Location: DeKalb County, AL | Metro: DeKalb County, AL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 35989 presents a dynamic housing market that is currently experiencing a balance between supply and demand, though there are indications that demand may be slightly outpacing supply. This inference is drawn from the comparison of the Fair Market Rent (FMR) at $780, which is set for metro areas for fiscal year 2026, and the current market rent of $715, as reported by the Census ACS. The higher FMR suggests that rental prices are expected to rise, implying a potential increase in demand.
A median home value of $224,330 in ZIP 35989 indicates a stable housing market, with property values reflecting a reasonable equilibrium between affordability and desirability. However, the lack of data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) means we cannot definitively assess recent trends in the sales market.
The 17.2% renter share provides insight into the long-term dynamics of housing pressure. With a significant portion of residents renting rather than owning their homes, it suggests an ongoing need for rental properties. This can create a steady demand for rentals, as well as a latent demand for homeownership among those who may eventually seek to purchase. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this percentage as indicative of a market where a considerable number of people prefer or are compelled to rent, due to either financial constraints or lifestyle choices.
In ZIP 35989, the slight gap between the FMR and the current market rent signals that there might be upward pressure on rental prices in the near future. This is a positive sign for landlords and investors looking to maintain or increase their rental income. Additionally, the relatively high median home value suggests that the area is attractive to both renters and potential buyers, which could mean sustained interest in the housing market overall.
To summarize, ZIP 35989 appears to be a market where demand for rental properties is strong, and the median home value indicates stability and attractiveness. The dynamics suggest a favorable environment for real estate investment, particularly in rental properties, but the exact trajectory of supply versus demand remains somewhat unclear without additional time-series data.
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.