Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Pope County, Arkansas
Pope County has a HUD fair market rent of $948 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $859 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.23 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $948
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 11% less than in Arkansas
- Typical rent
- $859
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 9% less than in Arkansas
- Wage needed
- $18.23
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Arkansas
Only here
Renting in Pope County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Pope County has the highest typical rent in its area: $859, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Perry County ($805).
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 Pope 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 Pope County was $883 a month in September 2026: 5.2% 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 | $674 | $12.96 | $26,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $725 | $13.94 | $29,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $948 | $18.23 | $37,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,278 | $24.58 | $51,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,283 | $24.67 | $51,320 |
HUD area: Pope 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 Pope County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 72801 to $1,060 in 72858. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($948).
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)
| 72686 | Pope County, AR | $690 | $740 | $960 | $1,310 | $1,320 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72686 | Searcy County, AR | $690 | $740 | $960 | $1,310 | $1,320 |
| 72801 | Pope County, AR | $650 | $700 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,240 |
| 72802 | Pope County, AR | $700 | $750 | $980 | $1,320 | $1,330 |
| 72823 | Conway County, AR | $700 | $750 | $980 | $1,330 | $1,340 |
| 72823 | Pope County, AR | $700 | $750 | $980 | $1,330 | $1,340 |
| 72837 | Pope County, AR | $700 | $750 | $980 | $1,320 | $1,330 |
| 72843 | Pope County, AR | $730 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,390 | $1,390 |
| 72847 | Johnson County, AR | $690 | $740 | $960 | $1,270 | $1,320 |
| 72847 | Pope County, AR | $690 | $740 | $960 | $1,270 | $1,320 |
| 72858 | Pope County, AR | $750 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
- 72686 · Pope County, AR $960$1,310
- 72686 · Searcy County, AR $960$1,310
- 72801 · Pope County, AR $920$1,240
- 72802 · Pope County, AR $980$1,320
- 72823 · Conway County, AR $980$1,330
- 72823 · Pope County, AR $980$1,330
- 72837 · Pope County, AR $980$1,320
- 72843 · Pope County, AR $1,030$1,390
- 72847 · Johnson County, AR $960$1,270
- 72847 · Pope County, AR $960$1,270
- 72858 · Pope County, AR $1,060$1,430
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 Pope County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,211 households rent in Pope County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Pope 43%
- Arkansas 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Pope County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Pope 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 11
- public housing
- 3
641 homes in all; 625 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Russellville Public housing 318 S Glenwood Ave, Russellville 72801 182 low-income homes · Run by Russellville Housing Authority · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (479) 968-5440
- Riverwood Village at Russelville Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1500 E 16th St, Russellville 72802 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · For families · (479) 968-2265
- Southlawn Apartments HUD-assisted 1701 S Detroit Ave, Russellville 72801 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 968-4902
- Inglewood Manor Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3112 W 2nd Ct, Russellville 72801 37 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 2013
- Stonebrook Park of Russellville Tax credit (LIHTC) 1012 S Utica Ave, Russellville 72802 41 homes, 32 low-income · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2014
- West End Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 N Ukiah Ave, Russellville 72801 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2013
- Ehemann/Townhill Public housing 301 Avenue 5 NW, Atkins 72823 26 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Atkins · Average payment: $434 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (479) 641-2268
- Ken del Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 SE 4th St, Atkins 72823 25 homes, 24 low-income · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2002
- Whitley Place HUD-assisted 950 University Dr, Russellville 72801 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (479) 880-9523
- Dover Public housing 200 Davis St, Dover 72837 20 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Dover · Average payment: $341 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (479) 331-2670
- Valley Housing HUD-assisted 1133 S Independence Ave, Russellville 72801 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (501) 641-1015
- Archway Apartments HUD-assisted 1015 N Nashville Ave, Russellville 72802 20 homes, 19 low-income · For people with disabilities · (479) 967-1813
- Russellville Heritage Apartments HUD-assisted 1010 E M St, Russellville 72801 20 homes, 18 low-income · For people with disabilities · (479) 968-2055
- John L. Rankin Senior Housing HUD-assisted 214 S Erie Ave, Russellville 72801 19 homes, 18 low-income · For older adults · (479) 967-1251
- Housing Services HUD-assisted 715A E G St, Russellville 72801 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (479) 968-1298
- Jackson-Burris Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 1026 N Rochester Ave, Russellville 72802 18 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 967-2322
- Heritage Homes HUD-assisted 1125 S Independence Ave, Russellville 72801 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (479) 967-2322
- Houston Group Home HUD-assisted 1000 S Houston Ave, Russellville 72801 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (479) 968-2263
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Pope 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 Pope 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)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $26,300 | $42,100 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,050 | $48,100 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $33,800 | $54,100 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $37,550 | $60,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $40,600 | $64,950 |
| 6 people | $43,600 | $43,600 | $69,750 |
| 7 people | $46,600 | $46,600 | $74,550 |
| 8 people | $49,600 | $49,600 | $79,350 |
Area median income: $75,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Pope County, AR. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $607 – $741
- 1 bedroom $653 – $798
- 2 bedrooms $853 – $1,043
- 3 bedrooms $1,150 – $1,406
- 4 bedrooms $1,155 – $1,411
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
- Russellville Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 179 vouchers · 182 public housing units (479) 968-5440 Russellville Housing Authority: director@rsvlha.com
- Pope County Public Facilities Board Section 8 vouchers · 211 vouchers (479) 968-5001 Pope County Public Facilities Board: twood@UHDC.net
- Housing Authority of the City of Atkins Public housing · 26 public housing units (479) 641-2268 Housing Authority of the City of Atkins: atkinsha@cswnet.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Dover Public housing · 20 public housing units (479) 331-2670 Housing Authority of the City of Dover: ed@cha-ar.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 Pope County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Pope County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Universal Housing Development Corporation
301 E 3rd St, Russellville
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 10 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Pope 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
$1,896
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $948
- Security deposit
- $948
- Total
- $1,896
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 Pope County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $674; 1 bedroom: $725; 2 bedrooms: $948; 3 bedrooms: $1,278; 4 bedrooms: $1,283. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Pope County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($948) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.23 an hour full time, or $37,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Pope County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $37,550 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 Pope 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 $853 and $1,043 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Pope County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 72801 to $1,060 in 72858. 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 Pope County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Pope 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 Pope County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Pope County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).