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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Birmingham

Birmingham, AL has 80 affordable and income-based rental properties with 6,034 total units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,107 per month (Census ACS 5-Year) and a median household income of $46,051 (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing plays an important role here -- especially given that 54% of residents rent their homes. Of the 45 properties with inspection scores on record, 31 rated excellent and 11 rated good.

80
Properties
6,034
Total units
89/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,107/mo

Affordability

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent in Birmingham is $1,107 and the median household income is $46,051 per year. With 54% of residents renting their homes, access to income-restricted housing can make a meaningful difference for many households in the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
1,275 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Birmingham Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,275 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies define and report offenses.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 41 · Car-Dependent

Getting Around Birmingham

The assisted properties in Birmingham score a 41 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, a 27 (Some Transit) for public transit, and a 45 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. These scores reflect the areas around the assisted properties specifically, not the city as a whole.

  • Walk Score: 41 - Car-Dependent
  • Transit Score: 27 - Some Transit
  • Bike Score: 45

Most residents will likely need a car for daily errands, though limited transit options are available near some properties.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
71 schools · 8 districts

Schools

Birmingham is served by 71 schools across 8 districts, including 41 elementary, 12 middle, and 16 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and resources vary by school and district, so renters should look up the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$46,051 median income

Cost of Renting in Birmingham

The median household income in Birmingham is $46,051 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The citywide median rent is $1,107 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC housing can help renters whose costs would otherwise strain a tight budget. Birmingham has 46 income-based rental properties covering 3,173 units -- a meaningful source of below-market options across the city.

  • Median household income: $46,051/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,107/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 54% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Affordable rental properties tracked: 46 properties, 3,173 units
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 46 assisted properties in Birmingham have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 2 are located in high-risk flood zones, while the remaining 44 are not designated as high-risk.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 89/100(45 of 80 scored)
90+ (31)70–89 (11)<60 (3)No score (35)

80 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 80 affordable apartments in Birmingham→

Other cities in AL

› Affordable housing in Anniston› Athens income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Bessemer› Cullman affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Decatur› Affordable housing in Dothan› Florence income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Gadsden› Hoover affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Huntsville› Affordable housing in Jasper› Mobile income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in AL› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Birmingham Affordable Housing: What to Know

Birmingham is a majority-renter city, with 54% of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median household income is $46,051, while the citywide median rent stands at $1,107 per month, making affordable and income-based housing an important resource for many residents.

Lease Lantern tracks 46 HUD-assisted and income-based properties across Birmingham, totaling 3,173 units. Of the 45 properties with available inspection scores, 31 earned an excellent rating and 11 earned a good rating, reflecting a strong overall quality picture for the city's assisted housing stock.

Two of the 46 tracked properties fall within high-risk flood zones based on flood map data, so renters should ask about flood history and renter's insurance when touring those buildings.

Getting Around Birmingham

Birmingham is considered car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 41 and a Transit Score of 27, indicating some transit options are available but most errands require a vehicle, according to Walk Score. Renters who rely on public transportation should confirm bus route access before committing to a specific property.

Public Schools

Birmingham is served by 8 school districts operating 71 public schools, including 41 elementary, 12 middle, and 16 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Birmingham recorded a violent crime rate of 1,275 per 100,000 residents in 2024, as reported by the Birmingham Police Department. Renters are encouraged to research specific neighborhoods and speak with current residents when evaluating a property.

Eligibility & how to apply

Alabama income limits (2026)Alabama public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Alabama

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →