Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Pickens County, Alabama
Pickens 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 $648 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
- $648
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 36% 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
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Pickens 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, Greene County has the lowest typical rent ($432), 33% below the $648 in Pickens County.
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19% of households in Pickens 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 Pickens 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 | $699 | $13.44 | $27,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $704 | $13.54 | $28,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,133 | $21.79 | $45,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,430 | $27.50 | $57,200 |
HUD area: Pickens County, 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 7 ZIP codes in Pickens County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35442 to $1,070 in 35447. 5 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)
| 35442 | Pickens County, AL | $700 | $710 | $920 | $1,130 | $1,430 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35442 | Sumter County, AL | $700 | $710 | $920 | $1,130 | $1,430 |
| 35447 | Pickens County, AL | $810 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,320 | $1,660 |
| 35461 | Pickens County, AL | $800 | $820 | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,740 |
| 35466 | Pickens County, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,410 |
| 35466 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,410 |
| 35481 | Pickens County, AL | $780 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,290 | $1,500 |
- 35442 · Pickens County, AL $920$1,130
- 35442 · Sumter County, AL $920$1,130
- 35447 · Pickens County, AL $1,070$1,320
- 35461 · Pickens County, AL $1,050$1,350
- 35466 · Pickens County, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35466 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35481 · Pickens County, AL $1,020$1,290
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 Pickens County, 40% 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.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,636 households rent in Pickens County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 16%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- Pickens 40%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Pickens County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Pickens County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 9
- public housing
- 3
620 homes in all; 620 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Franconia Village Public housing 260 McCrory Ct SW, Aliceville 35442 173 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Aliceville · Average payment: $374 a month · Average wait: 4 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 373-8333
- John Geer CTS Public housing 385 1st Ave E, Gordo 35466 80 low-income homes · Run by Gordo Housing Authority · Average payment: $290 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (205) 364-7114
- Reform Ha Public housing 500 6th Ave NW, Reform 35481 60 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Reform · Average payment: $280 a month · (205) 375-6360
- Turtle Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Ball St, Reform 35481 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Sandpiper Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Sandpiper St, Carrollton 35447 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Carrollton Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 560 Sanders St, Carrollton 35447 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Aliceville Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 328 Colonial Dr, Aliceville 35442 32 low-income homes · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- West Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 347 Industrial Park St, Gordo 35466 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Reform Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 569 Manor Cir, Reform 35481 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Summer Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 956 Reform St, Carrollton 35447 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998 · For people with disabilities, families
- West Hill Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 25770 Highway 82, Gordo 35466 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Westside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 119 Westside Dr, Aliceville 35442 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1990 · For older adults, people with disabilities
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 Pickens County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Pickens 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: $67,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Pickens County, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $629 – $769
- 1 bedroom $634 – $774
- 2 bedrooms $829 – $1,013
- 3 bedrooms $1,020 – $1,246
- 4 bedrooms $1,287 – $1,573
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
- Gordo Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 150 vouchers · 80 public housing units (205) 364-7114 Gordo Housing Authority: darlene.keasler@gordohousing-al.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Aliceville Public housing · 173 public housing units (205) 373-8333 Housing Authority of the City of Aliceville: aha1@centurytel.net
- Housing Authority of Reform Public housing · 60 public housing units (205) 375-6360 Housing Authority of Reform: reformhousing@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 Pickens County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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City of Tuscaloosa - Office of Community and Neighborhood Services
2201 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa · 31 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 · 33 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 Pickens 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 Pickens County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $699; 1 bedroom: $704; 2 bedrooms: $921; 3 bedrooms: $1,133; 4 bedrooms: $1,430. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Pickens 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 Pickens 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 Pickens 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 Pickens County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 35442 to $1,070 in 35447. 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 Pickens County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Pickens County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) 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 Pickens County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Pickens County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).