Location: Clarke County, AL | Metro: Clarke County, AL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 36446, located in a county with a unique economic profile, stands out due to its relatively low population of 459 residents and a significant rental market share at 32.2%. The median income for residents in this area is $58,571, indicating a modest financial status that could influence the demand for affordable housing solutions.
The lack of reported median home values suggests either limited data availability or an overwhelmingly rental-focused market. This characteristic aligns with the high percentage of renters, making it a prime target for Section 8 vouchers which provide subsidies for low-income families to afford housing. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $800, which serves as a benchmark for rental costs in this ZIP code. However, the absence of current market rent data makes it challenging to assess how closely the actual rents align with the FMR.
The voucher economics in ZIP 36446 are favorable, with the FMR being clearly defined. Landlords should be aware that the $800 FMR can support the rental market, especially for those units that fall within the affordable range for Section 8 participants. Given the modest median income and the potential for higher demand for subsidized rentals, landlords who offer properties that meet the criteria for Section 8 eligibility can benefit from stable tenancy and a government-backed payment system.
Evaluating the overall data signature of ZIP 36446, it reads as transitional. The combination of a small population, a substantial rental market, and the reliance on Section 8 vouchers indicates a community that is adapting to changing economic conditions. The modest median income alongside the defined FMR suggests that the area is working towards stabilizing its housing market through government assistance programs, but the absence of median home values and current market rent data points to ongoing shifts and changes that could impact the local real estate landscape.
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.