Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Benton County, Arkansas
Benton County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,256 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,277 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.15 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,256
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% more than in Arkansas
- Typical rent
- $1,277
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 35% more than in Arkansas
- Wage needed
- $24.15
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $50,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 33%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 27% less than in Arkansas
Only here
Renting in Benton County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Benton County has the highest typical rent of the 75 counties in Arkansas: $1,277.
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Benton County has the highest typical household income of the 75 counties in Arkansas: $93,506.
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Benton County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,277, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Washington County ($1,071).
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Benton County has the 3rd smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 70 counties in Arkansas with this figure (33%).
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4% of households in Benton County have no internet at home, against 10% in Arkansas.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Benton County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Benton County was $1,607 a month in September 2026: 1.2% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $916 | $17.62 | $36,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,056 | $20.31 | $42,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,256 | $24.15 | $50,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,739 | $33.44 | $69,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,099 | $40.37 | $83,960 |
HUD area: Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 18 ZIP codes in Benton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 72722 to $1,880 in 72718. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,256).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 72712 | $1,040 | $1,190 | $1,420 | $1,970 | $2,370 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72713 | $1,090 | $1,250 | $1,490 | $2,060 | $2,490 |
| 72714 | $1,060 | $1,230 | $1,460 | $2,020 | $2,440 |
| 72715 | $1,130 | $1,300 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 72718 | $1,370 | $1,580 | $1,880 | $2,600 | $3,140 |
| 72719 | $1,150 | $1,330 | $1,580 | $2,190 | $2,640 |
| 72722 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72732 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72734 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,010 |
| 72736 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,010 |
| 72739 | $920 | $1,020 | $1,240 | $1,720 | $2,030 |
| 72745 | $930 | $1,080 | $1,280 | $1,770 | $2,140 |
| 72747 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72751 | $1,340 | $1,550 | $1,840 | $2,550 | $3,080 |
| 72756 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72758 | $1,080 | $1,240 | $1,480 | $2,050 | $2,470 |
| 72761 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72768 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
- 72712 $1,420$1,970
- 72713 $1,490$2,060
- 72714 $1,460$2,020
- 72715 $1,550$2,150
- 72718 $1,880$2,600
- 72719 $1,580$2,190
- 72722 $1,220$1,690
- 72732 $1,220$1,690
- 72734 $1,220$1,690
- 72736 $1,220$1,690
- 72739 $1,240$1,720
- 72745 $1,280$1,770
- 72747 $1,220$1,690
- 72751 $1,840$2,550
- 72756 $1,220$1,690
- 72758 $1,480$2,050
- 72761 $1,220$1,690
- 72768 $1,220$1,690
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Benton County, 33% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
33%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
36,919 households rent in Benton County
- Spend half or more of their income 13%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 67%
Compared with the state and the country
- Benton 33%
- Arkansas 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Benton County
HUD lists 32 properties with homes for low-income households in Benton County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 21
- HUD-assisted
- 13
1,285 homes in all; 1,280 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Touchstone Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 SW 20th St, Bentonville 72712 190 homes, 189 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 97 · 2 bd: 91 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Moberly Place Apartments I and II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1702 SE Moberly Manor Dr, Bentonville 72712 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 81 · In service since 1997
- Heritage Heights Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 1225 E Tulsa St, Siloam Springs 72761 85 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 1997
- Heritage Heights Lodge Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1255 W Tulsa St, Siloam Springs 72761 85 low-income homes · Studio: 40 · In service since 1997 · For older adults · (479) 524-8117
- Meadow Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 840 N 16th St, Rogers 72756 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2016 · For families · (479) 636-2645
- Stoneridge Duplexes of Siloam Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 824A S Travertine St, Siloam Springs 72761 60 homes, 59 low-income · 4 bd: 60 · In service since 2020
- Olivewood Apartments HUD-assisted 1006 N 31st St, Rogers 72756 53 homes, 52 low-income · For families · (479) 636-7289
- Stoneridge Duplexes II of Siloam Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) Approx Timothy & E Kenwood ST, Siloam Springs 72761 50 low-income homes · 4 bd: 50 · In service since 2020
- Gardens Fka Osage Terrace Assisted Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 3317 SE L St, Bentonville 72712 45 low-income homes · Studio: 34 · 1 bd: 11 · In service since 2002
- Robinson Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Robinson Ave, Lowell 72745 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2003
- Dixieland Gardens Senior Housing HUD-assisted 2205 W Persimmon St, Rogers 72756 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 621-0366
- Gateway of Persimmon Tax credit (LIHTC) 1503 W Persimmon St, Rogers 72756 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2019
- Heritage Square HUD-assisted 1200 W Jefferson St, Siloam Springs 72761 28 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 524-3823
- Whistle Stop Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Whistlestop, Gentry 72734 28 low-income homes · Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1998
- Garden Walk of Gravette Fka Quail Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Irving St SW, Gravette 72736 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1998
- Kenwood Village II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2503 E Kenwood St, Siloam Springs 72761 25 homes, 24 low-income · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 2002
- Lowell Senior Citizen Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Robinson Ave, Lowell 72745 25 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 25 · In service since 2003
- Garden Walk of Bentonville Fka Fairfield Mano Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 1/2 SE 10th St, Bentonville 72712 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2013
- Garden Walk of Decatur Fka Southgate Tax credit (LIHTC) 1251 Stadium Ave, Decatur 72722 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2011
- Miller Place Senior Housing HUD-assisted 2012 S 13th St, Rogers 72758 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 621-5102
- Osage Heights Senior Housing HUD-assisted 3303 SE L St, Bentonville 72712 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 464-4500
- Southgate DBA Garden Walk of Decatur Tax credit (LIHTC) 1251 Stadium Ave, Decatur 72722 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2011
- Billy V. Hall Senior Complex HUD-assisted 1878 Limekiln Rd, Gravette 72736 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 787-6638
- Flint Creek HUD-assisted 300 W 3rd St, Gentry 72734 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 736-2421
- Kenwood Village HUD-assisted 2425 E Kenwood St, Siloam Springs 72761 20 low-income homes · For families · (479) 524-8117
- Kenwood Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2425 E Kenwood St, Siloam Springs 72761 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 1997
- Kenwood Village Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2425 E Kenwood St, Siloam Springs 72761 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 1997
- Legacy Village Green House Assisted Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 1305 NE Legacy Pkwy, Bentonville 72712 20 low-income homes · Studio: 20 · In service since 2009
- The Cottages at Highlands Crossing HUD-assisted 1903 Cottage Ln, Bella Vista 72715 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 273-7345
- Meadowglade (DUPLEXES) Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 SE 12th St, Bentonville 72712 14 low-income homes · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 1995 · For older adults, families
- Meadowood Gardens II HUD-assisted 907 Meadowood Ln, Bentonville 72712 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 273-7344
- Oak Tree Apartments HUD-assisted 503 S 3rd St, Rogers 72756 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (479) 631-0411
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Benton County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Benton County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,450 | $37,450 | $59,850 |
| 2 people | $25,650 | $42,800 | $68,400 |
| 3 people | $28,850 | $48,150 | $76,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,450 | $85,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,750 | $92,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $62,050 | $99,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,300 | $106,050 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,600 | $112,900 |
Area median income: $106,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $824 – $1,008
- 1 bedroom $950 – $1,162
- 2 bedrooms $1,130 – $1,382
- 3 bedrooms $1,565 – $1,913
- 4 bedrooms $1,889 – $2,309
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Siloam Springs Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 503 vouchers (501) 982-2267 Siloam Springs Housing Authority: dgates@naturalstatehousing.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Decatur Public housing (870) 741-5522 Housing Authority of the City of Decatur: neal@nwregionalhousing.org
Housing agencies in Arkansas Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Arkansas
What Arkansas law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Ark. Code §18-16-304
- When must they return my deposit?
- 60 days
- Ark. Code §18-16-305
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Ark. Code §18-60-304
Help
Where to get help with rent in Benton County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Benton County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Credit Counseling of Arkansas - Bentonville
17320 Moberly Ln., Suite 3, Bentonville · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Benton County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Arkansas, the average home bill was $129 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,512
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,256
- Security deposit
- $1,256
- Total
- $2,512
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Benton County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $916; 1 bedroom: $1,056; 2 bedrooms: $1,256; 3 bedrooms: $1,739; 4 bedrooms: $2,099. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Benton County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,256) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.15 an hour full time, or $50,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Benton County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,450 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Benton County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,130 and $1,382 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Benton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 72722 to $1,880 in 72718. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Benton County?
HUD lists 32 properties with homes for low-income households in Benton County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Benton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Benton County, 33% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).