Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
Tuscaloosa County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,165 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,037 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.40 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,165
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Alabama
- Typical rent
- $1,037
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% more than in Alabama
- Wage needed
- $22.40
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $46,600 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% more than in Alabama
Only here
Renting in Tuscaloosa County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Tuscaloosa County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,037, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Walker County ($756).
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Tuscaloosa County has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 67 counties in Alabama (61%).
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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa County was $1,679 a month in September 2026: 4% 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 | $970 | $18.65 | $38,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $975 | $18.75 | $39,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,165 | $22.40 | $46,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,470 | $28.27 | $58,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,531 | $29.44 | $61,240 |
HUD area: Tuscaloosa, 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 25 ZIP codes in Tuscaloosa County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 35446 to $1,560 in 35406. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,165).
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)
| 35401 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $930 | $940 | $1,120 | $1,410 | $1,470 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35404 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $980 | $990 | $1,180 | $1,490 | $1,550 |
| 35405 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $1,070 | $1,070 | $1,280 | $1,610 | $1,680 |
| 35406 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $1,300 | $1,310 | $1,560 | $1,970 | $2,050 |
| 35444 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,270 | $1,600 | $1,670 |
| 35444 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,270 | $1,600 | $1,670 |
| 35446 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| 35452 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,450 | $1,830 | $1,910 |
| 35453 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $920 | $920 | $1,100 | $1,390 | $1,450 |
| 35456 | Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,550 | $1,620 |
| 35456 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,550 | $1,620 |
| 35457 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| 35458 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| 35463 | Greene County, AL | $990 | $990 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,570 |
| 35463 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $990 | $990 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,570 |
| 35473 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $920 | $930 | $1,110 | $1,400 | $1,460 |
| 35475 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $920 | $930 | $1,110 | $1,400 | $1,460 |
| 35476 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $940 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,430 | $1,490 |
| 35480 | Greene County, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| 35480 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| 35487 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $930 | $940 | $1,120 | $1,410 | $1,470 |
| 35490 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $910 | $910 | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,430 |
| 35546 | Fayette County, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| 35546 | Tuscaloosa, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| 35546 | Walker County, AL | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
- 35401 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,120$1,410
- 35404 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,180$1,490
- 35405 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,280$1,610
- 35406 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,560$1,970
- 35444 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,270$1,600
- 35444 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,270$1,600
- 35446 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35452 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,450$1,830
- 35453 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,100$1,390
- 35456 · Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,230$1,550
- 35456 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,230$1,550
- 35457 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35458 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35463 · Greene County, AL $1,190$1,500
- 35463 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,190$1,500
- 35473 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,110$1,400
- 35475 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,110$1,400
- 35476 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,130$1,430
- 35480 · Greene County, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35480 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35487 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,120$1,410
- 35490 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,090$1,370
- 35546 · Fayette County, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35546 · Tuscaloosa, AL $1,060$1,350
- 35546 · Walker County, AL $1,060$1,350
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 Tuscaloosa County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
34,755 households rent in Tuscaloosa County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Tuscaloosa 51%
- Alabama 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Tuscaloosa County
HUD lists 59 properties with homes for low-income households in Tuscaloosa 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)
- 28
- HUD-assisted
- 17
- public housing
- 18
4,442 homes in all; 3,956 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hay Court/Hay Court Annex Public housing 4420 21st St, Tuscaloosa 35401 217 homes, 216 low-income · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $317 a month · Average wait: 39 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 758-6619
- Stonebrook/West Circle Public housing 1002 30th Ave, Northport 35476 200 low-income homes · Run by Ha Northport · Average payment: $300 a month · Average wait: 92 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 752-8171
- Crescent East Public housing 4921 2nd St E, Tuscaloosa 35404 182 low-income homes · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $326 a month · Average wait: 14 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 758-6619
- E.j. James, JR. Courtyard Public housing 66 Valley Hls, Northport 35476 170 low-income homes · Run by Ha Northport · Average payment: $284 a month · Homes at several sites · (205) 752-8171
- Clara Verner Towers HUD-assisted 101 Hackberry Ln, Tuscaloosa 35401 200 homes, 156 low-income · For older adults · (205) 349-1202
- Forrester Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1350 James I Harrison Jr Pkwy E, Tuscaloosa 35405 152 homes, 145 low-income · 2 bd: 92 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Mckenzie Court Redevelopment Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2525 Dupont Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families
- McKenzie Court II, LTD Public housing 2644 Lanier Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 144 homes, 133 low-income · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $461 a month · Average wait: 2 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 758-6619
- Bonita Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 1300 Hargrove Rd, Tuscaloosa 35401 130 homes, 126 low-income · For families · (205) 758-5870
- Creekwood Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1750 40th Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 125 homes, 122 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families · (205) 752-0657
- Chestnut Trace II Tax credit (LIHTC) 9801 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa 35405 116 low-income homes · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- Mckenzie Court Redevelopment Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2525 Dupont Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 112 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- McKenzie Court I Public housing 3404 25th St, Tuscaloosa 35401 112 homes, 101 low-income · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $437 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (205) 758-6619
- Mcconnell Hills HUD-assisted 4620 18th Ave E, Tuscaloosa 35405 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (205) 553-1223
- Presbyterian Apts - Northport HUD-assisted 3845 Highway 69 N, Northport 35473 98 low-income homes · For older adults · (205) 339-5180
- Saddlewood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2400 Deerfield Dr, Northport 35473 98 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 33 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families · (205) 339-0660
- Branscomb Public housing 565 61st St, Tuscaloosa 35405 96 low-income homes · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $306 a month · Average wait: 11 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 758-6619
- Chestnut Trace I Tax credit (LIHTC) 9801 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa 35405 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Hallmark Garden Parkway Tax credit (LIHTC) 815 Garden Pkwy, Tuscaloosa 35405 92 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Rosedale Redevelopment I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2808 10th Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Rosedale Redevelopment II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2808 10th Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 86 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Forrester Gardens HUD-assisted 1350 37th St E, Tuscaloosa 35405 152 homes, 82 low-income · For families · (205) 553-4410
- Jackson Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 4101 21st St, Tuscaloosa 35401 80 low-income homes · In service since 2017 · For families · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (205) 758-6619
- Winding Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6802 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa 35405 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Mcdaniel Arms Apts HUD-assisted 1791 Harper Rd, Northport 35476 76 low-income homes · For families · (205) 333-0224
- Oak Trace Apartments HUD-assisted 5775 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa 35405 76 low-income homes · For families · (205) 758-0544
- Fieldcrest Apartments HUD-assisted 1 Watermelon Rd, Northport 35476 68 low-income homes · For families · (205) 752-3044
- Running Brook Apts HUD-assisted 4413 Cypress Creek Ave E, Tuscaloosa 35405 68 low-income homes · For families · (205) 556-8070
- Grand View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1700 Snows Mill Ave, Northport 35476 72 homes, 61 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Chastain Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 381 34th Ave E, Tuscaloosa 35404 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 52 · In service since 2012 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Providence Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3503 38th St, Northport 35473 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Greenwood Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2212 Skyview Ln, Tuscaloosa 35401 52 low-income homes · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Hampton Point Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 Snows Mill Ave, Northport 35476 60 homes, 51 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Somerville Apartments Fka Rosa Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 5701 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa 35405 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 50 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Rosedale Phase III Public housing 1031 29th St, Tuscaloosa 35401 128 homes, 48 low-income · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $403 a month · Average wait: 7 months · Homes at several sites · (205) 758-6619
- Pine Cone Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 2101 44th St E, Tuscaloosa 35405 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 38 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1996 · For older adults, people with disabilities · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $441 a month · Homes at several sites · (205) 758-6619
- Presbyterian Apts of Northport II HUD-assisted 3845 Highway 69 N, Northport 35473 42 low-income homes · For older adults · (205) 333-6989
- CSP Village Apts. HUD-assisted 2700 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa 35405 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (205) 391-4936
- Dakota Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 609 29th St, Tuscaloosa 35401 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1993 · For people with disabilities, families
- Rosedale Court Phase I Public housing 1012A 29th St, Tuscaloosa 35401 88 homes, 36 low-income · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $471 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (205) 758-6619
- Rosedale Phase II Public housing 1024A 26th St, Tuscaloosa 35401 86 homes, 34 low-income · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $410 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (205) 758-6619
- Jackson II Apartments Public housing 3841 26th Ave E, Tuscaloosa 35405 90 homes, 28 low-income · Run by Ha Tuscaloosa · Average payment: $424 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (205) 758-6619
- Jackson II Apartments HUD-assisted 3831 26th Ave E, Tuscaloosa 35405 90 homes, 22 low-income · For families · (205) 737-7640
- Tuscaloosa South Tax credit (LIHTC) 245 37th St E, Tuscaloosa 35405 22 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Pinefield Apartments HUD-assisted 3500 Fosters Ferry Rd, Tuscaloosa 35401 13 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (205) 469-0366
- Wright Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 17th Ave, Northport 35476 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1990 · For families
- Wright Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3600 17th St, Northport 35476 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Brownstone #2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 4 Juanita Dr, Tuscaloosa 35404 7 low-income homes · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Watertower Place Apartments HUD-assisted 627 29th St, Tuscaloosa 35401 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (205) 469-0366
- Kaulton Circle Apartments HUD-assisted 2725 26th St, Tuscaloosa 35401 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (205) 469-0366
- Doughty Rental Houses Tax credit (LIHTC) 2904 16th St, Tuscaloosa 35401 2 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Oswalt Rental Properties II Tax credit (LIHTC) 826 Cherokee Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 2 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Oswalt Rental Properties III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1934 34th Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 2 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Brookmeade Public housing 3202 31st St, Northport 35476 1 low-income home · Run by Ha Northport · Homes at several sites · (205) 752-8171
- Fleetwood Rice Public housing 1605 20th St, Northport 35476 1 low-income home · Run by Ha Northport · Homes at several sites · (205) 752-8171
- Gold Star Acres Public housing 3408 18th St, Northport 35476 1 low-income home · Run by Ha Northport · (205) 752-8171
- Oswalt Rental Properties I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1930 34th Ave, Tuscaloosa 35401 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Twin Manor Public housing 2500 Twin Mnr, Northport 35476 1 low-income home · Run by Ha Northport · (205) 752-8171
- Twin Manor Public housing 2536 Twin Mnr, Northport 35476 1 low-income home · Run by Ha Northport · Homes at several sites · (205) 752-8171
4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
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 Tuscaloosa County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Tuscaloosa 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
-
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 | $19,550 | $32,550 | $52,100 |
| 2 people | $22,350 | $37,200 | $59,550 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,850 | $67,000 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,500 | $74,400 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,250 | $80,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $53,950 | $86,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $57,700 | $92,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $61,400 | $98,250 |
Area median income: $93,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Tuscaloosa, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $873 – $1,067
- 1 bedroom $878 – $1,073
- 2 bedrooms $1,049 – $1,282
- 3 bedrooms $1,323 – $1,617
- 4 bedrooms $1,378 – $1,684
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 Tuscaloosa Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,951 vouchers · 1,270 public housing units (205) 758-6619 Ha Tuscaloosa: chall@tuscaloosahousing.org
- Ha Northport Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 425 vouchers · 375 public housing units (205) 752-8171 Ha Northport: RubyNBurton@northporthousingauthority.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 Tuscaloosa County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Tuscaloosa County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc.
601 Black Bears Way, Tuscaloosa · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
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City of Tuscaloosa - Office of Community and Neighborhood Services
2201 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Tuscaloosa 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
$2,330
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,165
- Security deposit
- $1,165
- Total
- $2,330
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 Tuscaloosa County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $970; 1 bedroom: $975; 2 bedrooms: $1,165; 3 bedrooms: $1,470; 4 bedrooms: $1,531. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Tuscaloosa County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,165) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.40 an hour full time, or $46,600 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Tuscaloosa County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,500 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 Tuscaloosa 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 $1,049 and $1,282 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Tuscaloosa County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 35446 to $1,560 in 35406. 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 Tuscaloosa County?
HUD lists 59 properties with homes for low-income households in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Tuscaloosa County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Alabama, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).