Location: Jackson County, AL | Metro: Jackson County, AL
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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $930 | $145,827 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $219,689 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,470 | $322,818 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 35768, located in Scottsboro, Alabama, within the Jackson County metro area, presents an interesting mix of metrics that can help landlords and small-portfolio investors make informed decisions. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $780, while the actual market rent in ZIP 35768 stands slightly higher at $850. This indicates that rental prices in 35768 are above the average for the metro but remain competitive.
The median home value in ZIP 35768 is $172,947, which is notably lower than what might be expected in a typical metro area. Coupled with a renter share of 29.2%, this suggests that ZIP 35768 could be considered a value pocket within the Jackson County metro. A value pocket typically offers opportunities for investment at lower costs compared to the broader market, while still maintaining a reasonable level of rental income.
The divergence between the below-average home values and a relatively high renter share points to a potential sweet spot for Section 8 housing. High renter share often signifies a demand for affordable housing options, making areas with lower home values attractive for government-subsidized programs like Section 8. This combination can be particularly beneficial for landlords who qualify for Section 8 tenancy, ensuring steady rental income without the need for market-rate rents.
To summarize, ZIP 35768 in Scottsboro, AL, appears to be a value pocket within the Jackson County metro, characterized by slightly above-average market rents and below-average home values. The high proportion of renters in this ZIP code makes it a favorable location for Section 8 housing, providing a reliable tenant base and stable income for property owners.
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.