Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fultondale?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fultondale, you need to earn at least $52,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $72,741, which means the typical resident is $19,861 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 9,756

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$925	$3,083	$37,000	$-35,741
1 Bedroom	$1,097	$3,657	$43,880	$-28,861
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,322	$4,407	$52,880	$-19,861
3 Bedroom	$1,613	$5,377	$64,520	$-8,221
4 Bedroom	$1,983	$6,610	$79,320	+$6,579

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Fultondale's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$72,741

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,861

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fultondale

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fultondale's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,819

Studio

$925/mo

1 BR

$1,097/mo

2 BR

$1,322/mo

3 BR

$1,613/mo

4 BR

$1,983/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fultondale.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Fultondale's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fultondale

Living in Fultondale is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,861 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Fultondale typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fultondale, a studio at $925/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,613/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $64,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $79,320 would position you well — though many residents in Fultondale manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Fultondale, Alabama.

With a total population of 9,756, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,942 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,880 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

4,942

Active civilian employees in Fultondale

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fultondale

What salary do I need to live in Fultondale, Alabama?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fultondale under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,880. The median household income in Fultondale is $72,741.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fultondale on $72,741?

The affordability verdict for Fultondale is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.8%, meaning median earners have a $19,861 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fultondale compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fultondale is $1,097/month. With a median household income of $72,741, residents spend approximately 21.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fultondale?

A studio in Fultondale rents for approximately $925/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,000 to afford this.

Is Fultondale considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,861 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fultondale is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,880 to the local median household income.

How Fultondale Compares

Other cities in Alabama with salary requirements