Location: Washington County, AL | Metro: Washington County, AL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $740 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 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 market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 36553 within the Washington County, AL metro area reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 stands at $860, which is significantly higher than the market rent of $488 based on Census ACS data. This disparity indicates that voucher tenants would cashflow at the FMR level, providing a substantial buffer between what they pay and the actual market rate.
To further understand the investment dynamics, consider the rent-to-price ratio. With the median home value being N/A, it's impossible to calculate an exact ratio; however, the high FMR relative to market rent suggests that rental properties could be more attractive investments compared to buying homes, given the lack of available home value data.
The average days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are both listed as N/A. Despite this missing information, the strong cashflow potential from voucher tenants remains a significant factor. The stability of rental income from government-backed vouchers is a reliable source of revenue, especially in areas where the market rent is considerably lower than the FMR.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 36553 is undoubtedly cashflow. Given the generous FMR set by HUD and the lower market rent, landlords can expect steady and above-market returns from Section 8 tenants without the need for premium units.
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.