Location: Winston County, AL | Metro: Walker County, AL HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
23.0% of residents in ZIP 35541 are renters, indicating a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing. This makes it an attractive market for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on the demand. The $900 Fair Market Rent (FMR) set for metro areas in fiscal year 2026 reflects the rental affordability standards for the area. Meanwhile, the $960 average market rent, derived from Census ACS data, shows that rents are slightly above the FMR, suggesting a healthy premium for quality properties. However, the median home value of $465,905 is a substantial investment, and potential buyers should consider the local median income of $57,143 when evaluating the financial landscape.
The 0.2% price-cut share indicates that very few properties in the area are being discounted, which can be interpreted as a strong seller's market where homes are generally valued at their asking price. Although the days on market (DOM) figure is not available, the low price-cut share suggests that homes are likely selling relatively quickly. For those interested in Section 8 properties, the $900 FMR serves as a benchmark for what the government will pay towards rent. Given the market conditions and the fact that the FMR is below the average market rent, Section 8 tenants could provide a stable source of income for landlords without necessarily having to undercut the market rates.
Investors should also note the median income figure, which at $57,143, is a critical factor in determining the eligibility of tenants for the Section 8 program. The combination of these factors—renter share, FMR, market rent, and median income—suggests that while there is a market for affordable housing, investors need to carefully balance their expectations against the realities of the local economy.
Verdict: ZIP 35541 presents a viable opportunity for Section 8 investments, with a slight premium over FMR indicating a robust rental market.Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.