RentData

Average Rent in Jackson County, AL Rents falling 9.9% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in AL

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 52,839

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Jackson County, AL has rental prices ranging from $578/month to $1,266/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $674/month — 52% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $49,454/year, spending $674/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Jackson County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $772/month, Jackson County ranks #55 most expensive of the 58 cities tracked in Alabama — more affordable than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Jackson County Rental Market

The Jackson County, AL area has a population of about 52,839 and 25% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Jackson County, AL have fallen by $85/month (9.9%) over the past year, from $857 to $772. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson County, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $26,960. The local median household income of $49,454 exceeds that threshold by $22,494, making Jackson County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Jackson County, AL has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, 0.0 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$578
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$674
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$772
9.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$952
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,266
Average
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Is Jackson County, AL Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$30,880/year
Local median income: $49,454
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $772/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in ALlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Birmingham$998$1,144$1,267$1,583
Huntsville$928$1,071$1,248$1,609
Washington County$810$908$1,092$1,435
Mobile$812$908$1,094$1,441
Montgomery$848$888$1,055$1,345
Columbus$883$937$1,108$1,463

Rent or Buy in Jackson County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Jackson County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$772/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $772/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Jackson County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Jackson County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Jackson County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AL

See how Jackson County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Jackson County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋AL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections