Market Analysis

Birmingham, Alabama

Rental investment market data and analysis · Updated July 2026

Median Home Price

$160,000

Average Monthly Rent

$1,431

Estimated Cap Rate

10.7%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

0.9%

Below 1% Rule

Market Trends

Birmingham metro area — % change since 2018

Home Prices

+69.6%

Rent Index

+36.2%

-2%13%27%42%57%72%20182020202220242026

Average Rent by Bedroom

BedroomsAvg Rent
Multi-Family$947/mo
Townhouse$1,057/mo
Condo$1,087/mo
Apartment$1,120/mo
Single Family$1,295/mo

Sample Investment Analysis

Based on median price + average rent, 20% down, 6.8% rate, 30yr

Purchase Price$160,000
Down Payment (20%)$32,000
Monthly P&I$834
Monthly Rent$1,431
Est. NOI$10,303/yr
Est. Cash Flow$24/mo
Cash on Cash0.8%

Positive cash flow at median prices — Birmingham offers strong fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

What Investors Should Know About Birmingham

  • 1Strong cap rates above 7% — excellent cash flow potential
  • 21% Rule fails at median prices — need rent of $1,600/mo to pass
  • 3Below-average rents keep entry costs low for new investors
  • 4Affordable market — lower barrier to entry for first-time investors

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