Location: Birmingham-Hoover, AL | Metro: Birmingham-Hoover, 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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,702 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,838 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,170 | $378,389 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 35143, located in the heart of Alabama, offers a stable real estate market that is attractive for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The area is characterized by moderate rental prices and a reasonable proportion of renters.
The data points suggest that while there is a gap between the FMR and the actual market rent, the area still presents a viable investment opportunity for those interested in rental properties. With a median home value that reflects the local economy and a significant portion of renters, landlords can expect a consistent tenant pool. However, investors should be cautious about the relatively low renter share compared to other areas, which might affect the speed of property turnover and the availability of tenants.
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.