia Gardens I & II HUD-assisted 110 S Cypress St, Florence 35630 214 low-income homes · For families · (256) 740-5201
- Cypress Pointe HUD-assisted 1202 Carver Hts, Florence 35630 199 low-income homes · For families · (256) 740-5200
- Courtview Towers HUD-assisted 201 N Pine St, Florence 35630 195 homes, 164 low-income · For families · (256) 767-0201
- Cherry Hill Homes HUD-assisted 452 Cherry Hill Homes, Florence 35630 116 low-income homes · For families · (256) 760-5322
- Montreat Apartments HUD-assisted 1850 Darby Dr, Florence 35630 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 767-2211
- Carver Homes HUD-assisted 309A Handy Homes, Florence 35630 75 low-income homes · For families · (256) 740-5206
- Hermitage Place Apartments HUD-assisted 1235 Hermitage Dr, Florence 35630 60 low-income homes · For families · (256) 764-1921
- Mars Hill Manor HUD-assisted 502 Mars Hill Rd, Florence 35630 60 low-income homes · For families · (256) 767-6543
- Cypress Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Cypress Landing Pl, Florence 35633 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Sweetwater Ridge HUD-assisted 452 Cherry Hill Homes, Florence 35630 56 low-income homes · For families · (256) 760-5322
- Williams Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 180 Irby Dr, Florence 35630 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Hermitage Oaks HUD-assisted 1275 Hermitage Dr, Florence 35630 50 low-income homes · For families · (256) 764-1921
- Alexander Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Alexander Village Pl, Florence 35634 48 low-income homes · In service since 2016
- Double Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4704 Chisholm Rd, Florence 35630 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Hickory Trace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 138 Hickory Trace Ln, Florence 35633 56 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Tanner Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 33 S Fulton St, Florence 35630 42 low-income homes · 3 bd: 38 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Gresham Hills HUD-assisted 200 Gresham Hills Ct, Florence 35630 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (256) 767-2256
- Heatherwood Apartments HUD-assisted 504M Mars Hill Rd, Florence 35630 40 low-income homes · For families · (256) 767-6543
- Oak Hollow Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1050 E Limestone St, Florence 35630 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 38 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Applegate Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 162 Rose Dr, Florence 35630 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1993 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Elk River Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7450 County Road 91, Rogersville 35652 35 low-income homes · 2 bd: 35 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Cedar Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1172 County Road 165, Rogersville 35652 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
- Weeden Heights Apts HUD-assisted 3610 Huntsville Rd, Florence 35630 28 low-income homes · For families · (256) 767-6543
- Deerpoint Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Deer Point Ln, Rogersville 35652 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Deerpoint Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Deer Point Ln, Rogersville 35652 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Hermitage Knoll Apts HUD-assisted 1271 Hermitage Dr, Florence 35630 24 low-income homes · For families · (256) 764-1921
- Meadowlands Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Prince Dr, Rogersville 35652 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1990 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Magnolia Gardens, III HUD-assisted 106 S Cedar St, Florence 35630 21 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (256) 760-8629
- Dogwood Terrace HUD-assisted 1502 Marlborough Blvd, Florence 35630 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (651) 654-7271
- Hermitage Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 119 Hermitage, Lexington 35648 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Rogersville Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7501 County Road 91, Rogersville 35652 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1990 · For people with disabilities, families
- Westview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 Westview, Lexington 35648 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1990 · For people with disabilities, families
- Creekview Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 Creekview Village Pl, Florence 35633 In service since 2017
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 Lauderdale County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Lauderdale 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)
-
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
-
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 | $19,050 | $31,700 | $50,750 |
| 2 people | $21,800 | $36,250 | $58,000 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,800 | $65,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,300 | $72,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,950 | $78,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,550 | $84,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,200 | $89,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,800 | $95,650 |
Area median income: $95,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $684 – $836
- 1 bedroom $751 – $917
- 2 bedrooms $977 – $1,194
- 3 bedrooms $1,213 – $1,483
- 4 bedrooms $1,283 – $1,569
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
- Florence H/A Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 691 vouchers (256) 740-5200 Florence H/A: mperez@flohousing.org
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 Lauderdale County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Lauderdale County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama, Inc.
745 Thompson St, Florence
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lauderdale 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
$2,170
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,085
- Security deposit
- $1,085
- Total
- $2,170
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 Lauderdale County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $760; 1 bedroom: $834; 2 bedrooms: $1,085; 3 bedrooms: $1,348; 4 bedrooms: $1,426. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lauderdale County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,085) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.87 an hour full time, or $43,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lauderdale County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,300 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 Lauderdale 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 $977 and $1,194 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lauderdale County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35648 to $1,260 in 35645. 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 Lauderdale County?
HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Lauderdale County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Lauderdale County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lauderdale County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).