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City Report · AL

Madison

Pop. 60,106·40th most expensive in Alabama·Rental market data updated monthly for Madison, AL
Median rent (all units)
$1,442/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.4%
Month-over-Month
-3.2%
vs US Median
-$523
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Madison · $1,442
More affordable than 79% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
80/100
Great value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 15% below what Madison's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,442/mo
Expected by trend
$1,698/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Madison's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,253
1 BR
$1,450
2 BR
$1,687
3 BR
$2,173
4 BR+
$2,653
Research median
$1,687/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
$17,304/yr
At $1,442/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 2.4% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.4% YoY, -3.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Madison, AL is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 64.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
60,106
Median income
$134,655
Median age
37.3
Renters
26%
Age distribution
27.9%
17.8%
29.1%
12.5%
12.7%
Under 1827.9%
18–3417.8%
35–5429.1%
55–6412.5%
65+12.7%
Gender
50.3%
49.7%
Male50.3%
Female49.7%
Race & ethnicity
68.4%
13.3%
White68.4%
Black13.3%
Hispanic8.6%
Asian7.2%
Other2.5%
Education (25+)
12.8%
20.6%
64.5%
No HS diploma2.1%
HS diploma12.8%
Some college20.6%
Bachelor's+64.5%
Housing tenure
74%
26%
Owner74%
Renter26%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Madison, AL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,276 → $1,442
up 13.0%
Income
$105,335 → $134,655
up 27.8%
Population
55,551 → 60,106
up 8.2%
Renter share
26% → 26%
+0.0 pts
Bachelor's+
63.1% → 64.5%
+1.4 pts
Median age
38.8 → 37.3
-1.5 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Madison, AL has climbed from $1,276 to $1,442, a 13.0% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $105,335 in 2021 to $134,655 more recently. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has grown by 8.2% since 2021, moving from about 55,551 residents to roughly 60,106. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Madison, AL market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Madison

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

Can you afford rent in Madison on your salary?

At $1,442/mo, how Madison rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Madison rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Madison

About renting in Madison, AL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Madison is $1,442/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,253/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,687/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,450/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,173/mo.

At 13% of local median household income ($134,655/yr), Madison ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Madison an affordable city for renters?

Madison is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,442/mo, rent takes approximately 13% of the local median household income ($134,655/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Madison falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Madison?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $58,000/year (~$28/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,442/mo in Madison. The local median household income is $134,655/yr, meaning the typical Madison household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Madison?

Rent in Madison has decreased 2.4% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Madison neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Madison are 35758 ($1,318/mo), 35757 ($1,425/mo), and 35756 ($1,696/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Madison is $1,442/mo.

How does Madison rent compare to other cities in Alabama?

Madison is middle-of-the-pack for Alabama for rent, ranking #40 out of 70 tracked cities at $1,442/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Madison?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Madison ($1,442/mo): Decatur ($1,082/mo), Huntsville ($1,322/mo).

What percentage of Madison residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 26% of Madison households are renters, while 74% are owner-occupied. Madison leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Madison rent compare to the national average?

Madison's median rent of $1,442/mo is $523 (27%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Alabama, it ranks #40 out of 70 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
13%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,442/mo, rent takes ~13% of Madison's median household income ($134,655/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Madison 13%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5%
Run the Madison affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Madison, AL

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