Location: Talladega County, 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,462 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,637 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,768 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $950 | $131,069 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $178,704 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $1,260 | $270,860 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Talladega County's ZIP code 35160 stands out due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 26,031 residents, it has a significant rental market, where 34.7% of the population rents their homes. The median household income in this area is $52,838, which is notably lower than the median home value of $145,137, indicating that homeownership is less accessible to many residents.
The voucher economics in ZIP 35160 are favorable for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $780, slightly above the current market rent of $760 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. This suggests that Section 8 vouchers can help cover the cost of rent, making the ZIP code an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to manage rental properties. Landlords can expect a steady stream of tenants who can afford the rent through government assistance, without the risk of significant rent gaps.
Based on the available data, ZIP 35160 appears to be a stable market. The slight increase in FMR over the market rent indicates a balanced situation where voucher holders can find affordable housing, and landlords can maintain profitability. There is no indication of rapid changes in the local economy or demographics that would suggest a transitional phase. Therefore, investors should feel confident in the long-term prospects of this ZIP code for rental investments.
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.