Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Washington County, Alabama
Washington 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 $655 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
- $655
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 35% 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
- Data not available
- The official source doesn't publish this figure for this place.
Only here
Renting in Washington County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 67 counties in Alabama, Washington County has the highest homeownership rate: 86%.
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Among the neighboring counties, Choctaw County has the lowest typical rent ($543), 17% below the $655 in Washington County.
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17% of households in Washington 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 Washington 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 | $737 | $14.17 | $29,480 |
| 2 bedrooms | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,211 | $23.29 | $48,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,539 | $29.60 | $61,560 |
HUD area: Washington 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 16 ZIP codes in Washington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36518 to $1,080 in 36585. 7 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)
| 36513 | Mobile, AL | $880 | $910 | $1,070 | $1,380 | $1,510 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36513 | Washington County, AL | $880 | $910 | $1,070 | $1,380 | $1,510 |
| 36518 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $750 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,540 |
| 36529 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $740 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,540 |
| 36538 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $740 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,500 |
| 36539 | Washington County, AL | $800 | $830 | $990 | $1,270 | $1,540 |
| 36548 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $740 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,540 |
| 36553 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $740 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,540 |
| 36556 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $740 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,540 |
| 36558 | Choctaw County, AL | $700 | $740 | $920 | $1,220 | $1,520 |
| 36558 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $740 | $920 | $1,220 | $1,520 |
| 36569 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $740 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,510 |
| 36581 | Washington County, AL | $800 | $850 | $1,080 | $1,420 | $1,600 |
| 36583 | Washington County, AL | $750 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,540 |
| 36584 | Washington County, AL | $700 | $740 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,540 |
| 36585 | Washington County, AL | $800 | $850 | $1,080 | $1,420 | $1,600 |
- 36513 · Mobile, AL $1,070$1,380
- 36513 · Washington County, AL $1,070$1,380
- 36518 · Washington County, AL $920$1,210
- 36529 · Washington County, AL $920$1,210
- 36538 · Washington County, AL $920$1,210
- 36539 · Washington County, AL $990$1,270
- 36548 · Washington County, AL $940$1,230
- 36553 · Washington County, AL $920$1,210
- 36556 · Washington County, AL $920$1,210
- 36558 · Choctaw County, AL $920$1,220
- 36558 · Washington County, AL $920$1,220
- 36569 · Washington County, AL $920$1,210
- 36581 · Washington County, AL $1,080$1,420
- 36583 · Washington County, AL $1,010$1,330
- 36584 · Washington County, AL $920$1,210
- 36585 · Washington County, AL $1,080$1,420
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Washington County
HUD lists 3 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 2
- public housing
- 1
78 homes in all; 78 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Chatom Apts Public housing Chatom 36518 30 low-income homes · Run by Washington County Housing Authority · Average payment: $424 a month · Average wait: 35 months · (251) 847-2916
- Megan Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 Bay Ave, Chatom 36518 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities, families
- Westgate Apts II (CHATOM) Tax credit (LIHTC) 82 E Central Ave, Chatom 36518 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2008 · 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 | $18,100 | $30,100 | $48,200 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,400 | $55,100 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,700 | $61,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,050 | $68,850 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,500 | $74,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,900 | $79,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $53,400 | $85,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,850 | $90,900 |
Area median income: $89,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Washington County, AL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $629 – $769
- 1 bedroom $663 – $811
- 2 bedrooms $829 – $1,013
- 3 bedrooms $1,090 – $1,332
- 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
- Washington County Housing Authority Public housing · 30 public housing units (251) 847-2916 Washington County Housing Authority: washcoha@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 Washington County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Center for Fair Housing
602 Bel Air Blvd, Mobile · 51 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
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CCCS of Mobile
705 Oak Circle Dr E, Mobile · 52 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 Washington 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 Washington County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $699; 1 bedroom: $737; 2 bedrooms: $921; 3 bedrooms: $1,211; 4 bedrooms: $1,539. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Washington 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 Washington County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,050 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 Washington 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 Washington County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 36518 to $1,080 in 36585. 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 Washington County?
HUD lists 3 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington 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.