Average Rent in Marshall County, AL↓ Rents falling 9.9% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 98,712
Market Overview
Marshall County, AL has rental prices ranging from $590/month to $1,053/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $594/month — 58% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,946/year, spending $594/month on a 1-bedroom represents 12% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Marshall County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $780/month, Marshall County ranks #32 most expensive of the 58 cities tracked in Alabama — more affordable than 97% of all US cities in our data.
The Marshall County Rental Market
The Marshall County, AL area has a population of about 98,712 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 Marshall County, AL have fallen by $86/month (9.9%) over the past year, from $866 to $780. 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 Marshall County, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $23,760. The local median household income of $60,946 exceeds that threshold by $37,186, making Marshall County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Marshall County, AL has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.8 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 FY2025Is Marshall 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 Marshall County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Marshall County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Marshall 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 Marshall CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in ALSee how Marshall County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Marshall CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋AL Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections