Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Shelby County, Alabama
Shelby County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,375 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,401 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.44 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,375
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% more than in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $1,401
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 39% more than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $26.44
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $55,000 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Shelby County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Shelby County has the highest typical rent of the 67 counties in Alabama: $1,401.
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Shelby County has the highest typical household income of the 67 counties in Alabama: $97,961.
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Shelby County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,401, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Jefferson County ($1,193).
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At 81%, Shelby County ranks 6th among the 67 counties in Alabama for the highest homeownership rate.
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4% of households in Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County was $1,730 a month in September 2026: 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 | $1,177 | $22.63 | $47,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,263 | $24.29 | $50,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,375 | $26.44 | $55,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,727 | $33.21 | $69,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,941 | $37.33 | $77,640 |
HUD area: Birmingham-Hoover, 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 Shelby County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 35143 to $1,930 in 35080. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,375).
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)
| 35007 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,320 | $1,410 | $1,540 | $1,930 | $2,170 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35040 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,500 | $1,600 | $1,750 | $2,200 | $2,480 |
| 35040 | Chilton County, AL | $1,500 | $1,600 | $1,750 | $2,200 | $2,480 |
| 35043 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,350 | $1,450 | $1,580 | $1,980 | $2,230 |
| 35051 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $910 | $970 | $1,060 | $1,330 | $1,500 |
| 35078 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $850 | $910 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,400 |
| 35080 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,650 | $1,770 | $1,930 | $2,420 | $2,720 |
| 35114 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,140 | $1,220 | $1,330 | $1,670 | $1,880 |
| 35115 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $850 | $900 | $1,020 | $1,290 | $1,490 |
| 35115 | Chilton County, AL | $850 | $900 | $1,020 | $1,290 | $1,490 |
| 35124 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,540 | $1,650 | $1,800 | $2,260 | $2,540 |
| 35143 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $800 | $850 | $930 | $1,170 | $1,310 |
| 35147 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,630 | $1,750 | $1,910 | $2,400 | $2,700 |
| 35176 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $910 | $970 | $1,060 | $1,330 | $1,500 |
| 35178 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $900 | $960 | $1,050 | $1,320 | $1,480 |
| 35185 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,360 | $1,460 | $1,590 | $2,000 | $2,240 |
| 35186 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,220 | $1,300 | $1,420 | $1,780 | $2,000 |
| 35242 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,440 | $1,540 | $1,680 | $2,110 | $2,370 |
| 35244 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,430 | $1,530 | $1,670 | $2,100 | $2,360 |
- 35007 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,540$1,930
- 35040 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,750$2,200
- 35040 · Chilton County, AL $1,750$2,200
- 35043 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,580$1,980
- 35051 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,060$1,330
- 35078 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $990$1,240
- 35080 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,930$2,420
- 35114 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,330$1,670
- 35115 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,020$1,290
- 35115 · Chilton County, AL $1,020$1,290
- 35124 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,800$2,260
- 35143 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $930$1,170
- 35147 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,910$2,400
- 35176 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,060$1,330
- 35178 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,050$1,320
- 35185 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,590$2,000
- 35186 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,420$1,780
- 35242 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,680$2,110
- 35244 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,670$2,100
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 Shelby County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
16,194 households rent in Shelby County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Shelby 47%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Shelby County
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Shelby 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 3
614 homes in all; 613 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Sunnycrest/Dogwood Lane Public housing 1254 8th Ave, Calera 35040 126 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Calera · Average payment: $295 a month · Average wait: 23 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 668-0783
- Cobblestone Cove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Cobblestone Ln, Montevallo 35115 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Scott Village Public housing 1220 Island St, Montevallo 35115 72 homes, 71 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Montevallo · Average payment: $287 a month · Average wait: 46 months · (205) 665-7250
- Cobblestone Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 1501 Cobblestone Crk, Montevallo 35115 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Shelby Woods Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Collins St, Columbiana 35051 53 low-income homes · For older adults · (205) 669-0066
- South Pointe Development Tax credit (LIHTC) 203 Shiloh Creek Dr, Calera 35040 47 low-income homes · 3 bd: 47 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Shoals Mill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 55 Coby Ln, Columbiana 35051 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Clear Spring Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 515 Old Highway 25 W, Columbiana 35051 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1999 · For people with disabilities, families
- Ridge View Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Egg and Butter Rd, Columbiana 35051 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1995 · For people with disabilities, families
- John Sparkman CT Public housing 1 John Sparkman Ct, Vincent 35178 32 low-income homes · Run by Vincent Housing Authority · Average payment: $322 a month · Average wait: 7 months · Homes at several sites · (256) 378-6008
- Shoals Mill Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Shoal Mill Ln, Columbiana 35051 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2016
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 Shelby County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Shelby 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 | $21,900 | $36,450 | $58,350 |
| 2 people | $25,000 | $41,650 | $66,650 |
| 3 people | $28,150 | $46,850 | $75,000 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,050 | $83,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,250 | $90,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,400 | $96,650 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,550 | $103,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,750 | $110,000 |
Area median income: $104,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,059 – $1,295
- 1 bedroom $1,137 – $1,389
- 2 bedrooms $1,238 – $1,513
- 3 bedrooms $1,554 – $1,900
- 4 bedrooms $1,747 – $2,135
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 Columbiana Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 247 vouchers (205) 669-6921 Ha Columbiana: cauthor543@chadevlop.org
- Housing Authority of the Town of Calera Public housing · 126 public housing units (205) 668-0783 Housing Authority of the Town of Calera: mdoss@calerahousing.net
- Housing Authority of the Town of Montevallo Public housing · 71 public housing units (205) 665-7250 Housing Authority of the Town of Montevallo: mdoss@calerahousing.net
- Vincent Housing Authority Public housing · 32 public housing units (256) 378-6008 Vincent Housing Authority: chelmense.gladness@childersburgha.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 Shelby County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.
3600 8th Ave S, Birmingham · 18 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
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Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama
200 6th Ave SW, Birmingham · 18 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Birmingham Urban League, Inc.
1229 3rd Ave N, Birmingham · 19 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Shelby 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
$2,750
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,375
- Security deposit
- $1,375
- Total
- $2,750
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 Shelby County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,177; 1 bedroom: $1,263; 2 bedrooms: $1,375; 3 bedrooms: $1,727; 4 bedrooms: $1,941. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Shelby County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,375) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.44 an hour full time, or $55,000 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Shelby County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,050 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 Shelby 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 $1,238 and $1,513 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Shelby County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 35143 to $1,930 in 35080. 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 Shelby County?
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Shelby 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 Shelby County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Shelby County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).