Average Rent in Monroe County, AL↓ Rents falling 9.9% YoY🔻 4th cheapest in AL
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,580
Market Overview
Monroe County, AL has rental prices ranging from $578/month to $1,199/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $687/month — 51% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $40,225/year, spending $687/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Monroe County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $772/month, Monroe County ranks #55 most expensive of the 58 cities tracked in Alabama — more affordable than 98% of all US cities in our data.
The Monroe County Rental Market
The Monroe County, AL area has a population of about 19,580 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Monroe 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 Monroe County, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $27,480. The local median household income of $40,225 exceeds that threshold by $12,745, making Monroe County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Monroe County, AL has an unemployment rate of 6.5%, 2.6 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Monroe County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Monroe County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Monroe CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in ALSee how Monroe County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Monroe CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋AL Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections