Renting in Desha County, Arkansas: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $909; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 14% less than in Arkansas
Typical rent: $718; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 24% less than in Arkansas
Wage needed: $17.48; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $36,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 46%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 3% more than in Arkansas

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Desha County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

At $37,662, Desha County ranks 2nd among the 75 counties in Arkansas for the lowest typical household income.
At 57%, Desha County ranks 4th among the 75 counties in Arkansas for the lowest homeownership rate.
Nearby, in Chicot County, the typical rent is $574: 20% less than in Desha County ($718).
20% of households in Desha 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 Desha 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)

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$646	$12.42	$25,840
1 bedroom	$700	$13.46	$28,000
2 bedrooms	$909	$17.48	$36,360
3 bedrooms	$1,217	$23.40	$48,680
4 bedrooms	$1,329	$25.56	$53,160

HUD area: Desha County, AR. 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 Desha County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 71630 to $940 in 71662. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($909).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

71630	Desha County, AR	$650	$700	$910	$1,220	$1,340
71654	Desha County, AR	$650	$710	$920	$1,230	$1,380
71654	Drew County, AR	$650	$710	$920	$1,230	$1,380
71662	Desha County, AR	$660	$720	$940	$1,250	$1,330
71666	Desha County, AR	$650	$700	$910	$1,220	$1,350
71670	Desha County, AR	$650	$700	$910	$1,210	$1,330
71670	Drew County, AR	$650	$700	$910	$1,210	$1,330
71674	Desha County, AR	$650	$700	$910	$1,220	$1,430
72328	Desha County, AR	$650	$700	$910	$1,250	$1,340
72328	Phillips County, AR	$650	$700	$910	$1,250	$1,340
72379	Desha County, AR	$650	$700	$910	$1,220	$1,340

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
71630 · Desha County, AR $910$1,220
71654 · Desha County, AR $920$1,230
71654 · Drew County, AR $920$1,230
71662 · Desha County, AR $940$1,250
71666 · Desha County, AR $910$1,220
71670 · Desha County, AR $910$1,210
71670 · Drew County, AR $910$1,210
71674 · Desha County, AR $910$1,220
72328 · Desha County, AR $910$1,250
72328 · Phillips County, AR $910$1,250
72379 · Desha County, AR $910$1,220

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 Desha County, 46% 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.

46%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

1,991 households rent in Desha County

Spend half or more of their income 24%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
Spend less than 30% 54%

Compared with the state and the country

Desha 46%
Arkansas 45%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Desha County

HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Desha 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): 12
HUD-assisted: 6
public housing: 2

665 homes in all; 658 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Gill Court/Reid Court Public housing 217 S Pine St, Dumas 71639 93 homes, 92 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Dumas · Average payment: $370 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (870) 382-5457
Westview Arms Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 204 Pistachio St, Dumas 71639 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 12 · For families · (870) 382-5141
MC Gehee Public housing 101 Shady Ln, Mc Gehee 71654 58 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of McGehee · Average payment: $313 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (870) 222-3732
Pecan Grove Apartments HUD-assisted 124 E Banks St, Dumas 71639 56 low-income homes · For families · (870) 382-2057
C.i.c. Arms Apartments HUD-assisted 200 Martin Dr, Mc Gehee 71654 50 low-income homes · For families · (870) 222-5276
Chateau Desha Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 84 Jack Dante Dr, Dumas 71639 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2008
Cypress Grove - Mcgehee Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Ashley St, Mc Gehee 71654 36 low-income homes · 3 bd: 33 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2015
Cypress Grove Homes of Mcgehee Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Ashley St, Mc Gehee 71654 36 low-income homes · 3 bd: 33 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2015
Meadows Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 70 Jack Dante Dr, Dumas 71639 33 homes, 32 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16
Meadows Apartments - Dumas Tax credit (LIHTC) 70 Jack Dante Dr, Dumas 71639 33 homes, 32 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2011
Centennial Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 220 Dan Gill Dr, Dumas 71639 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
Valley Apartments Fka Delta Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Robinwood Ln, Mc Gehee 71654 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1996
Northview Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 141 Clayton Dr, Dumas 71639 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4
Northview Apts of Dumas Tax credit (LIHTC) 141 Clayton Dr, Dumas 71639 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 2 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
Oak Grove Apartments - Mcgehee Tax credit (LIHTC) 417 Oakgrove Dr, Mc Gehee 71654 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2001
Dumas Scattered Sites Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered Sites, Dumas 71639 20 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1999
New Millennium Village HUD-assisted 106 Ashley St, Mc Gehee 71654 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (870) 222-9800
Desha Elderly Apartments HUD-assisted 210 Ashley St, Mc Gehee 71654 12 homes, 11 low-income · For older adults · (870) 382-6762
C. B. King Group Home HUD-assisted 1402 Walker St, Mc Gehee 71654 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (870) 222-6211

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Desha County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Desha County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

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
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)
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)
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)
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
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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Desha County, AR.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$15,960	$24,900	$39,850
2 people	$21,640	$28,450	$45,550
3 people	$27,320	$32,000	$51,250
4 people	$33,000	$35,550	$56,900
5 people	$38,400	$38,400	$61,500
6 people	$41,250	$41,250	$66,050
7 people	$44,100	$44,100	$70,600
8 people	$46,950	$46,950	$75,150

Area median income: $50,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Desha County, AR. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $581 – $711
1 bedroom $630 – $770
2 bedrooms $818 – $1,000
3 bedrooms $1,095 – $1,339
4 bedrooms $1,196 – $1,462

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

McGehee Public Facilities Board Section 8 vouchers · 196 vouchers (870) 222-3732 McGehee Public Facilities Board: allen.64.evans@gmail.com
Desha Co. Residential Housing Fac Board Section 8 vouchers · 151 vouchers (870) 222-3732 Desha Co. Residential Housing Fac Board: allen.64.evans@gmail.com
Housing Authority of the City of Dumas Public housing · 92 public housing units (870) 382-5457 Housing Authority of the City of Dumas: annette_holmes@yahoo.com
Housing Authority of the City of McGehee Public housing · 58 public housing units (870) 222-3732 Housing Authority of the City of McGehee: allen.64.evans@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 rule

Compare 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 Desha County

HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Desha County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.

See every agency in Arkansas Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Desha 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Desha County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $909. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$1,818

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $909
Security deposit: $909
Total: $1,818

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Desha County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $646; 1 bedroom: $700; 2 bedrooms: $909; 3 bedrooms: $1,217; 4 bedrooms: $1,329. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Desha County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($909) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.48 an hour full time, or $36,360 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Desha County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $35,550 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 Desha 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 $818 and $1,000 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Desha County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 71630 to $940 in 71662. 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 Desha County?

HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Desha 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 Desha County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Desha County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Desha County, Arkansas

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Desha County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Desha County

The Section 8 voucher in Desha County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Arkansas

Where to get help with rent in Desha County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Desha County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Desha County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Desha County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Desha County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Desha County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Desha County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Desha County?