Location: Chilton County, AL | Metro: Chilton County, AL HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,350 | $244,744 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP 35085 reveals several challenges that landlords must be prepared to face when considering Section 8 properties. First, tenant turnover is likely to be high due to the disparity between the market rent of $943 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $870 for FY 2024. This gap suggests that tenants may seek higher-paying jobs or move to areas where their income can cover the market rent, leading to frequent changes in occupancy.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the Days on Market (DOM) data is currently unavailable. Without this information, it's difficult to predict how long a property might remain unoccupied, which can significantly impact cash flow. Additionally, the typical home value of $219,090 combined with a median income of $70,862 indicates potential deferred maintenance issues. Landlords should expect to invest in regular upkeep to ensure compliance with housing standards and maintain property value.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share of 21.0%. High renter density generally translates into a robust demand for rental properties, including those eligible for Section 8 vouchers. This strong demand can help stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of income despite the challenges mentioned.
In conclusion, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 35085 is moderate.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.