Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Sebastian County, Arkansas
Sebastian County has a HUD fair market rent of $979 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $886 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.83 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $979
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% less than in Arkansas
- Typical rent
- $886
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% less than in Arkansas
- Wage needed
- $18.83
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $39,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Arkansas
Only here
Renting in Sebastian County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Sebastian County has the highest typical rent in its area: $886, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Crawford County ($851).
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 Sebastian 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 Sebastian County was $1,086 a month in September 2026: 3.1% 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 | $741 | $14.25 | $29,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $748 | $14.38 | $29,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $979 | $18.83 | $39,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,324 | $25.46 | $52,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,625 | $31.25 | $65,000 |
HUD area: Fort Smith, AR-OK 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 15 ZIP codes in Sebastian County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 72937 to $1,330 in 72916. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($979).
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)
| 72901 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $730 | $730 | $960 | $1,300 | $1,590 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72903 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $770 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,380 | $1,690 |
| 72904 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $730 | $740 | $970 | $1,310 | $1,610 |
| 72905 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $750 | $760 | $990 | $1,340 | $1,640 |
| 72908 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $770 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,380 | $1,690 |
| 72916 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,330 | $1,800 | $2,210 |
| 72923 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $820 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,460 | $1,790 |
| 72936 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $730 | $740 | $970 | $1,310 | $1,610 |
| 72937 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $690 | $700 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,520 |
| 72938 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $730 | $740 | $970 | $1,310 | $1,610 |
| 72940 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $690 | $700 | $920 | $1,240 | $1,520 |
| 72941 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $750 | $760 | $990 | $1,340 | $1,640 |
| 72944 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $680 | $700 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,440 |
| 72944 | Scott County, AR | $680 | $700 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,440 |
| 72945 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $870 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,560 | $1,910 |
- 72901 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $960$1,300
- 72903 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,020$1,380
- 72904 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $970$1,310
- 72905 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $990$1,340
- 72908 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,020$1,380
- 72916 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,330$1,800
- 72923 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,080$1,460
- 72936 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $970$1,310
- 72937 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $920$1,240
- 72938 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $970$1,310
- 72940 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $920$1,240
- 72941 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $990$1,340
- 72944 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $920$1,210
- 72944 · Scott County, AR $920$1,210
- 72945 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,150$1,560
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 Sebastian County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
20,147 households rent in Sebastian County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Sebastian 42%
- Arkansas 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Sebastian County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Sebastian 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
- 1
1,362 homes in all; 1,264 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Armstrong Residences HUD-assisted 5221 Johnson St, Fort Smith 72904 160 homes, 156 low-income · For families · (479) 782-3611
- Gorman Towers HUD-assisted 5800 Grand Ave, Fort Smith 72904 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 452-7670
- Mid-Town Apartments HUD-assisted 1411 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith 72901 136 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 783-1089
- Briarwood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3400 Duke Ave, Fort Smith 72908 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 46 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2003
- Briarwood Apartments HUD-assisted 3400E Duke Ave, Fort Smith 72908 128 low-income homes · For families · (479) 646-2815
- West Apartments HUD-assisted 4118 N 50th St, Fort Smith 72904 100 low-income homes · For families · (479) 783-7663
- Rock Creek Apartments of Fort Smith Tax credit (LIHTC) 3020 N 50th St, Fort Smith 72904 56 homes, 45 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2008
- Ridge at Fort Smith Tax credit (LIHTC) 4200 N 6th St, Fort Smith 72904 56 homes, 44 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 27 · In service since 2006
- North Pointe II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3300 N 6th St, Fort Smith 72904 65 homes, 43 low-income · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 52 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2010
- Barling Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 710 A St, Barling 72923 48 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2012
- Garden Walk of Barling Tax credit (LIHTC) 710 A St, Barling 72923 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2012
- North Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 3300 N 6th St, Fort Smith 72904 50 homes, 40 low-income · Studio: 1 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 35 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2007
- Stonebrook Park Homes of Fort Smith Tax credit (LIHTC) 3433 North St, Fort Smith 72904 37 homes, 36 low-income · 3 bd: 34 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2012
- Stonebrook Park of Fort Smith Tax credit (LIHTC) 3433 North St, Fort Smith 72904 37 homes, 36 low-income · 3 bd: 34 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2011
- DR. Charles Hall Homes Public housing 319 W Cedar St, Greenwood 72936 36 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Greenwood · Average payment: $365 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (479) 996-4661
- Clayton Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 5023 Williams Ln, Fort Smith 72904 57 homes, 35 low-income · 3 bd: 52 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2013
- Walnut Park Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 4101 Walnut Park Dr, Fort Smith 72904 33 homes, 25 low-income · 3 bd: 33 · In service since 2006
- Walnut Park Estates II Tax credit (LIHTC) 4101 Walnut Park Dr, Fort Smith 72904 25 low-income homes · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2012
- Heritage Village of Barling HUD-assisted 1601 M St, Barling 72923 19 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 452-1187
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 Sebastian County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Sebastian 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 | $16,150 | $26,900 | $43,050 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,750 | $49,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,600 | $55,350 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $38,400 | $61,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $41,500 | $66,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $44,550 | $71,300 |
| 7 people | $47,650 | $47,650 | $76,200 |
| 8 people | $50,700 | $50,700 | $81,150 |
Area median income: $76,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $667 – $815
- 1 bedroom $673 – $823
- 2 bedrooms $881 – $1,077
- 3 bedrooms $1,192 – $1,456
- 4 bedrooms $1,463 – $1,788
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
- The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Smi Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,827 vouchers (479) 782-4991 The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Smi: mminnick@fortsmithhousing.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Greenwood Public housing · 36 public housing units (479) 996-4661 Housing Authority of the City of Greenwood: housing@centurytel.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 Sebastian County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Sebastian County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Crawford Sebastian Community Development Council
1617 S Zero St, Fort Smith · 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 Sebastian 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
$1,958
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $979
- Security deposit
- $979
- Total
- $1,958
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 Sebastian County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $741; 1 bedroom: $748; 2 bedrooms: $979; 3 bedrooms: $1,324; 4 bedrooms: $1,625. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Sebastian County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($979) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.83 an hour full time, or $39,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Sebastian County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $38,400 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 Sebastian 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 $881 and $1,077 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Sebastian County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 72937 to $1,330 in 72916. 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 Sebastian County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Sebastian 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 Sebastian County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Sebastian County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).