Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Washington County, Arkansas
Washington County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,256 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,071 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.15 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,256
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% more than in Arkansas
- Typical rent
- $1,071
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% more than in Arkansas
- Wage needed
- $24.15
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $50,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Arkansas
Only here
Renting in Washington County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Washington County has the 3rd lowest homeownership rate of the 75 counties in Arkansas (56%).
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Washington County has the 3rd highest typical rent of the 75 counties in Arkansas ($1,071).
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Among the neighboring counties, Franklin County has the lowest typical rent ($719), 33% below the $1,071 in Washington County.
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Washington County has the 5th highest typical household income of the 75 counties in Arkansas ($70,639).
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 Washington 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 Washington County was $1,532 a month in September 2026: 1.4% 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 | $916 | $17.62 | $36,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,056 | $20.31 | $42,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,256 | $24.15 | $50,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,739 | $33.44 | $69,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,099 | $40.37 | $83,960 |
HUD area: Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, 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 16 ZIP codes in Washington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 72703 to $1,570 in 72730. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,256).
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)
| 72701 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $930 | $1,080 | $1,280 | $1,770 | $2,140 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72703 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,020 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,020 |
| 72704 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $990 | $1,130 | $1,340 | $1,860 | $2,240 |
| 72717 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72729 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72730 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,570 | $2,170 | $2,620 |
| 72744 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,030 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,040 |
| 72749 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72753 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72762 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $940 | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,790 | $2,160 |
| 72764 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72769 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72774 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $980 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,800 | $2,170 |
| 72959 | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72959 | Fort Smith, AR-OK | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 72959 | Franklin County, AR | $910 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
- 72701 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,280$1,770
- 72703 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72704 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,340$1,860
- 72717 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72729 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72730 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,570$2,170
- 72744 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72749 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72753 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72762 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,290$1,790
- 72764 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72769 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72774 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,300$1,800
- 72959 · Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $1,220$1,690
- 72959 · Fort Smith, AR-OK $1,220$1,690
- 72959 · Franklin County, AR $1,220$1,690
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 Washington 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.
43,131 households rent in Washington County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Washington 45%
- Arkansas 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Washington County
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington 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)
- 15
- HUD-assisted
- 11
- public housing
- 2
1,810 homes in all; 1,724 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Phillips Plaza Public housing 2 Applegate Dr, Springdale 72764 197 low-income homes · Run by Springdale Housing Authority · Average payment: $507 a month · Average wait: 25 months · (479) 751-0560
- Hillcrest Towers/ Lewis Plaza/Willow Hts Public housing 1 N School Ave, Fayetteville 72701 196 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Fayetteville · Average payment: $325 a month · Average wait: 13 months · Homes at several sites · (479) 521-3850
- Grandview Apartments - Fayetteville Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 W 24th St, Fayetteville 72701 128 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2004
- Park Lake Apartments HUD-assisted 1753 E Zion Rd, Fayetteville 72703 91 low-income homes · For families · (479) 442-7683
- Highpoint Apartments HUD-assisted 1101 S Curtis Ave, Fayetteville 72701 88 low-income homes · For families · (479) 521-3072
- Washington Plaza Apartments HUD-assisted 1655 N Lewis Ave, Fayetteville 72703 128 homes, 81 low-income · For families · (479) 521-3073
- Spring Meadows Apartments HUD-assisted 1800 Carley Rd, Springdale 72762 82 homes, 81 low-income · For older adults · (479) 756-8570
- Leverett Gardens II fka Chestnut Meadows HUD-assisted 2071 N Chestnut Ave, Fayetteville 72703 80 low-income homes · For families · (479) 442-9447
- Northwest Acres HUD-assisted 710 Union Dr, Springdale 72764 80 homes, 78 low-income · For families · (479) 756-3937
- Colony Square at Springdale Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1322 A Q Cir, Springdale 72764 64 homes, 63 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16
- Wedington Place Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3130 W Telluride Dr, Fayetteville 72704 72 homes, 57 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 43 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2002
- Colony Square at Springdale Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1322 A Q Cir, Springdale 72764 56 homes, 55 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 4
- Morgan Manor HUD-assisted 302 E 12th St, Fayetteville 72701 52 low-income homes · For families · (479) 521-3850
- Nantucket Apartments Fka Fayetteville S. Cit Tax credit (LIHTC) 611 E Nantucket Dr, Fayetteville 72701 51 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 50 · In service since 2000
- Mill Street Mansion Senior Citizen Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 913 Mill St, Springdale 72764 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 50 · In service since 2020
- Peaks at Springdale Tax credit (LIHTC) 1087 Cooper Dr, Springdale 72764 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2019
- Nantucket IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 675 E Frankie Kelly Cir, Fayetteville 72701 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2013
- Village at Scull Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 2619 N Quality Ln, Fayetteville 72703 54 homes, 43 low-income · Studio: 7 · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 45 · In service since 2007
- Nantucket Apartments III Tax credit (LIHTC) 517 E Whitefish Bay Pl, Fayetteville 72701 42 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2007
- Savannah Park of Farmington (village Lane) Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Old Depot Rd, Farmington 72730 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2013
- SavannahPark of Farmington HUD-assisted 102 Old Depot Rd, Farmington 72730 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (479) 267-2472
- Village Lane Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Old Depot Rd, Farmington 72730 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1993
- Lincoln Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1205 E North St, Lincoln 72744 32 homes, 31 low-income · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2005 · For families
- White River Senior Complex HUD-assisted 349 Bunch Ln, Elkins 72727 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (870) 523-3744
- Jenning Mills Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 62 E 7th St, Fayetteville 72701 14 homes, 11 low-income · Studio: 1 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2005
- Lifestyles Housing HUD-assisted 2471 W Sycamore St, Fayetteville 72703 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (479) 521-3581
- Nantucket Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 663 E Chesapeake Way, Fayetteville 72701 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Hemingway Apartments HUD-assisted 2514 S 48th St, Springdale 72762 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (479) 750-7349
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 Washington 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 Washington 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 | $22,450 | $37,450 | $59,850 |
| 2 people | $25,650 | $42,800 | $68,400 |
| 3 people | $28,850 | $48,150 | $76,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,450 | $85,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,750 | $92,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $62,050 | $99,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,300 | $106,050 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,600 | $112,900 |
Area median income: $106,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $824 – $1,008
- 1 bedroom $950 – $1,162
- 2 bedrooms $1,130 – $1,382
- 3 bedrooms $1,565 – $1,913
- 4 bedrooms $1,889 – $2,309
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
- Fayetteville Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 759 vouchers (479) 521-3850 Fayetteville Housing Authority: chonda@fayettevilleha.org
- Springdale Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 159 vouchers · 197 public housing units (479) 751-0560 Springdale Housing Authority: director@springdaleha.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Fayetteville Public housing · 196 public housing units (479) 521-3850 Housing Authority of the City of Fayetteville: chonda@fayettevilleha.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 Washington County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Washington County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Credit Counseling of Arkansas
1111 E Zion Rd, Fayetteville · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Washington 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
$2,512
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,256
- Security deposit
- $1,256
- Total
- $2,512
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 Washington County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $916; 1 bedroom: $1,056; 2 bedrooms: $1,256; 3 bedrooms: $1,739; 4 bedrooms: $2,099. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Washington County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,256) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.15 an hour full time, or $50,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Washington County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,450 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 Washington 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 $1,130 and $1,382 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Washington County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 72703 to $1,570 in 72730. 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 Washington County?
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington 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 Washington County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Washington County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).