Average Rent in Pickens County, AL↓ Rents falling 9.9% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in AL
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 18,843
Market Overview
Pickens County, AL has rental prices ranging from $615/month to $1,304/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $619/month — 56% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $47,014/year, spending $619/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Pickens County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $772/month, Pickens County ranks #55 most expensive of the 58 cities tracked in Alabama — more affordable than 98% of all US cities in our data.
The Pickens County Rental Market
The Pickens County, AL area has a population of about 18,843 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 Pickens 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 Pickens County, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $24,760. The local median household income of $47,014 exceeds that threshold by $22,254, making Pickens County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Pickens County, AL has an unemployment rate of 4.8%, 0.9 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Pickens County, AL Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in ALlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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 Pickens County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Pickens County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Pickens County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Pickens CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in ALSee how Pickens County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Pickens CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋AL Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections