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City Report · AL

Decatur

Pop. 57,361·64th most expensive in Alabama·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,082/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.2%
Month-over-Month
+3.9%
vs US Median
-$883
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Decatur · $1,082
More affordable than 96% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Decatur's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,082/mo
Expected by trend
$1,137/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Decatur's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$755
1 BR
$785
2 BR
$955
3 BR
$1,255
4 BR+
$1,505
Research median
$955/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
$12,984/yr
At $1,082/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 1.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.2% YoY, +3.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Decatur, AL is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 22.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
57,361
Median income
$61,563
Median age
39.7
Renters
36.7%
Age distribution
23.8%
20.3%
23.8%
14.1%
18.1%
Under 1823.8%
18–3420.3%
35–5423.8%
55–6414.1%
65+18.1%
Gender
50.1%
49.9%
Male50.1%
Female49.9%
Race & ethnicity
58.2%
24.2%
16.5%
White58.2%
Black24.2%
Hispanic16.5%
Asian0.9%
Education (25+)
15.2%
30.1%
32.2%
22.4%
No HS diploma15.2%
HS diploma30.1%
Some college32.2%
Bachelor's+22.4%
Housing tenure
63.3%
36.7%
Owner63.3%
Renter36.7%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Decatur, AL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$957 → $1,082
up 13.1%
Income
$52,539 → $61,563
up 17.2%
Population
57,303 → 57,361
up 0.1%
Renter share
35.4% → 36.7%
+1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
23.6% → 22.4%
-1.2 pts
Median age
40.6 → 39.7
-0.9 yrs

The median rent in Decatur, AL stood at $957 in 2023 and currently runs about $1,082, reflecting a 13.1% increase over the period. Median household income rose from $52,539 to $61,563 between 2021 and 2024, a 17.2% shift. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. Taken together, the five-year picture in Decatur, AL reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Decatur on your salary?

At $1,082/mo, how Decatur rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Decatur rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Decatur

About renting in Decatur, AL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Decatur is $1,082/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $755/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $955/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $785/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,255/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($61,563/yr), Decatur ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Decatur an affordable city for renters?

Decatur is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,082/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($61,563/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Decatur falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Decatur?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $43,000/year (~$21/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,082/mo in Decatur. The local median household income is $61,563/yr, meaning the typical Decatur household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Decatur?

Rent in Decatur has increased 1.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Decatur neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Decatur are 35601 ($1,096/mo), and 35603 ($1,164/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Decatur is $1,082/mo.

How does Decatur rent compare to other cities in Alabama?

Decatur is one of the more affordable cities in Alabama for rent, ranking #64 out of 70 tracked cities at $1,082/mo.

What percentage of Decatur residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 36.7% of Decatur households are renters, while 63.3% are owner-occupied. Decatur leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Decatur rent compare to the national average?

Decatur's median rent of $1,082/mo is $883 (45%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Alabama, it ranks #64 out of 70 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,082/mo, rent takes ~21% of Decatur's median household income ($61,563/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Decatur 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5%
Run the Decatur affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Decatur
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Decatur, AL

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