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City Report · AL

Alabaster

Pop. 33,917·13th most expensive in Alabama·Rental market data updated monthly for Alabaster, AL
Median rent (all units)
$1,817/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.5%
Month-over-Month
+1.8%
vs US Median
-$148
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Alabaster · $1,817
More affordable than 52% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
47/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Alabaster's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,817/mo
Expected by trend
$1,788/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Alabaster's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,120
1 BR
$1,280
2 BR
$1,420
3 BR
$1,770
4 BR+
$2,010
Research median
$1,420/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$21,804/yr
At $1,817/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 4.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.5% YoY, +1.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Alabaster, AL is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 41.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
33,917
Median income
$91,357
Median age
39.6
Renters
12.9%
Age distribution
24.8%
20.7%
27.4%
12.8%
14.4%
Under 1824.8%
18–3420.7%
35–5427.4%
55–6412.8%
65+14.4%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
70.9%
16.3%
12.4%
White70.9%
Black16.3%
Hispanic12.4%
Asian1.1%
Education (25+)
25.2%
27.2%
41.1%
No HS diploma6.5%
HS diploma25.2%
Some college27.2%
Bachelor's+41.1%
Housing tenure
87.1%
12.9%
Owner87.1%
Renter12.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Alabaster, AL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,556 → $1,817
up 16.8%
Income
$83,181 → $91,357
up 9.8%
Population
33,133 → 33,917
up 2.4%
Renter share
14% → 12.9%
-1.1 pts
Bachelor's+
38.9% → 41.1%
+2.2 pts
Median age
37.8 → 39.6
+1.8 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Alabaster, AL has increased from $1,556 to $1,817, a 16.8% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $83,181 in 2021 to $91,357 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 2.4% since 2021, moving from about 33,133 residents to roughly 33,917. College-educated residents now make up 41.1% of adults here, versus 38.9% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Alabaster, AL market of 2023.

Community

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View Alabaster rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Alabaster on your salary?

At $1,817/mo, how Alabaster rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Alabaster rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Alabaster. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Alabaster

About renting in Alabaster, AL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Alabaster is $1,817/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,120/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,420/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,280/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,770/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($91,357/yr), Alabaster ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Alabaster an affordable city for renters?

Alabaster is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,817/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($91,357/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Alabaster falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Alabaster?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $73,000/year (~$35/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,817/mo in Alabaster. The local median household income is $91,357/yr, meaning the typical Alabaster household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Alabaster?

Rent in Alabaster has increased 4.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Alabaster rent compare to other cities in Alabama?

Alabaster is one of the pricier cities in Alabama for rent, ranking #13 out of 70 tracked cities at $1,817/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Alabaster?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Alabaster ($1,817/mo): Hoover ($1,378/mo), Montevallo ($1,745/mo), Calera ($1,745/mo).

What percentage of Alabaster residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 12.9% of Alabaster households are renters, while 87.1% are owner-occupied. Alabaster leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Alabaster rent compare to the national average?

Alabaster's median rent of $1,817/mo is $148 (8%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Alabama, it ranks #13 out of 70 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,817/mo, rent takes ~24% of Alabaster's median household income ($91,357/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Alabaster 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5%
Run the Alabaster affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Alabaster
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Alabaster, AL

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