Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Johnson County, Arkansas
Johnson County has a HUD fair market rent of $909 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $728 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.48 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $909
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% less than in Arkansas
- Typical rent
- $728
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% 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
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% more than in Arkansas
Only here
Renting in Johnson County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Newton County has the lowest typical rent ($617), 15% below the $728 in Johnson County.
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23% of households in Johnson 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 Johnson 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $647 | $12.44 | $25,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $695 | $13.37 | $27,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $909 | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,136 | $21.85 | $45,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,274 | $24.50 | $50,960 |
HUD area: Johnson 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 13 ZIP codes in Johnson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 72830 to $960 in 72845. 13 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)
| 72830 | Johnson County, AR | $650 | $700 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72832 | Johnson County, AR | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,270 |
| 72839 | Johnson County, AR | $650 | $700 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,280 |
| 72839 | Pope County, AR | $650 | $700 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,280 |
| 72840 | Johnson County, AR | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,270 |
| 72845 | Johnson County, AR | $680 | $730 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,350 |
| 72846 | Johnson County, AR | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,270 |
| 72846 | Pope County, AR | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,270 |
| 72852 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $690 | $700 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,470 |
| 72852 | Johnson County, AR | $690 | $700 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,470 |
| 72852 | Newton County, AR | $690 | $700 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,470 |
| 72854 | Johnson County, AR | $650 | $710 | $910 | $1,130 | $1,290 |
| 72854 | Newton County, AR | $650 | $710 | $910 | $1,130 | $1,290 |
- 72830 · Johnson County, AR $910$1,140
- 72832 · Johnson County, AR $910$1,140
- 72839 · Johnson County, AR $910$1,150
- 72839 · Pope County, AR $910$1,150
- 72840 · Johnson County, AR $910$1,140
- 72845 · Johnson County, AR $960$1,200
- 72846 · Johnson County, AR $910$1,140
- 72846 · Pope County, AR $910$1,140
- 72852 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $920$1,170
- 72852 · Johnson County, AR $920$1,170
- 72852 · Newton County, AR $920$1,170
- 72854 · Johnson County, AR $910$1,130
- 72854 · Newton County, AR $910$1,130
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 Johnson County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,675 households rent in Johnson County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 29%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Johnson 50%
- Arkansas 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Johnson County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Johnson 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 2
465 homes in all; 445 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Clarksville Public housing 601 S Elm St, Clarksville 72830 173 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Clarksville · Average payment: $357 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (479) 754-3564
- Millwood Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Millwood Rd, Clarksville 72830 48 low-income homes · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2016
- Valley Estates of Clarksville II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1622 Dunwood Dr, Clarksville 72830 48 homes, 47 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2012
- Valley Estates of Clarksville Tax credit (LIHTC) 1620 Dunwood Dr, Clarksville 72830 48 homes, 38 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 2009
- Meadowview Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1801 Sagewood Dr, Clarksville 72830 40 homes, 32 low-income · Studio: 1 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 2008
- Meadowview Estates II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1801 Sagewood Dr, Clarksville 72830 25 low-income homes · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2012
- Parkwood Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 N Cazort St, Lamar 72846 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1994
- Coal Hill Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1206 Carolina St, Coal Hill 72832 21 homes, 20 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1997
- Coal Hill Public housing 605 Buster St, Coal Hill 72832 20 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Coal Hill · Average payment: $370 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (479) 497-1666
- Friendship Community Care HUD-assisted 601 E Cherry St, Clarksville 72830 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (479) 754-9149
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 Johnson 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 Johnson 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
-
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 | $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: $64,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Johnson County, AR. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $582 – $712
- 1 bedroom $626 – $765
- 2 bedrooms $818 – $1,000
- 3 bedrooms $1,022 – $1,250
- 4 bedrooms $1,147 – $1,401
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
- Johnson County Public Housing Agency Section 8 vouchers · 194 vouchers (479) 754-7565 Johnson County Public Housing Agency: johnsoncountysection8@gmail.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Clarksville Public housing · 173 public housing units (479) 754-3564 Housing Authority of the City of Clarksville: ed@cha-ar.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Coal Hill Public housing · 20 public housing units (479) 497-1666 Housing Authority of the City of Coal Hill: coalhillHA.102@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 Johnson County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Universal Housing Development Corporation
301 E 3rd St, Russellville · 28 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 10 more
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Northwest Regional Housing Authority
317 W Industrial Park Rd, Harrison · 50 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Crawford Sebastian Community Development Council
1617 S Zero St, Fort Smith · 56 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 Johnson 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
$1,818
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $909
- Security deposit
- $909
- Total
- $1,818
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 Johnson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $647; 1 bedroom: $695; 2 bedrooms: $909; 3 bedrooms: $1,136; 4 bedrooms: $1,274. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 72830 to $960 in 72845. 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 Johnson County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Johnson 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 Johnson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Johnson County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).