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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,240 | $286,597 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 35958 presents a dynamic rental market influenced by the interplay between Fair Market Rent (FMR) and actual market rents. With an FMR of $780 for the fiscal year 2026, the government benchmark indicates a higher rent threshold compared to the current market rent of $626 reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This suggests that while there is potential for rental rates to rise, they currently remain below the federal guideline, possibly due to local economic conditions or housing availability.
The median home value of $193,830 reflects a range of affordability in the area, which could be a factor in the relatively low percentage of renters at 12.9%. However, this figure also implies a significant portion of the population owns their homes, indicating that homeownership might be preferred over renting. Despite this, the presence of any renters means there is some demand for affordable housing options, and the discrepancy between FMR and market rent could signal that landlords have room to increase their rates without losing tenants.
While specific metrics such as the percentage of price cuts and days on market (DOM) are not available, the overall picture suggests that the market is balanced but slightly tilted towards supply meeting demand. The lower market rent relative to FMR indicates that landlords are likely setting competitive prices to attract and retain tenants, rather than facing a shortage of interested renters. The 12.9% renter share is indicative of a community where homeownership is still the dominant trend, yet the presence of renters points to ongoing housing pressures, particularly for those who may find homeownership less accessible or desirable.
This snapshot of the market reveals a scenario where both renters and homeowners coexist, with rental prices having room to grow closer to the FMR. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, understanding these dynamics can inform strategic decisions on pricing and property management to optimize returns and maintain occupancy levels.
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.