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City Report · AL

Huntsville

Pop. 222,791·53rd most expensive in Alabama·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,322/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.1%
Month-over-Month
+0.2%
vs US Median
-$643
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Huntsville · $1,322
More affordable than 86% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
77/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 14% below what Huntsville's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,322/mo
Expected by trend
$1,529/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Huntsville's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$936
1 BR
$1,086
2 BR
$1,266
3 BR
$1,633
4 BR+
$1,987
Research median
$1,266/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
$15,864/yr
At $1,322/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (2.1% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.1% YoY, +0.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Huntsville, AL is majority owner-occupied, 47.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
222,791
Median income
$74,714
Median age
36.9
Renters
41.7%
Age distribution
19.4%
28%
23.8%
12.5%
16.4%
Under 1819.4%
18–3428%
35–5423.8%
55–6412.5%
65+16.4%
Gender
48.9%
51.1%
Male48.9%
Female51.1%
Race & ethnicity
57.5%
29.2%
White57.5%
Black29.2%
Hispanic8%
Asian2.2%
Other3.2%
Education (25+)
18.1%
26.8%
47.2%
No HS diploma8%
HS diploma18.1%
Some college26.8%
Bachelor's+47.2%
Housing tenure
58.3%
41.7%
Owner58.3%
Renter41.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Huntsville, AL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,052 → $1,322
up 25.7%
Income
$60,959 → $74,714
up 22.6%
Population
210,081 → 222,791
up 6.1%
Renter share
43% → 41.7%
-1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
44.8% → 47.2%
+2.4 pts

Across the past five years, the going rent in Huntsville, AL has shifted from $1,052 to $1,322, up 25.7% since 2021. On the earnings side, the typical household in Huntsville, AL now reports about $74,714, up from $60,959 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Huntsville, AL adding about 12,710 residents over the five-year window, up 6.1% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 44.8% to 47.2% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Huntsville, AL reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Huntsville on your salary?

At $1,322/mo, how Huntsville rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Huntsville rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Huntsville

About renting in Huntsville, AL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Huntsville is $1,322/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $936/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,266/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,086/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,633/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($74,714/yr), Huntsville ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Huntsville an affordable city for renters?

Huntsville is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,322/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($74,714/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Huntsville falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Huntsville?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $53,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,322/mo in Huntsville. The local median household income is $74,714/yr, meaning the typical Huntsville household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Huntsville?

Rent in Huntsville has increased 2.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Huntsville neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Huntsville are 35816 ($1,114/mo), 35805 ($1,190/mo), and 35802 ($1,275/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Huntsville is $1,322/mo.

How does Huntsville rent compare to other cities in Alabama?

Huntsville is one of the more affordable cities in Alabama for rent, ranking #53 out of 70 tracked cities at $1,322/mo.

What percentage of Huntsville residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.7% of Huntsville households are renters, while 58.3% are owner-occupied. Huntsville leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Huntsville rent compare to the national average?

Huntsville's median rent of $1,322/mo is $643 (33%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Alabama, it ranks #53 out of 70 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,322/mo, rent takes ~21% of Huntsville's median household income ($74,714/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Huntsville 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5%
Run the Huntsville affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Huntsville, AL

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