Location: Washington County, AL | Metro: Mobile, AL MSA
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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,270 | $191,937 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,370 | $252,863 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 36522 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $900. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive through the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom apartment. It's important to note that this is not the rent you would charge your tenants; it's the reimbursement standard from the government.
To put this into perspective, the average rent for a similar property in ZIP 36522, based on recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $996. This suggests that the FMR is slightly below the market rate, which means landlords participating in Section 8 might see a lower income compared to renting without the program.
The demand for rentals in this area is strong, with 30.0% of households being renters. This indicates that there is a significant portion of the population looking for housing, making ZIP 36522 a viable location for a Section 8 rental. However, the competition for tenants is also likely to be high, so ensuring your property meets the necessary standards is crucial.
When considering the purchase price of a property in this area, the median home value is around $169,428. This figure reflects the typical cost of acquiring a home in ZIP 36522, which should factor into your investment decision-making process. Keep in mind that the actual cost can vary depending on the condition and location of the property.
Before finalizing your decision to participate in the Section 8 program, verify that your property complies with the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the rental unit is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. Failure to meet these requirements can result in non-payment or termination of the lease agreement.
In summary, while the FMR of $900 is the cap for Section 8 reimbursement, the local average rent of $996 suggests that there could be room to negotiate higher rents with tenants who have additional income. The 30.0% renter share points to a robust demand for rentals, and the median home value of $169,428 gives you an idea of the investment cost. Ensuring your property meets HQS is essential for a smooth and profitable Section 8 experience.
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.