Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Garland County, Arkansas
Garland County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,110 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $966 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.35 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,110
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% more than in Arkansas
- Typical rent
- $966
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% more than in Arkansas
- Wage needed
- $21.35
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% more than in Arkansas
Only here
Renting in Garland 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, Montgomery County has the lowest typical rent ($636), 34% below the $966 in Garland County.
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Garland County has the 7th highest typical rent of the 75 counties in Arkansas ($966).
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 Garland 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 Garland County was $1,236 a month in September 2026: 4.1% 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 | $858 | $16.50 | $34,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $863 | $16.60 | $34,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,110 | $21.35 | $44,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,424 | $27.38 | $56,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,599 | $30.75 | $63,960 |
HUD area: Hot Springs, 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 14 ZIP codes in Garland County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $990 in 71933 to $1,440 in 71964. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,110).
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)
| 71901 | Hot Spring County, AR | $790 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,510 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71901 | Hot Springs, AR | $790 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,510 |
| 71909 | Hot Springs, AR | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,300 | $1,690 | $1,950 |
| 71909 | Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,300 | $1,690 | $1,950 |
| 71913 | Hot Spring County, AR | $890 | $890 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,660 |
| 71913 | Hot Springs, AR | $890 | $890 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,660 |
| 71933 | Hot Spring County, AR | $750 | $760 | $990 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 71933 | Hot Springs, AR | $750 | $760 | $990 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 71933 | Montgomery County, AR | $750 | $760 | $990 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 71949 | Hot Springs, AR | $910 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,500 | $1,710 |
| 71956 | Hot Springs, AR | $750 | $760 | $990 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 71964 | Hot Spring County, AR | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,850 | $2,080 |
| 71964 | Hot Springs, AR | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,850 | $2,080 |
| 71968 | Hot Springs, AR | $930 | $940 | $1,210 | $1,550 | $1,740 |
- 71901 · Hot Spring County, AR $1,020$1,310
- 71901 · Hot Springs, AR $1,020$1,310
- 71909 · Hot Springs, AR $1,300$1,690
- 71909 · Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR $1,300$1,690
- 71913 · Hot Spring County, AR $1,150$1,470
- 71913 · Hot Springs, AR $1,150$1,470
- 71933 · Hot Spring County, AR $990$1,260
- 71933 · Hot Springs, AR $990$1,260
- 71933 · Montgomery County, AR $990$1,260
- 71949 · Hot Springs, AR $1,160$1,500
- 71956 · Hot Springs, AR $990$1,260
- 71964 · Hot Spring County, AR $1,440$1,850
- 71964 · Hot Springs, AR $1,440$1,850
- 71968 · Hot Springs, AR $1,210$1,550
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 Garland County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
13,371 households rent in Garland County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Garland 45%
- Arkansas 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Garland County
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Garland County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 13
1,716 homes in all; 1,585 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mountain View Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 1002 Illinois; 800 Spring STS 100 Highrise Circle, Hot Springs 71901 365 low-income homes · Studio: 120 · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 120 · 3 bd: 95 · 4 bd: 7
- Levi Towers HUD-assisted 240 Prospect Ave, Hot Springs 71901 102 homes, 101 low-income · For older adults · (501) 623-8419
- Aristocrat Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 240 Central Ave, Hot Springs 71901 101 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 624-4601
- Ridge at Lake Hamilton Tax credit (LIHTC) 329 Amity Rd, Hot Springs 71913 96 homes, 76 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2003
- Park Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 Oriole St, Hot Springs 71901 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2013
- Park Place Apartments HUD-assisted 108G Bailey Pl, Hot Springs 71901 71 low-income homes · For families · (501) 623-8654
- Park Place Apartments - Hot Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 Oriole St, Hot Springs 71901 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2013
- Garland Tower Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 126 Oriole St, Hot Springs 71901 71 homes, 70 low-income · Studio: 53 · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2007
- Garland Towers Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 126 Oriole St, Hot Springs 71901 71 homes, 70 low-income · Studio: 53 · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 3
- Garland Towers Apartments HUD-assisted 126 Oriole St, Hot Springs 71901 70 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 623-9769
- Greenbriar Apartments HUD-assisted 315 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs 71901 64 low-income homes · For families · (501) 623-1422
- Home Harbor Hot Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs 71901 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2011
- Heights at Seneca Tax credit (LIHTC) 305 Terry St, Hot Springs 71913 61 homes, 60 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 37 · In service since 2020
- Peaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 431 Lake Hamilton Dr, Hot Springs 71913 48 homes, 38 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2008
- Peaks at Hot Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 431 Lake Hamilton Dr, Hot Springs 71913 48 homes, 38 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2008
- On Our Own I HUD-assisted 201 Cones Rd, Hot Springs 71901 40 homes, 38 low-income · For people with disabilities · (501) 620-5432
- Village at Gulpha Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 Wise St, Hot Springs 71901 40 homes, 32 low-income · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2019
- Cascades at Spring Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 1510 Spring St, Hot Springs 71901 32 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 2009
- Hot Springs High School Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 Oak St, Hot Springs 71901 32 homes, 21 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2005
- Central City Apartments HUD-assisted 595 Section Line Trl, Hot Springs 71913 21 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (501) 291-4700
- Christopher Homes of Hot Springs HUD-assisted 1010 Cones Rd, Hot Springs 71901 21 homes, 20 low-income · For older adults · (870) 318-1317
- Chaucer Street Apartments HUD-assisted 345 Chaucer St, Hot Springs 71901 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (501) 620-4142
- On Our Own II HUD-assisted 111 Ardmore St, Hot Springs 71913 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (501) 620-5432
- On Our Own III HUD-assisted 317 Pringle St, Hot Springs 71913 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (501) 624-6468
- Shorter College Plaza HUD-assisted 240A Glade St, Hot Springs 71901 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 623-2087
- Springwood Manor HUD-assisted 223 Sulphur St, Hot Springs 71901 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (501) 701-4260
- Home Harbor Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs 71901 64 homes · In service since 1999 · For families
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 Garland County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Garland 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 | $16,900 | $28,150 | $45,000 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,150 | $51,450 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,150 | $57,900 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $40,200 | $64,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,450 | $69,450 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,600 | $74,600 |
| 7 people | $49,850 | $49,850 | $79,750 |
| 8 people | $53,050 | $53,050 | $84,900 |
Area median income: $81,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Hot Springs, AR MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $772 – $944
- 1 bedroom $777 – $949
- 2 bedrooms $999 – $1,221
- 3 bedrooms $1,282 – $1,566
- 4 bedrooms $1,439 – $1,759
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
- Hot Springs Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,129 vouchers (501) 321-4711 Hot Springs Housing Authority: llangan@hshousing.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 Garland County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Garland County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Southern Bancorp Community Partners
206 Airport Rd, Hot Springs · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Garland 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
$2,220
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,110
- Security deposit
- $1,110
- Total
- $2,220
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 Garland County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $858; 1 bedroom: $863; 2 bedrooms: $1,110; 3 bedrooms: $1,424; 4 bedrooms: $1,599. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Garland County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,110) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.35 an hour full time, or $44,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Garland County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,200 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 Garland 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 $999 and $1,221 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Garland County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $990 in 71933 to $1,440 in 71964. 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 Garland County?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Garland 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 Garland County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Garland County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).