Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Crawford County, Arkansas
Crawford County has a HUD fair market rent of $979 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $851 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.83 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $979
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% less than in Arkansas
- Typical rent
- $851
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% less than in Arkansas
- Wage needed
- $18.83
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $39,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% less than in Arkansas
Only here
Renting in Crawford County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Franklin County has the lowest typical rent ($719), 16% below the $851 in Crawford County.
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Crawford County has the 8th highest typical household income of the 75 counties in Arkansas ($64,132).
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 Crawford 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 Crawford County was $1,171 a month in September 2026: 4.4% 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 | $741 | $14.25 | $29,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $748 | $14.38 | $29,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $979 | $18.83 | $39,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,324 | $25.46 | $52,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,625 | $31.25 | $65,000 |
HUD area: Fort Smith, AR-OK 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 11 ZIP codes in Crawford County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 72934 to $1,220 in 72948. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($979).
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)
| 72921 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $820 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,470 | $1,810 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72932 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $730 | $740 | $970 | $1,310 | $1,610 |
| 72934 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $690 | $700 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,520 |
| 72935 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $690 | $700 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,520 |
| 72946 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $870 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,560 | $1,920 |
| 72946 | Franklin County, AR | $870 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,560 | $1,920 |
| 72948 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72948 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72952 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $760 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,670 |
| 72955 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $710 | $720 | $950 | $1,280 | $1,570 |
| 72956 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $730 | $740 | $970 | $1,310 | $1,610 |
- 72921 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,090$1,470
- 72932 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $970$1,310
- 72934 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $920$1,240
- 72935 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $920$1,240
- 72946 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,150$1,560
- 72946 · Franklin County, AR $1,150$1,560
- 72948 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72948 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,220$1,690
- 72952 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,010$1,360
- 72955 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $950$1,280
- 72956 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $970$1,310
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 Crawford County, 40% 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.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,730 households rent in Crawford County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- Crawford 40%
- Arkansas 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Crawford County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Crawford County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 2
1,076 homes in all; 1,056 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Van Buren Public housing 201 S 18th St, Van Buren 72956 199 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Van Buren · Average payment: $350 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (479) 474-6901
- Chitwood Apts. Public housing 818 Chitwood St, Alma 72921 92 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Alma · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (479) 632-2043
- Garden Walk on Elfen Glen I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1608 Elfen Glen St, Van Buren 72956 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Garden Walk on Elfen Glen (ashley Park) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1608 Elfen Glen St, Van Buren 72956 80 homes, 72 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1996
- Summerchase Apartments HUD-assisted 1005 N 28th St, Van Buren 72956 72 low-income homes · For families · (479) 474-1412
- Alma Gardens Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Marlin Dr, Alma 72921 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2004
- Garden Walk on Elfen Glen II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1608 Elfen Glen St, Van Buren 72956 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Garden Walk on Elfen Glen II/ Ashley Park II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1608 Elfen Glen St, Van Buren 72956 54 homes, 53 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1988
- Brookstone Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 Kibler Rd, Van Buren 72956 42 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Stonebrook Park of Van Buren Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 N 38th St, Van Buren 72956 41 homes, 40 low-income · 3 bd: 37 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Garden Walk Fka Incline Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2925 Madeline Dr, Van Buren 72956 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 1994
- Garden Walk on 41st Street Fka Meadowview Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 S 41st Cir, Van Buren 72956 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 19 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 1993
- Garden Walk Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 S 41st Cir, Van Buren 72956 29 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 1993
- GardenWalk on 41st Circle HUD-assisted 3 S 41st Cir, Van Buren 72956 29 low-income homes · For families · (479) 474-3788
- Gardenwalk on 41st Circle Fka Meadowview Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 S 41st Cir, Van Buren 72956 29 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 19 · 4 bd: 1
- Garden Walk of Alma Fka Ashwood Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Harris Dr, Alma 72921 26 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 1999
- Stonebrook Park II Van Buren Tax credit (LIHTC) 207 N 38th St, Van Buren 72956 30 homes, 24 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 2018
- Lindenwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1220 Lakeview Estates Dr, Alma 72921 25 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2009
- Savannah Park Fka Valley View Tax credit (LIHTC) 535 Phillips Ln, Mountainburg 72946 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1993
- Savannah Park of Alma Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Thicksten Dr, Alma 72921 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2010
- Independent Living II HUD-assisted 819 N 28th St, Van Buren 72956 22 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (479) 452-9461
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 Crawford County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Crawford 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 | $16,150 | $26,900 | $43,050 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,750 | $49,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,600 | $55,350 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $38,400 | $61,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $41,500 | $66,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $44,550 | $71,300 |
| 7 people | $47,650 | $47,650 | $76,200 |
| 8 people | $50,700 | $50,700 | $81,150 |
Area median income: $76,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $667 – $815
- 1 bedroom $673 – $823
- 2 bedrooms $881 – $1,077
- 3 bedrooms $1,192 – $1,456
- 4 bedrooms $1,463 – $1,788
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
- Crawford Co. Public Facilities Board Section 8 vouchers · 432 vouchers (479) 474-0512 Crawford Co. Public Facilities Board: director@ccpfb.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Van Buren Public housing · 199 public housing units (479) 474-6901 Housing Authority of the City of Van Buren: dayna@vanburenhousing.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Alma Public housing · 92 public housing units (479) 632-2043 Housing Authority of the City of Alma: Almapha.becky@gmail.com
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 Crawford County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Crawford Sebastian Community Development Council
1617 S Zero St, Fort Smith · 20 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Crawford 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
$1,958
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $979
- Security deposit
- $979
- Total
- $1,958
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 Crawford County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $741; 1 bedroom: $748; 2 bedrooms: $979; 3 bedrooms: $1,324; 4 bedrooms: $1,625. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Crawford County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($979) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.83 an hour full time, or $39,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Crawford County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $38,400 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 Crawford 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 $881 and $1,077 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Crawford County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 72934 to $1,220 in 72948. 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 Crawford County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Crawford County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Crawford County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Crawford County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).