Cottondale, AL — Rental Investment Analysis
🟢GOOD— solid returnsData: HUD FMR FY2024 + Zillow ZHVI April 2026 + Freddie Mac rates. Last updated June 2026.
Investment Summary
As of 2026, Cottondale, AL offers a 6.6% cap rate with median home prices of $162,867 and 3-bedroom rents of $1,380/month.
Cottondale offers solid returns for rental investors. At $162,867 median home price, Cottondale is affordable by national standards and within reach for most conventional loans. With 3-bedroom rents around $1,380/month, the 6.6% cap rate tells the story. Cash flow is modest at +$34/month — positive but tight. Rate increases or vacancies could flip it negative.
The 1% rule comes in at 0.85% — doesn't quite pass, but close enough to find individual deals that work. DSCR of 1.04 is tight — you'll pass most lender minimums but with little margin for error.
Bottom line: Cottondale offers a balance of moderate cash flow and growth potential. Good for investors who want some income while building equity over time.
Data sources: HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2024), Zillow Home Value Index (April 2026), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
Cap Rate
6.6%
Above average
Monthly Cash Flow
+$34
After all expenses
Price-to-Rent
9.8
Investor-friendly
DSCR
1.04
Tight
Key Metrics
- Median Home Price
- $162,867
- Average Rent (3BR)
- $1,380/mo
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 9.8(good)
- 1% Rule
- 0.85%(fails — need 1%+)
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- 1.1%
- Vacancy Rate
- 8.0%
Market Strength
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.8%(-1.5% vs national)
- Rent Growth (YoY)
- +2.9%(national avg)
- Population Growth
- -0.2% YoY
Property Tax Rate
0.39%
of assessed value (AL avg)
Median Income
$56,956
household (AL avg)
Rent-to-Income
29.1%
Affordable
Section 8 Max Rent
$1,380/mo
3BR voucher payment
AL Investor Climate
Landlord Friendly
8/10
State Income Tax
Has state tax
Property Tax
0.39% effective
Population Trend
-0.2% (3yr)