Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Marion County, Alabama
Marion 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 $630 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
- $630
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 37% 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
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Marion County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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18% of households in Marion County have no internet at home, against 10% in Alabama.
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Marion County has the 7th lowest typical rent of the 67 counties in Alabama ($630).
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 Marion 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 | $641 | $12.33 | $25,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $738 | $14.19 | $29,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,275 | $24.52 | $51,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,539 | $29.60 | $61,560 |
HUD area: Marion 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 11 ZIP codes in Marion County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35548 to $1,080 in 35563. 6 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)
| 35543 | Marion County, AL | $750 | $870 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,810 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35548 | Marion County, AL | $640 | $740 | $920 | $1,280 | $1,540 |
| 35552 | Lamar County, AL | $710 | $770 | $960 | $1,280 | $1,410 |
| 35552 | Marion County, AL | $710 | $770 | $960 | $1,280 | $1,410 |
| 35563 | Fayette County, AL | $750 | $870 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| 35563 | Lamar County, AL | $750 | $870 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| 35563 | Marion County, AL | $750 | $870 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| 35564 | Franklin County, AL | $640 | $740 | $920 | $1,270 | $1,530 |
| 35564 | Marion County, AL | $640 | $740 | $920 | $1,270 | $1,530 |
| 35570 | Lamar County, AL | $640 | $740 | $920 | $1,280 | $1,540 |
| 35570 | Marion County, AL | $640 | $740 | $920 | $1,280 | $1,540 |
- 35543 · Marion County, AL $1,080$1,500
- 35548 · Marion County, AL $920$1,280
- 35552 · Lamar County, AL $960$1,280
- 35552 · Marion County, AL $960$1,280
- 35563 · Fayette County, AL $1,080$1,500
- 35563 · Lamar County, AL $1,080$1,500
- 35563 · Marion County, AL $1,080$1,500
- 35564 · Franklin County, AL $920$1,270
- 35564 · Marion County, AL $920$1,270
- 35570 · Lamar County, AL $920$1,280
- 35570 · Marion County, AL $920$1,280
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 Marion County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,466 households rent in Marion County
- Spend half or more of their income 14%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 32%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Marion 46%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Marion County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Marion 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 6
1,091 homes in all; 1,074 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hamilton Public housing 224 5th Ave SE, Hamilton 35570 286 homes, 279 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Hamilton, Alabama · Average payment: $312 a month · Average wait: 4 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 921-3155
- Earnest Courts Public housing 111 Earnest Ct, Guin 35563 183 homes, 182 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Guin, Alabama · Average payment: $272 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 468-2637
- North Westwood HGHTS Public housing 304 Baker St, Winfield 35594 147 low-income homes · Run by Winfield Housing Authority · Average payment: $298 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (205) 487-2400
- Boston Heights Public housing 225 Crook St, Brilliant 35548 96 homes, 90 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Boston · Average payment: $276 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (205) 465-2490
- Ray Road Public housing 121 1st Ave, Hackleburg 35564 63 homes, 61 low-income · Run by Hackleburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $307 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (205) 468-2637
- Hamilton Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 512 Military Trl, Hamilton 35570 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 33 · In service since 2015 · For families
- ASHWOOD Apartments HUD-assisted 166 1st St SE, Hamilton 35570 47 low-income homes · For older adults · (205) 921-3067
- Lawrence Plaza IV Apartments HUD-assisted 385 Burleson Rd, Guin 35563 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (205) 468-2439
- Bankhead Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2705 US Highway 43, Winfield 35594 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Lakeside Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 790 County Highway 42, Hamilton 35570 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Shadow Lake Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 740 County Highway 42, Hamilton 35570 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1995 · For older adults, families
- Lynnelle DR Apts. Public housing 227 County Highway 79, Bear Creek 35543 24 low-income homes · Run by Bear Creek Housing Authority · Average payment: $260 a month · (205) 468-2637
- Hamilton Manor HUD-assisted 3060 Steele St, Hamilton 35570 19 homes, 18 low-income · For people with disabilities · (205) 921-0365
- Skyline Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 Ray Rd, Hackleburg 35564 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 Marion County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 6 agencies serve in Marion 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: $72,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Marion County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $577 – $705
- 1 bedroom $664 – $812
- 2 bedrooms $829 – $1,013
- 3 bedrooms $1,148 – $1,403
- 4 bedrooms $1,385 – $1,693
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 Hamilton, Alabama Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 77 vouchers · 475 public housing units (205) 921-3155 Housing Authority of Hamilton, Alabama: aprilfranks@hamiltonhousing.org
- Housing Authority of Guin, Alabama Public housing · 182 public housing units (205) 468-2637 Housing Authority of Guin, Alabama: Twebb@ghousingauth.com
- Winfield Housing Authority Public housing · 147 public housing units (205) 487-2400 Winfield Housing Authority: Twebb@ghousingauth.com
- Housing Authority of Boston Public housing · 90 public housing units (205) 465-2490 Housing Authority of Boston: brilliant@centurytel.net
- Hackleburg Housing Authority Public housing · 61 public housing units (205) 468-2637 Hackleburg Housing Authority: Twebb@ghousingauth.com
- Bear Creek Housing Authority Public housing · 24 public housing units (205) 468-2637 Bear Creek Housing Authority: Twebb@ghousingauth.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 Marion County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama - Franklin County
13150 Highway 43 Ste 4, Russellville · 25 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Walker County Community Action Agency
224 Highway 195, Jasper · 39 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
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Community Action Partnership of North Alabama - Moulton Branch
12529 AL Hwy 157, Moulton · 42 miles away · Spanish
- Rental counseling
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Marion 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 Marion County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $641; 1 bedroom: $738; 2 bedrooms: $921; 3 bedrooms: $1,275; 4 bedrooms: $1,539. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Marion 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 Marion 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 Marion 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 Marion County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35548 to $1,080 in 35563. 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 Marion County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Marion 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 Marion County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Marion County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).