Location: Barbour County, AL | Metro: Columbus, GA-AL HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,360 | $200,892 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 36027 presents a favorable environment for landlords looking to attract Section 8 tenants. With a population of 14,869, 34.1% of residents are renters, indicating a significant portion of the community relies on rental housing. This percentage suggests that there is a substantial demand for rental properties, particularly those that can accommodate Section 8 vouchers.
The median household income in this ZIP code is $47,825, which provides insight into the economic conditions of the area. The average market rent stands at $709 per month, representing approximately 15% of the median household income. This figure aligns well with the federal guidelines for housing affordability, which generally recommend that housing costs should not exceed 30% of a household's income. However, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for FY 2024 is $890, which is higher than the current market rent. This discrepancy indicates that landlords who can offer units at or slightly above the $709 mark are likely to find a robust tenant pool.
In terms of tenant profiles, landlords in ZIP 36027 should anticipate working with individuals and families who rely on Section 8 vouchers to meet their housing needs. These tenants will have incomes below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which in this case means they will be earning less than half of the $47,825 median household income. Given the lower market rent compared to the FMR, landlords will find that their properties are attractive to voucher holders. Additionally, the economic context of the area suggests that tenants will be careful with their spending and value stable, affordable housing options.
To summarize, ZIP 36027 is a renter-heavy ZIP code with strong demand for Section 8 vouchers. Landlords should focus on providing quality rental units at competitive rates around $709 per month to appeal to this demographic. Tenant profiles will typically include low-income individuals and families seeking affordable housing solutions.
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.