RentDataNowRentDataNow
ZIP Code · AL

ZIP 35242

Pop. 57,374·Shelby County·42nd most expensive ZIP in Alabama
Median rent (all units)
$1,579/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.2%
Month-over-Month
+1.9%
vs US Median
-$386
Rising (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss 35242 rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 35242 · $1,579
More affordable than 68% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,460
1 BR
$1,640
2 BR
$1,800
3 BR
$2,250
4 BR+
$2,560
Research median
$1,800/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$18,948/yr
At $1,579/mo median
Location
StateAL
CountyShelby County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 4.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.2% YoY, +1.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 35242 (Birmingham, AL) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 65.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
57,374
Median income
$117,047
Median age
43.6
Renters
26.8%
Age distribution
21.2%
18.1%
27.8%
13.3%
19.5%
Under 1821.2%
18–3418.1%
35–5427.8%
55–6413.3%
65+19.5%
Gender
48.3%
51.7%
Male48.3%
Female51.7%
Race & ethnicity
79.3%
White79.3%
Black10.3%
Hispanic3.9%
Asian3.9%
Other2.5%
Education (25+)
21.4%
65.8%
No HS diploma2.7%
HS diploma10.1%
Some college21.4%
Bachelor's+65.8%
Housing tenure
73.2%
26.8%
Owner73.2%
Renter26.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 35242 in Birmingham, AL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,240 → $1,579
up 27.3%
Income
$107,191 → $117,047
up 9.2%
Population
57,077 → 57,374
up 0.5%
Renter share
27.2% → 26.8%
-0.4 pts
Bachelor's+
64.6% → 65.8%
+1.2 pts
Median age
42.3 → 43.6
+1.3 yrs

The median rent in ZIP 35242 in Birmingham, AL stood at $1,240 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,579, reflecting a 27.3% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $117,047 today, compared with $107,191 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about ZIP 35242

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 35242

About renting in ZIP 35242

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 35242 covers Birmingham, AL. The median rent here is $1,579/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,640/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,800/mo.

At 16% of local median household income ($117,047/yr), ZIP 35242 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 35242?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 35242 (Birmingham, AL) is $1,579. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 35242 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 35242's median rent of $1,579/mo is $386 (20%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 35242 compare to other ZIPs in Alabama?

ZIP 35242 falls in the middle range for Alabama, ranking #42 out of 115 ZIPs at $1,579/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 35242?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $63,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,579/mo in ZIP 35242. The local median household income is $117,047/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 35242?

Rent in ZIP 35242 has increased 4.2% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 35242 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 35242 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,579/mo, rent takes approximately 16% of the local median household income ($117,047/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 35242 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 35242 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 26.8% of ZIP 35242 households are renters, while 73.2% are owner-occupied. ZIP 35242 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 35242 compare to the rest of Birmingham?

ZIP 35242 is pricier than Birmingham as a whole. At $1,579/mo, it's $220 above the Birmingham citywide median of $1,359/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 35242 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 35242 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
16%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,579/mo, rent takes ~16% of ZIP 35242's median household income ($117,047/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 35242 16%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5%
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 35242 (Birmingham, AL)

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for this ZIP.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.