Location: Walker County, AL | Metro: Walker County, AL HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,250 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,722 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 35584 are defined by the $1,140 SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in fiscal year 2026. This figure is higher than the local market rent, which is reported at $921 according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS).
When a landlord participates in the Section 8 program, the reimbursement they receive is calculated based on the voucher holder's contribution and any utility allowances. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. The utility allowance varies but can be estimated at around $200-$300 per month for a two-bedroom unit.
To illustrate, if a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,500, they would pay $450 (30%) toward the rent. The remaining amount, plus the utility allowance, would be covered by the housing authority. For instance, with a $250 utility allowance, the housing authority would pay $690 ($1,140 - $450), bringing the total reimbursement to $940 ($690 + $250).
Note that the SAFMR is specifically set for this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the unique economic conditions and rental costs in ZIP 35584. Landlords should understand that the reimbursement rates are fixed at the ZIP level and do not fluctuate based on broader regional averages.
In ZIP 35584, given the local market rent of $921 and the SAFMR of $1,140, landlords will generally find themselves with a $219 surplus per month when renting a two-bedroom apartment to a Section 8 tenant. This surplus is due to the higher SAFMR compared to the actual market rent, making participation in Section 8 financially beneficial for landlords in this area.
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.