Location: Dale County, AL | Metro: Dale County, AL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 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 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 36371, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for fiscal year 2026, is set at $780. This figure represents the maximum amount that HUD will pay landlords who participate in the Section 8 housing choice voucher program. It is important to note that this is not the rent you can charge your tenants; it is the payment standard that the government will cover.
In comparison, the average rent in ZIP 36371, based on Census American Community Survey data, is $961. This suggests that there is a discrepancy between what the government will pay and what the market might bear. However, participating in Section 8 ensures a stable source of income through government payments, which can be particularly beneficial for small-portfolio investors.
Renters make up 23.3% of the population in this area, indicating a significant demand for affordable housing. This demand can translate into fewer vacancies and a steady stream of potential tenants for your property. The median household income in ZIP 36371 is $129,813, which provides insight into the economic conditions of the area and can help inform decisions about property acquisition costs.
To ensure the property meets the requirements for participation in the Section 8 program, you must verify that it passes a housing quality standards (HQS) inspection. This inspection checks for safety and habitability, ensuring the unit is fit for occupancy according to HUD's criteria. Once your property is approved, you can confidently list it as a Section 8 rental, knowing that the government will subsidize the rent up to $780 per month.
By participating in the Section 8 program, you can serve a community in need while also securing a reliable income stream. The FMR of $780 sets a clear benchmark for the government's contribution towards rent, making it easier to budget and plan for long-term investments in this ZIP code.
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.