Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Russell County, Alabama
Russell County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,212 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $939 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.31 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,212
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 4% more than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $939
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 7% less than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $23.31
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% more than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Russell County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 61%, Russell County ranks 2nd among the 67 counties in Alabama for the lowest homeownership rate.
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Nearby, in Bullock County, the typical rent is $556: 41% less than in Russell County ($939).
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16% of households in Russell 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 Russell 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 Russell County was $1,364 a month in September 2026: 5.2% 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 | $1,026 | $19.73 | $41,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,053 | $20.25 | $42,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,212 | $23.31 | $48,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,611 | $30.98 | $64,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,876 | $36.08 | $75,040 |
HUD area: Columbus, GA-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 11 ZIP codes in Russell County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 36860 to $1,780 in 36856. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,212).
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)
| 36851 | Columbus, GA-AL | $910 | $930 | $1,070 | $1,420 | $1,660 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36856 | Columbus, GA-AL | $1,510 | $1,550 | $1,780 | $2,370 | $2,760 |
| 36858 | Columbus, GA-AL | $900 | $920 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,640 |
| 36860 | Bullock County, AL | $810 | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,540 |
| 36860 | Columbus, GA-AL | $810 | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,540 |
| 36860 | Macon County, AL | $810 | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,540 |
| 36867 | Auburn-Opelika, AL | $930 | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,490 | $1,730 |
| 36867 | Columbus, GA-AL | $930 | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,490 | $1,730 |
| 36869 | Columbus, GA-AL | $890 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,400 | $1,630 |
| 36871 | Columbus, GA-AL | $890 | $960 | $1,080 | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| 36875 | Columbus, GA-AL | $850 | $870 | $1,000 | $1,330 | $1,550 |
- 36851 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,070$1,420
- 36856 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,780$2,370
- 36858 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,060$1,410
- 36860 · Bullock County, AL $1,000$1,310
- 36860 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,000$1,310
- 36860 · Macon County, AL $1,000$1,310
- 36867 · Auburn-Opelika, AL $1,150$1,490
- 36867 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,150$1,490
- 36869 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,050$1,400
- 36871 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,080$1,450
- 36875 · Columbus, GA-AL $1,000$1,330
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 Russell County, 54% 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,262 households rent in Russell County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Russell 54%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Russell County
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Russell 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)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 4
1,273 homes in all; 1,187 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Douglas Public housing 300A Fred Douglas Apts, Phenix City 36867 223 homes, 216 low-income · Run by Phenix City Housing Authority · Average payment: $322 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (334) 664-9991
- Riverview Public housing 201A Riverview Apts, Phenix City 36867 216 homes, 202 low-income · Run by Phenix City Housing Authority · Average payment: $327 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (334) 664-9991
- Stough Public housing Phenix City 36869 200 low-income homes · Run by Phenix City Housing Authority · Average payment: $373 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (334) 664-9991
- Sumbry Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 851 25th Ave, Phenix City 36869 88 homes, 87 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Blake Public housing 2000A 21st Ave, Phenix City 36867 71 low-income homes · Run by Phenix City Housing Authority · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (334) 664-9991
- Edmond Estates HUD-assisted 1302 6th Pl S, Phenix City 36869 120 homes, 56 low-income · For families · (334) 297-2478
- Evangeline Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 928 28th Ave, Phenix City 36869 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Richmond Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2 Richmond Park Dr, Phenix City 36869 56 low-income homes · 3 bd: 41 · 4 bd: 15 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Stonewood Apartments HUD-assisted 1213 28th Ave, Phenix City 36869 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 297-6994
- Tubman Gardens, Inc. HUD-assisted 1701 24th St, Phenix City 36867 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (334) 297-3445
- Crown Chase Tax credit (LIHTC) 3150 Mlk Jr Pkwy S, Phenix City 36869 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Springridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 Ingersoll Dr, Phenix City 36867 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1993 · For people with disabilities, families
- Poplar Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 702 11th Ave, Phenix City 36867 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Raintree Tax credit (LIHTC) 490 Daniel St, Hurtsboro 36860 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 1991 · For older adults
- Hallmark at Phenix Tax credit (LIHTC) 1004 28th Ave, Phenix City 36869
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 Russell 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 Russell 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 | $17,800 | $29,600 | $47,450 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,850 | $54,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,100 | $60,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,350 | $67,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,750 | $73,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,100 | $78,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $52,500 | $84,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $55,850 | $89,450 |
Area median income: $85,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Columbus, GA-AL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $923 – $1,129
- 1 bedroom $948 – $1,158
- 2 bedrooms $1,091 – $1,333
- 3 bedrooms $1,450 – $1,772
- 4 bedrooms $1,688 – $2,064
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
- Phenix City Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,077 vouchers · 689 public housing units (334) 664-9991 Phenix City Housing Authority: jwhitehead@pchousing.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 Russell County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Russell County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Russell 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
$2,424
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,212
- Security deposit
- $1,212
- Total
- $2,424
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 Russell County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,026; 1 bedroom: $1,053; 2 bedrooms: $1,212; 3 bedrooms: $1,611; 4 bedrooms: $1,876. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Russell County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,212) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.31 an hour full time, or $48,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Russell County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,350 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 Russell 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 $1,091 and $1,333 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Russell County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 36860 to $1,780 in 36856. 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 Russell County?
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Russell 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 Russell County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Russell County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).