RentData

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

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 22,802

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

Market Overview

Clarke County, AL has rental prices ranging from $578/month to $1,309/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $600/month — 57% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $49,167/year, spending $600/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Clarke County Compares

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

The Clarke County Rental Market

The Clarke County, AL area has a population of about 22,802 and 29% 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 Clarke 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 Clarke County, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $24,000. The local median household income of $49,167 exceeds that threshold by $25,167, making Clarke County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Clarke County, AL has an unemployment rate of 6.0%, 2.1 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 FY2025
Studio
$578
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$600
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$772
↓9.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,080
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,309
Average
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Clarke County
▼

Is Clarke 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: $49,167
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 Clarke County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Clarke 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 Clarke 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

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Clarke County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Clarke County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AL

See how Clarke County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Clarke County

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

📋AL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections