RentData

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

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

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 FY2025
Studio
$578
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$687
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$772
9.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,088
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,199
Average
🔔
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Is 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)

To rent a 2BR
$30,880/year
Local median income: $40,225
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 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

$
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 Monroe 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 Monroe County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Monroe County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AL

See how Monroe County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Monroe County

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

📋AL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections