Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lee County, Alabama
Lee County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,277 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,058 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,277
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 9% more than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $1,058
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% more than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $24.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 57%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% more than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Lee County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Bullock County, the typical rent is $556: 47% less than in Lee County ($1,058).
-
Lee County has the 5th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 65 counties in Alabama with this figure (57%).
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 Lee 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 Lee County was $1,595 a month in September 2026: 5.1% 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 | $891 | $17.13 | $35,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,167 | $22.44 | $46,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,277 | $24.56 | $51,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,548 | $29.77 | $61,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,794 | $34.50 | $71,760 |
HUD area: Auburn-Opelika, 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 19 ZIP codes in Lee County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 36804 to $1,450 in 36830. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,277).
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)
| 36801 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $830 | $1,090 | $1,190 | $1,440 | $1,670 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36801 | Chambers County, AL | $830 | $1,090 | $1,190 | $1,440 | $1,670 |
| 36804 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $810 | $970 | $1,070 | $1,350 | $1,540 |
| 36804 | Columbus, GA-AL | $810 | $970 | $1,070 | $1,350 | $1,540 |
| 36804 | Macon County, AL | $810 | $970 | $1,070 | $1,350 | $1,540 |
| 36830 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,450 | $1,760 | $2,040 |
| 36830 | Bullock County, AL | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,450 | $1,760 | $2,040 |
| 36830 | Macon County, AL | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,450 | $1,760 | $2,040 |
| 36832 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $900 | $1,180 | $1,290 | $1,560 | $1,810 |
| 36832 | Macon County, AL | $900 | $1,180 | $1,290 | $1,560 | $1,810 |
| 36849 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $940 | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,640 | $1,900 |
| 36849 | Tallapoosa County, AL | $940 | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,640 | $1,900 |
| 36865 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $900 | $1,180 | $1,290 | $1,560 | $1,810 |
| 36870 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $860 | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 36870 | Columbus, GA-AL | $860 | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 36874 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $890 | $1,150 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $1,790 |
| 36874 | Columbus, GA-AL | $890 | $1,150 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $1,790 |
| 36877 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $980 | $1,280 | $1,400 | $1,700 | $1,970 |
| 36877 | Columbus, GA-AL | $980 | $1,280 | $1,400 | $1,700 | $1,970 |
- 36801 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,190$1,440
- 36801 · Chambers County, AL $1,190$1,440
- 36804 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,070$1,350
- 36804 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,070$1,350
- 36804 · Macon County, AL $1,070$1,350
- 36830 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,450$1,760
- 36830 · Bullock County, AL $1,450$1,760
- 36830 · Macon County, AL $1,450$1,760
- 36832 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,290$1,560
- 36832 · Macon County, AL $1,290$1,560
- 36849 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,360$1,640
- 36849 · Tallapoosa County, AL $1,360$1,640
- 36865 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,290$1,560
- 36870 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,180$1,460
- 36870 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,180$1,460
- 36874 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,270$1,540
- 36874 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,270$1,540
- 36877 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,400$1,700
- 36877 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,400$1,700
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 Lee County, 57% 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.
57%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
23,372 households rent in Lee County
- Spend half or more of their income 37%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 43%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lee 57%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lee County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Lee County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 9
1,665 homes in all; 1,633 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hyatt Homes HUD-assisted 1202 Samford Pl, Opelika 36801 241 low-income homes · For families · (334) 745-7537
- Hardaway Homes HUD-assisted 1706 Toomer St, Opelika 36801 238 low-income homes · For families · (334) 745-4171
- Pleasant Homes HUD-assisted 316 Pleasant Dr, Opelika 36801 155 homes, 154 low-income · For families · (334) 741-7466
- Pinehurst Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 Pinehurst Dr, Opelika 36801 104 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 62 · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Easehouse Apartments HUD-assisted 1300 Commerce Dr, Auburn 36830 100 homes, 99 low-income · For older adults · (334) 826-3078
- Cotton Run Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1839 Lee Road 208, Phenix City 36870 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1997 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Bedell Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 889 Lunsford Dr, Auburn 36832 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Ashton Way Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Samford Ave, Opelika 36801 70 homes, 59 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2002 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Grace Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Grace Ridge Dr, Auburn 36830 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2016
- Grace Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 826 Grace Ridge Dr, Auburn 36830 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Shiloh Tax credit (LIHTC) 1960 Century Park BLVD, Opelika 36801 56 low-income homes · In service since 2017
- Solstice Tax credit (LIHTC) 1960 Solstice Cir, Opelika 36801 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Midway Gardens HUD-assisted 3409 Arnold Ave, Opelika 36801 50 low-income homes · For families · (334) 749-3300
- Timothy Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 2016 Waverly Pkwy Ofc 300, Opelika 36801 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 749-4400
- Jordan's Gate Tax credit (LIHTC) 312 Jordans Gate Dr, Opelika 36801 48 low-income homes · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Meadow Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2620 Frederick Rd, Opelika 36801 56 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2002 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Timber Trail Tax credit (LIHTC) 1372 Commerce Dr, Auburn 36830 56 homes, 47 low-income · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Nancy Spears Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 818 Bedell Ave, Auburn 36832 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1994 · For people with disabilities, families
- Oakwood Apartments HUD-assisted 3406 Dale Ave, Opelika 36801 36 low-income homes · For families · (334) 749-2300
- Rose Garden HUD-assisted 846 Lunsford Dr, Auburn 36832 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 501-2020
- East Alabama Group Home HUD-assisted 601 Marion Ave, Opelika 36801 13 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (334) 749-3536
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 Lee County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Lee 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 | $22,050 | $36,700 | $58,700 |
| 2 people | $25,200 | $41,950 | $67,100 |
| 3 people | $28,350 | $47,150 | $75,500 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,400 | $83,850 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,600 | $90,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,800 | $97,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,000 | $104,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,150 | $110,700 |
Area median income: $108,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Auburn-Opelika, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $802 – $980
- 1 bedroom $1,050 – $1,284
- 2 bedrooms $1,149 – $1,405
- 3 bedrooms $1,393 – $1,703
- 4 bedrooms $1,615 – $1,973
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 Auburn Section 8 vouchers · 737 vouchers (334) 821-2262 Ha Auburn: stolbert@auburnhousingauth.org
- Opelika Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 531 vouchers (334) 745-4171 Opelika Housing Authority: opelikaha@opelikaha.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 Lee County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Legal Services Alabama Inc
2567 Fairlane Drive Suite 300, Montgomery · 55 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lee 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
$2,554
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,277
- Security deposit
- $1,277
- Total
- $2,554
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 Lee County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $891; 1 bedroom: $1,167; 2 bedrooms: $1,277; 3 bedrooms: $1,548; 4 bedrooms: $1,794. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lee County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,277) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.56 an hour full time, or $51,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lee County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,400 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 Lee 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 $1,149 and $1,405 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lee County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 36804 to $1,450 in 36830. 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 Lee County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Lee 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 Lee County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lee County, 57% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).