Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in White County, Arkansas
White 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 $850 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
- $850
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% 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
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% more than in Arkansas
Only here
Renting in White County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Woodruff County has the lowest typical rent ($613), 28% below the $850 in White County.
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 White 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 White County was $1,064 a month in September 2026: 4.9% 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 | $779 | $14.98 | $31,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $948 | $18.23 | $37,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,238 | $23.81 | $49,520 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,246 | $23.96 | $49,840 |
HUD area: White 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 22 ZIP codes in White County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 72012 to $1,190 in 72045. 11 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)
| 72010 | White County, AR | $680 | $780 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72012 | White County, AR | $650 | $750 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,190 |
| 72045 | Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $890 | $980 | $1,190 | $1,550 | $1,640 |
| 72045 | White County, AR | $890 | $980 | $1,190 | $1,550 | $1,640 |
| 72052 | White County, AR | $690 | $800 | $980 | $1,270 | $1,280 |
| 72060 | Prairie County, AR | $650 | $740 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,210 |
| 72060 | White County, AR | $650 | $740 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,210 |
| 72068 | White County, AR | $650 | $750 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,190 |
| 72081 | Independence County, AR | $650 | $750 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,190 |
| 72081 | White County, AR | $650 | $750 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,190 |
| 72082 | White County, AR | $650 | $760 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,210 |
| 72085 | White County, AR | $690 | $800 | $970 | $1,270 | $1,270 |
| 72102 | White County, AR | $650 | $750 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,190 |
| 72121 | Cleburne County, AR | $660 | $750 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,230 |
| 72121 | White County, AR | $660 | $750 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,230 |
| 72136 | White County, AR | $740 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,390 |
| 72137 | Cleburne County, AR | $690 | $780 | $980 | $1,270 | $1,300 |
| 72137 | White County, AR | $690 | $780 | $980 | $1,270 | $1,300 |
| 72139 | White County, AR | $650 | $750 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,190 |
| 72143 | Cleburne County, AR | $700 | $810 | $990 | $1,290 | $1,300 |
| 72143 | White County, AR | $700 | $810 | $990 | $1,290 | $1,300 |
| 72178 | White County, AR | $700 | $810 | $990 | $1,290 | $1,300 |
- 72010 · White County, AR $950$1,240
- 72012 · White County, AR $910$1,190
- 72045 · Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR $1,190$1,550
- 72045 · White County, AR $1,190$1,550
- 72052 · White County, AR $980$1,270
- 72060 · Prairie County, AR $910$1,190
- 72060 · White County, AR $910$1,190
- 72068 · White County, AR $910$1,190
- 72081 · Independence County, AR $910$1,190
- 72081 · White County, AR $910$1,190
- 72082 · White County, AR $920$1,200
- 72085 · White County, AR $970$1,270
- 72102 · White County, AR $910$1,190
- 72121 · Cleburne County, AR $930$1,210
- 72121 · White County, AR $930$1,210
- 72136 · White County, AR $1,010$1,320
- 72137 · Cleburne County, AR $980$1,270
- 72137 · White County, AR $980$1,270
- 72139 · White County, AR $910$1,190
- 72143 · Cleburne County, AR $990$1,290
- 72143 · White County, AR $990$1,290
- 72178 · White County, AR $990$1,290
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 White County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,147 households rent in White County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- White 49%
- Arkansas 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in White County
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in White 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
- 14
- public housing
- 6
890 homes in all; 858 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Searcy Public housing 120 S Elm Ter, Searcy 72143 120 low-income homes · Run by Searcy Housing Authority · Average payment: $350 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (501) 268-8547
- Ridge at Searcy Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 Quality Dr, Searcy 72143 64 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, families
- East Market Street Apartments HUD-assisted 1703 E Market Ave, Searcy 72143 54 homes, 53 low-income · For families · (501) 268-5613
- Villas of Searcy Tax credit (LIHTC) 5000 Rich Smith Ln, Searcy 72143 52 homes, 51 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 33 · In service since 2015
- Ridge at Searcy Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 Quality Dr, Searcy 72143 64 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2005
- Peaks at Searcy Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Rich Smith Ln, Searcy 72143 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2014
- Bald Knob Public housing 2007 Highway 367 N, Bald Knob 72010 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bald Knob · Average payment: $393 a month · Average wait: 69 months · (501) 724-5930
- Beebe Public housing 822 S Apple St, Beebe 72012 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beebe · Average payment: $425 a month · Average wait: 22 months · (501) 882-5151
- Country Square Apartments HUD-assisted 605 Chrisp Ave, Searcy 72143 40 low-income homes · For families · (501) 268-4769
- Ridge at Searcy II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 Quality Dr, Searcy 72143 48 homes, 38 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2008
- Kensett Public housing 405 E Wilbur Mills Ave, Kensett 72082 34 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Kensett · Average payment: $408 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (501) 742-3842
- Judsonia Public housing 1305 Wade Ave, Judsonia 72081 26 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Judsonia · Average payment: $430 a month · Average wait: 7 months · Homes at several sites · (501) 729-4091
- Kensett Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Doniphan St, Kensett 72082 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2008
- Leawood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 850 N Beech St, Beebe 72012 24 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2006
- Mills Center Apartments HUD-assisted 3216 E Moore Ave, Searcy 72143 24 homes, 23 low-income · For people with disabilities · (870) 793-8900
- McRae Senior Housing HUD-assisted 315 S Grand Ave, Mc Rae 72102 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 726-0003
- Twin Oaks Apartments HUD-assisted 601 Maple St, Kensett 72082 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 742-3583
- University Gardens HUD-assisted 1703 W Iowa St, Beebe 72012 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 666-0246
- Beebe Elderly Housing HUD-assisted 100 Crepe Myrtle Dr, Beebe 72012 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 882-7176
- Dripping Springs Manor HUD-assisted 903 Second St, Pangburn 72121 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 728-3900
- MC Rae Public housing 106 3rd St, Mc Rae 72102 16 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of McRae · Average payment: $320 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (501) 726-4000
- Williams Manor HUD-assisted 412 Pollard St, Bradford 72020 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 344-8678
- White County Group Home HUD-assisted 2 Mary Lou Dr, Searcy 72143 17 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (501) 268-9227
- Homestead House HUD-assisted 3210 E Moore Ave, Searcy 72143 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (870) 793-8922
- Kay Goss Apartments HUD-assisted 3202 E Moore Ave, Searcy 72143 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (870) 793-8900
- River Cliff Manor HUD-assisted 1000 S 4th St, Judsonia 72081 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (501) 729-3089
- Redwood Complex HUD-assisted 96 N Sawmill Rd, Searcy 72143 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (501) 279-7841
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 White County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 6 agencies serve in White 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
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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)
-
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)
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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 | $26,500 | $42,350 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,250 | $48,400 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,050 | $54,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $37,800 | $60,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $40,850 | $65,350 |
| 6 people | $43,850 | $43,850 | $70,200 |
| 7 people | $46,900 | $46,900 | $75,050 |
| 8 people | $49,900 | $49,900 | $79,900 |
Area median income: $75,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: White County, AR. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $607 – $741
- 1 bedroom $701 – $857
- 2 bedrooms $853 – $1,043
- 3 bedrooms $1,114 – $1,362
- 4 bedrooms $1,121 – $1,371
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
- Searcy Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 170 vouchers · 120 public housing units (501) 268-8547 Searcy Housing Authority: dgatesSHA@gmail.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Bald Knob Public housing · 40 public housing units (501) 724-5930 Housing Authority of the City of Bald Knob: baldknobhousingauthority@yahoo.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Beebe Public housing · 40 public housing units (501) 882-5151 Housing Authority of the City of Beebe: bbha106@sbcglobal.net
- Housing Authority of the City of Kensett Public housing · 34 public housing units (501) 742-3842 Housing Authority of the City of Kensett: rfields@hspha.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Judsonia Public housing · 26 public housing units (501) 729-4091 Housing Authority of the City of Judsonia: judsoniahousing@yahoo.com
- Housing Authority of the City of McRae Public housing · 16 public housing units (501) 726-4000 Housing Authority of the City of McRae: dgatesmha@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 White County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Southern Bancorp Community Partners
3999 W 12th St, Little Rock · 48 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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In Affordable Housing, Incorporated
3224 Shackleford Pass, Little Rock · 52 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in White 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 White County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $674; 1 bedroom: $779; 2 bedrooms: $948; 3 bedrooms: $1,238; 4 bedrooms: $1,246. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in White 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 White County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $37,800 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 White 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 White County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 72012 to $1,190 in 72045. 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 White County?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in White 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 White County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In White County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).