Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Limestone County, Alabama
Limestone County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,341 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $970 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.79 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,341
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 15% more than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $970
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $25.79
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $53,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 16% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Limestone County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $83,629, Limestone County ranks 3rd among the 67 counties in Alabama for the highest typical household income.
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Nearby, in Lawrence County, the typical rent is $753: 22% less than in Limestone County ($970).
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 Limestone 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 Limestone County was $1,501 a month in September 2026: 3.8% 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 | $1,119 | $21.52 | $44,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,177 | $22.63 | $47,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,341 | $25.79 | $53,640 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,735 | $33.37 | $69,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,241 | $43.10 | $89,640 |
HUD area: Huntsville, 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 Limestone County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,180 in 35611 to $2,010 in 35756. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,341).
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)
| 35611 | Huntsville, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35613 | Huntsville, AL | $1,200 | $1,260 | $1,440 | $1,860 | $2,410 |
| 35614 | Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $980 | $1,040 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,970 |
| 35614 | Huntsville, AL | $980 | $1,040 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,970 |
| 35615 | Huntsville, AL | $1,380 | $1,530 | $1,760 | $2,270 | $2,830 |
| 35620 | Huntsville, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35647 | Huntsville, AL | $950 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35649 | Huntsville, AL | $1,460 | $1,530 | $1,760 | $2,270 | $2,910 |
| 35671 | Huntsville, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35739 | Huntsville, AL | $930 | $1,030 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,900 |
| 35756 | Huntsville, AL | $1,680 | $1,760 | $2,010 | $2,600 | $3,360 |
- 35611 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35613 · Huntsville, AL $1,440$1,860
- 35614 · Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35614 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35615 · Huntsville, AL $1,760$2,270
- 35620 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35647 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35649 · Huntsville, AL $1,760$2,270
- 35671 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35739 · Huntsville, AL $1,180$1,530
- 35756 · Huntsville, AL $2,010$2,600
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 Limestone County, 41% 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.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,176 households rent in Limestone County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Limestone 41%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Limestone County
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Limestone County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 5
1,048 homes in all; 1,021 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Roberts Apartments HUD-assisted 1401 N Malone St, Athens 35611 239 low-income homes · For families · (256) 232-5300
- Oakview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 20844 Juniper Pvt Cir, Athens 35611 84 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families
- Elmwood Apts HUD-assisted 1410 E Elm St, Athens 35611 80 low-income homes · For families · (256) 232-0110
- Montclair Tax credit (LIHTC) 17984 Arrowhead Cir, Athens 35611 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 54 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Woodridge Apartments HUD-assisted 1200 Woodridge Dr, Athens 35611 72 low-income homes · For families · (256) 233-2173
- Windscape Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2220 Windscape Dr, Athens 35611 84 homes, 71 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- French Farms Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 20766 Victoria Way, Athens 35611 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Branch Creek Apartments HUD-assisted 218 Hine St S, Athens 35611 55 low-income homes · For older adults · (256) 233-2620
- Southwind Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 208 Southwind Dr, Athens 35611 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Cottonwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 209 Southwind Dr, Athens 35611 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Water Oak Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1418 E Elm St, Athens 35611 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Bonnie Doone Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Sanders St, Athens 35611 60 homes, 46 low-income · For families · (256) 233-0921
- Athens Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 1601 W Elm St, Athens 35611 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1994 · For people with disabilities, families
- Ardmore Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 26696 Whitt St, Ardmore 35739 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Athens Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 220 Hine St S, Athens 35611 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1991 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Greenridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 25600 Smithfield Rd, Elkmont 35620 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1998 · For families
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 Limestone 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 Limestone 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 | $24,200 | $40,300 | $64,500 |
| 2 people | $27,650 | $46,050 | $73,700 |
| 3 people | $31,100 | $51,800 | $82,900 |
| 4 people | $34,550 | $57,550 | $92,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $62,200 | $99,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $66,800 | $106,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $71,400 | $114,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $76,000 | $121,600 |
Area median income: $115,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Huntsville, AL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,007 – $1,231
- 1 bedroom $1,059 – $1,295
- 2 bedrooms $1,207 – $1,475
- 3 bedrooms $1,562 – $1,909
- 4 bedrooms $2,017 – $2,465
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 Athens, Al Public housing (256) 232-5300 Housing Authority of the City of Athens, Al: Larry@Athensha.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 Limestone County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Action Partnership of North Alabama, Inc.
1909 Central Pkwy SW, Decatur · 16 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
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Nid-Hca Madison
1525 Perimeter Pkwy NW, Huntsville · 18 miles away
- Budget and credit workshops
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 5 more
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Community Action Partnership, Huntsville/Madison & Limestone Counties, Inc
3516 Stringfield Rd NW, Huntsville · 21 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 Limestone 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
$2,682
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,341
- Security deposit
- $1,341
- Total
- $2,682
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 Limestone County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,119; 1 bedroom: $1,177; 2 bedrooms: $1,341; 3 bedrooms: $1,735; 4 bedrooms: $2,241. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Limestone County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,341) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.79 an hour full time, or $53,640 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Limestone County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $57,550 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 Limestone 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 $1,207 and $1,475 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Limestone County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,180 in 35611 to $2,010 in 35756. 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 Limestone County?
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Limestone 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 Limestone County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Limestone County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).