RentData

Average Rent in Washington County, AL Rents falling 32.6% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in AL

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 15,270

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Washington County, AL has rental prices ranging from $489/month to $951/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $504/month — 64% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,503/year, spending $504/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Washington County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $648/month, Washington County ranks #57 most expensive of the 58 cities tracked in Alabama — more affordable than 100% of all US cities in our data.

The Washington County Rental Market

The Washington County, AL area has a population of about 15,270 and 14% 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 Washington County, AL have fallen by $314/month (32.6%) over the past year, from $962 to $648. 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 Washington County, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $20,160. The local median household income of $60,503 exceeds that threshold by $40,343, making Washington County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Washington County, AL has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.1 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 FY2021
Studio
$489
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$504
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$648
32.6% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$852
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$951
Affordable
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Washington County

Is Washington 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
$25,920/year
Local median income: $60,503
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $648/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
Mobile$812$908$1,094$1,441
Montgomery$848$888$1,055$1,345
Columbus$883$937$1,108$1,463
Greene County$813$819$1,074$1,294

Rent or Buy in Washington County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Washington County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$648/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: $648/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Washington 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 Washington County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Washington County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AL

See how Washington County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Washington County

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

📋AL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections