Location: Dale County, AL | Metro: Barbour County, AL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $680 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 36311 in metro FY 2026 is set at $780. This figure represents the payment standard that landlords can expect to receive from the Section 8 program, which is not the same as the rent you charge your tenants. The FMR is used to determine the maximum amount of assistance a family can receive through the program.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 36311 is $539 according to recent Census ACS data. This means that if you participate in the Section 8 program, you could potentially receive more than the average market rent for the area. However, it's important to note that the actual rent you can charge is subject to negotiation and must be reasonable compared to the local market rates.
The demand for rental properties in this area is strong, with 13.1% of the population being renters. This indicates a significant portion of the community looking for housing, making it a viable market for Section 8 rentals. While the average household income in ZIP 36311 is around $166,678, this does not necessarily mean that all potential tenants will have high incomes. Section 8 is designed to assist low-income families, so the majority of your tenants will likely be receiving rental assistance.
If you're considering entering the Section 8 rental market in ZIP 36311, one critical factor to verify is whether your property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the rental unit is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. Failure to meet these standards can result in disqualification from the program, so it's essential to confirm compliance before proceeding.
In summary, the FMR of $780 provides a benchmark for the compensation you can receive through the Section 8 program. With an average local rent of $539 and a renter share of 13.1%, there is a solid demand for affordable housing in this area. Before you decide to participate, make sure your property complies with HQS to avoid any issues that could prevent you from joining the program.
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.