Market Analysis

Birmingham Rental Market

Rental investment market data and analysis · Updated October 2026

Median Home Price

$160,200

Average Monthly Rent

$1,394

Estimated Cap Rate

10.4%

Rent-to-Price Ratio

0.9%

Below 1% Rule

Rent ÷ price by zip code

0 of 4 clear the 1% rule · October 2026

ZipMedian priceMedian rentRent ÷ price
35206$107,000$1,0500.98%
35215$135,500$1,2100.89%
35235$184,900$1,5200.82%
35203$325,000$1,7950.55%

Rent ÷ price over time

PacRent rent-to-price index · Birmingham

0.78%0.94%1.10%1% RULEOctOctOct
Latest reading 0.87% · 3 monthly readings

Context · FRED home price index

Market Trends

Birmingham metro area — % change since 2018

Home Prices

+72.8%

Rent Index

+36.2%

-2%13%29%44%59%75%20182020202220242026

Average Rent by Bedroom

BedroomsAvg Rent
Multi-Family$882/mo
Townhouse$1,047/mo
Condo$1,068/mo
Apartment$1,075/mo
Single Family$1,428/mo

Sample Investment Analysis

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

Purchase Price$160,200
Down Payment (20%)$32,040
Monthly P&I$836
Monthly Rent$1,394
Est. NOI$10,037/yr
Est. Cash Flow$1/mo
Cash on Cash0.0%

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 $1,602/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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