Location: Monroe County, AL | Metro: Monroe County, AL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 36439 encompasses a rural area primarily located in Mobile County, Alabama. With a total population of around 140 residents, it is a sparsely populated region where nearly one-quarter of the households rent their homes, indicating a modest rental market presence. The median income and median home value data for this area are currently unavailable, suggesting a need for further investigation into local economic conditions.
Moving into the specifics of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area as of fiscal year 2026 is set at $780. This figure contrasts with the actual market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which stands at $940. This discrepancy suggests that landlords in ZIP 36439 can expect a slightly higher return on investment compared to the federally determined FMR, potentially due to local demand exceeding supply or other regional factors.
Given these conditions, ZIP 36439 would likely be more suitable for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The limited population and the lack of detailed economic data indicate a stable but low-growth environment, making it less attractive for active management strategies aimed at increasing property values or rents through improvements or renovations. Instead, landlords who focus on providing housing to those eligible for Section 8 vouchers can benefit from the existing rental dynamics without the need for significant capital investments or intensive property management practices.
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.