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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,299 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,483 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,607 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,410 | $252,883 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
920 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 35171 as of fiscal year 2024, setting the benchmark for rental properties in this area. 901 is the actual market rent based on Census ACS data, indicating that rents slightly below the FMR can still be competitive. 225,375 represents the median home value, suggesting that property investments in this region can be relatively high compared to other areas. 24.3% is the percentage of residents who are renters, highlighting a significant but not overwhelming demand for rental units. 71,875 is the median income, which is an important figure for understanding the financial capacity of potential tenants in the area. N/A indicates that there is no available data on days on market (DOM), which could mean that the local real estate market moves quickly or that data collection is inconsistent. 0.1% is the share of listings that have been price-cut, reflecting a stable market where pricing adjustments are minimal.
In ZIP code 35171, the alignment between the FMR and market rent suggests a balanced market where landlords can charge close to the FMR without facing significant tenant resistance. The median home value at $225,375 implies that property values are moderate, offering opportunities for both purchase and rental investments. With 24.3% of the population renting, there is a notable segment of the market that could benefit from Section 8 housing assistance. However, the median income of $71,875 might limit the number of eligible applicants, as it exceeds the income limits for many Section 8 programs.
The absence of data on days on market (DOM) and the low price-cut share indicate that the real estate market in 35171 is robust and efficient, with few properties needing to reduce their asking price. This stability is advantageous for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to enter the market, as it suggests strong demand and less risk of prolonged vacancies.
For landlords considering Section 8 participation, the verdict is cautious optimism. While the FMR aligns well with market rents, the higher median income may restrict the pool of eligible tenants. Nonetheless, the stable market conditions make this ZIP code a worthwhile consideration for those willing to navigate the nuances of Section 8 eligibility requirements.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.