Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lee County, Arkansas
Lee 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 $667 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
- $667
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 30% 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
- Data not available
- The official source doesn't publish this figure for this place.
Only here
Renting in Lee County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 75 counties in Arkansas, Lee County has the lowest typical household income: $34,375.
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17% of households in Lee County have no internet at home, against 10% in Arkansas.
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Lee County has the 7th lowest homeownership rate of the 75 counties in Arkansas (59%).
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 Lee 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 | $646 | $12.42 | $25,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $695 | $13.37 | $27,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $909 | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,259 | $24.21 | $50,360 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,519 | $29.21 | $60,760 |
HUD area: Lee 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 10 ZIP codes in Lee County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 72360 to $1,060 in 72311. 10 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)
| 72311 | Lee County, AR | $750 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72320 | Lee County, AR | $790 | $840 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,490 |
| 72341 | Lee County, AR | $660 | $700 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,390 |
| 72352 | Lee County, AR | $690 | $740 | $970 | $1,340 | $1,560 |
| 72360 | Lee County, AR | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,260 | $1,520 |
| 72360 | Phillips County, AR | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,260 | $1,520 |
| 72360 | St. Francis County, AR | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,260 | $1,520 |
| 72368 | Lee County, AR | $690 | $740 | $970 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 72368 | Monroe County, AR | $690 | $740 | $970 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 72368 | St. Francis County, AR | $690 | $740 | $970 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
- 72311 · Lee County, AR $1,060$1,470
- 72320 · Lee County, AR $1,010$1,300
- 72341 · Lee County, AR $930$1,200
- 72352 · Lee County, AR $970$1,340
- 72360 · Lee County, AR $910$1,260
- 72360 · Phillips County, AR $910$1,260
- 72360 · St. Francis County, AR $910$1,260
- 72368 · Lee County, AR $970$1,330
- 72368 · Monroe County, AR $970$1,330
- 72368 · St. Francis County, AR $970$1,330
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lee County
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Lee 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)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 1
700 homes in all; 691 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Marianna Public housing 701 Claybrook Ct, Marianna 72360 243 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Marianna · Average payment: $270 a month · Average wait: 29 months · Homes at several sites · (870) 295-2691
- South Pointe Apartments Fka Marianna Manor Ap Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 340 California St, Marianna 72360 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 36 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For families · (870) 295-5624
- Hicky Garden Tax credit (LIHTC) 785 Hicky Rd, Marianna 72360 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2015
- Hicky Garden Apartments HUD-assisted 772 Hicky Rd, Marianna 72360 56 low-income homes · For families · (870) 295-4244
- Hicky Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 785 Hicky Rd, Marianna 72360 56 low-income homes · In service since 2015
- Riverview Apartments - Marianna Tax credit (LIHTC) 580 Hicky Rd W, Marianna 72360 42 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2012
- Riverview Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 580 Hicky Rd W, Marianna 72360 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2012
- Foster Collier Gordon Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 100 Sarah Sauls Dr, Marianna 72360 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 8 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2016 · For families · (870) 295-6128
- Meadowbrook Park Homes of Marianna Tax credit (LIHTC) 716 Meadowbrook Way, Marianna 72360 34 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2004
- Meadowbrook Park of Marianna II Tax credit (LIHTC) 133 Robert Taylor Dr, Marianna 72360 29 homes, 24 low-income · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, families
- Meadowbrook Park Homes of Marianna II Tax credit (LIHTC) 133 Robert Taylor Dr, Marianna 72360 27 homes, 24 low-income · 3 bd: 25 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2011
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 Lee 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 Lee 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 | $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: $46,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lee County, AR. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $581 – $711
- 1 bedroom $626 – $765
- 2 bedrooms $818 – $1,000
- 3 bedrooms $1,133 – $1,385
- 4 bedrooms $1,367 – $1,671
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
- Housing Authority of the City of Marianna Public housing · 243 public housing units (870) 295-2691 Housing Authority of the City of Marianna: csneed2467@att.net
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 Lee County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Southern Bancorp Community Partners
425 Plaza, West Helena · 18 miles away
Also serves in other languages.
- 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 Lee 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 Lee County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $646; 1 bedroom: $695; 2 bedrooms: $909; 3 bedrooms: $1,259; 4 bedrooms: $1,519. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 72360 to $1,060 in 72311. 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 Lee County?
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Lee 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.