Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Kent County, Delaware

Kent County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,629 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,354 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $31.33 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here

The simple kitchen of an apartment, with an electric stove, a refrigerator and wood cabinets.

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,629; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 6% less than in Delaware
Typical rent: $1,354; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 3% less than in Delaware
Wage needed: $31.33; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $65,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 53%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 6% more than in Delaware

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

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 Kent 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 Kent County was $1,775 a month in September 2026: 4.5% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,286	$24.73	$51,440
1 bedroom	$1,294	$24.88	$51,760
2 bedrooms	$1,629	$31.33	$65,160
3 bedrooms	$2,244	$43.15	$89,760
4 bedrooms	$2,590	$49.81	$103,600

HUD area: Dover, DE 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 20 ZIP codes in Kent County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,370 in 19936 to $2,000 in 19979. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,629).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

19901	Dover, DE	$1,330	$1,340	$1,690	$2,330	$2,690
19902	Dover, DE	$1,330	$1,340	$1,690	$2,330	$2,690
19904	Dover, DE	$1,240	$1,250	$1,570	$2,160	$2,500
19934	Dover, DE	$1,480	$1,490	$1,870	$2,580	$2,970
19936	Dover, DE	$1,080	$1,090	$1,370	$1,890	$2,180
19938	Dover, DE	$1,570	$1,590	$2,000	$2,720	$3,130
19938	Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD	$1,570	$1,590	$2,000	$2,720	$3,130
19943	Dover, DE	$1,210	$1,220	$1,530	$2,110	$2,430
19946	Dover, DE	$1,160	$1,170	$1,470	$2,030	$2,340
19952	Dover, DE	$1,200	$1,210	$1,520	$2,090	$2,420
19952	Sussex County, DE	$1,200	$1,210	$1,520	$2,090	$2,420
19953	Dover, DE	$1,170	$1,180	$1,480	$2,040	$2,350
19954	Dover, DE	$1,200	$1,210	$1,520	$2,090	$2,420
19955	Dover, DE	$1,570	$1,590	$2,000	$2,720	$3,130
19962	Dover, DE	$1,230	$1,240	$1,560	$2,150	$2,480
19964	Dover, DE	$1,370	$1,380	$1,740	$2,370	$2,780
19977	Dover, DE	$1,390	$1,420	$1,770	$2,390	$2,750
19977	Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD	$1,390	$1,420	$1,770	$2,390	$2,750
19979	Dover, DE	$1,580	$1,590	$2,000	$2,760	$3,180
19980	Dover, DE	$1,280	$1,290	$1,620	$2,240	$2,580

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
19901 · Dover, DE $1,690$2,330
19902 · Dover, DE $1,690$2,330
19904 · Dover, DE $1,570$2,160
19934 · Dover, DE $1,870$2,580
19936 · Dover, DE $1,370$1,890
19938 · Dover, DE $2,000$2,720
19938 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,000$2,720
19943 · Dover, DE $1,530$2,110
19946 · Dover, DE $1,470$2,030
19952 · Dover, DE $1,520$2,090
19952 · Sussex County, DE $1,520$2,090
19953 · Dover, DE $1,480$2,040
19954 · Dover, DE $1,520$2,090
19955 · Dover, DE $2,000$2,720
19962 · Dover, DE $1,560$2,150
19964 · Dover, DE $1,740$2,370
19977 · Dover, DE $1,770$2,390
19977 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,770$2,390
19979 · Dover, DE $2,000$2,760
19980 · Dover, DE $1,620$2,240

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 Kent County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Delaware, 50%, 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.

53%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

19,616 households rent in Kent County

Spend half or more of their income 24%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
Spend less than 30% 47%

Compared with the state and the country

Kent 53%
Delaware 50%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Kent County

with tax credits (LIHTC): 33
HUD-assisted: 25
public housing: 8

3,571 homes in all; 1,939 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Luther Towers HUD-assisted 430 Kings Hwy, Dover 19901 149 homes, 148 low-income · For older adults · (302) 674-1408
Silver Lakes Estates HUD-assisted 5 Linstone Ln, Milford 19963 146 low-income homes · For families · (302) 422-0740
Sussex Green Apartments f/k/a Capital Greens HUD-assisted 471 River Rd, Dover 19901 132 low-income homes · For families · (302) 678-3750
Senate View Public housing 404 New Castle Ave, Dover 19901 117 low-income homes · Run by Dover Housing Authority · Average payment: $448 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (302) 678-1965
Manchester Square Public housing 765 Bacon Ave # 1, Dover 19901 113 low-income homes · Run by Dover Housing Authority · Average payment: $508 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (302) 678-1965
Clearfield Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 Haman Dr, Dover 19904 95 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2002
Persimmon Tree Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Persimmon Tree Ln, Dover 19901 95 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 83 · In service since 1997
River Chase Tax credit (LIHTC) C/O Cornell Management 80 River Chase DR, Dover 19901 78 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1994
Church Street Station I HUD-assisted 201 Allenway, Milford 19963 80 homes, 76 low-income · For families · (302) 422-6398
Laurels Tax credit (LIHTC) 14 Rockford Xing, Dover 19901 76 homes, 75 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1992
Clarks Corner & Clarks Corner Annex Public housing 72 Clarks Cor, Harrington 19952 70 low-income homes · Run by Delaware State Housing Authority · Average payment: $501 a month · (302) 739-4263
Luther Village I of Dover HUD-assisted 101 Babb Dr, Dover 19901 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 674-1408, ext. 12
Owens Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 426 S New St, Dover 19904 60 low-income homes · In service since 2001
Villas at Milford Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 806A Moyer Cir E, Milford 19963 60 low-income homes · In service since 1999
Whatcoat Village HUD-assisted 992 Whatcoat Dr, Dover 19904 78 homes, 57 low-income · For families · (302) 734-9080
Generals Greene Phase IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 315 Billy Mitchell Ln, Dover 19901 54 low-income homes · In service since 1996
Mifflin Meadows Public housing Dover 19901 54 low-income homes · Run by Delaware State Housing Authority · Average payment: $476 a month · (302) 739-4263
Luther Towers II of Dover HUD-assisted 430 Kings Hwy, Dover 19901 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 674-1408
Luther Towers III of Dover HUD-assisted 430 Kings Hwy, Dover 19901 49 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 674-1408
East Lake Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Lakeview Dr, Dover 19901 48 homes, 47 low-income · 2 bd: 47 · In service since 1995
Luther Towers IV of Dover HUD-assisted 430 Kings Hwy, Dover 19901 44 low-income homes · For older adults
Luther Village II of Dover HUD-assisted 101 Babb Dr, Dover 19901 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 674-1408
West Street Manor Annex Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Mason Ave, Harrington 19952 28 low-income homes · In service since 2000
A & I Housing HUD-assisted 710 N Washington St, Milford 19963 32 homes, 24 low-income · For people with disabilities · (302) 427-0787
Frazier Place Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Goldsborough Way, Smyrna 19977 24 low-income homes · In service since 1999
Walker Woods II Tax credit (LIHTC) 369 Walker Rd, Dover 19904 19 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1993
New Hope Housing II Tax credit (LIHTC) 134 S New St, Dover 19904 18 low-income homes · In service since 2000
Ken Crest Housing DEL 2 HUD-assisted 1180 Walker Rd, Dover 19904 15 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities
Dima Ix HUD-assisted 15 Pin Oak Dr, Dover 19904 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (302) 427-0787
Academy Apartments HUD-assisted 204 North St, Milford 19963 11 low-income homes · For families · (302) 422-3007
Ken-Crest del 2003 HUD-assisted 35 Front St, Wyoming 19934 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
Colony South HUD-assisted 250 Williamsburg Dr, Milford 19963 78 homes, 8 low-income · (302) 424-4263
Arc HUD Ix HUD-assisted 175 Ashfield Ct, Smyrna 19977 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (302) 996-9400
Clearfield Apartments HUD-assisted 125 Haman Dr Ofc 103, Dover 19904 88 homes, 7 low-income · (302) 678-1388
Scattered Site Kent Co Public housing 39 Edgewood Rd, Dover 19901 6 low-income homes · Run by Delaware State Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (302) 739-4263
Brightway Commons HUD-assisted 200 Tull Way, Milford 19963 80 homes, 4 low-income
Cascades Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 151 Cascades Ln, Milford 19963 76 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2013 · (302) 409-3540
Village at Mckee Branch Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 36 Harmony Ln, Dover 19904 66 homes, 4 low-income · In service since 2015
Colony West HUD-assisted 250 Williamsburg Dr, Milford 19963 36 homes, 4 low-income · (302) 424-4263
New Hope II HUD-assisted 134 N New St, Dover 19904 18 homes, 4 low-income · (215) 557-8414
Scattered Sites Public housing 106 Tupelo Ct, Felton 19943 4 low-income homes · Run by Delaware State Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (302) 739-4263
Whatcoat Village Apartments HUD-assisted 992 Whatcoat Dr, Dover 19904 18 homes, 3 low-income · (302) 734-9080
DERBY ESTATES/Phase I Public housing 16 Glenwood Dr, Dover 19904 3 low-income homes · Run by Dover Housing Authority · (302) 678-1965
Scattered Site II Public housing 319 N New St, Dover 19904 3 low-income homes · Run by Dover Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (302) 678-1965
Capitol Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 416 Sussex Ave, Dover 19901 132 homes · In service since 2008
Liberty Court Perservation, LP Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 18 The Grn, Dover 19901 100 homes · In service since 2017
Persimmon Tree Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Persimmon Tree Ln Ofc 211, Dover 19901 96 homes · In service since 1997
Brightway Commons I Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Tull Way, Milford 19963 80 homes · Studio: 12 · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2007
Commerce Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Talon Ct, Smyrna 19977 80 homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1991
Colony South Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 Williamsburg Dr, Milford 19963 78 homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 46 · In service since 2007
Whatcoat Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 992 Whatcoat Dr, Dover 19904 78 homes · In service since 2017
Milford Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 806A Moyer Cir E, Milford 19963 73 homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1993
Valley Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 100A Valley Dr, Milford 19963 72 homes · In service since 1995
Smyrna Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Lawn Dr Ofc 1B, Smyrna 19977 71 homes · In service since 1996
Bayard Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 W Loockerman St, Dover 19904 48 homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2012
Brightways Commons II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Tull Way, Milford 19963 44 homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2009
Heron Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 363 E Commerce St, Smyrna 19977 40 homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2012
Hurds Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 94 Hurds Blvd, Felton 19943 36 homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2008
Heritage Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 131 W Center St, Harrington 19952 32 homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 1992
Peachtree Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3000 Abec Ln, Felton 19943 32 homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1993
West Street Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Mason Ave, Harrington 19952 32 homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 1997
Frazier Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Goldsborough Way, Smyrna 19977 30 homes · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 1992
Willis Road Tax credit (LIHTC) 4 Willis Rd, Dover 19901 17 homes · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 1995

3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Kent 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 Kent 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Dover, DE MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$22,650	$37,700	$60,350
2 people	$25,900	$43,100	$69,000
3 people	$29,150	$48,500	$77,600
4 people	$33,000	$53,900	$86,200
5 people	$38,680	$58,200	$93,100
6 people	$44,360	$62,500	$100,000
7 people	$50,040	$66,850	$106,900
8 people	$55,720	$71,150	$113,800

Area median income: $112,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Dover, DE MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,157 – $1,415
1 bedroom $1,165 – $1,423
2 bedrooms $1,466 – $1,792
3 bedrooms $2,020 – $2,468
4 bedrooms $2,331 – $2,849

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

Delaware State Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 2,327 vouchers (302) 739-4263 Delaware State Housing Authority: matthew.heckles@delaware.gov
Dover Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 294 vouchers · 236 public housing units (302) 678-1965 Dover Housing Authority: dover.housingauthority@dhade.org
Delaware State Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 290 public housing units (302) 739-4263 Delaware State Housing Authority: matthew.heckles@delaware.gov

Housing agencies in Delaware Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Delaware

What Delaware law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare 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 1 month of rent; 25 Del. C. §5514(a)(2)-(4)
How much notice before a rent increase?: 60 days; 25 Del. C. §5107(a), (d)

Only a court order can remove you25 Del. C. §5313
Protection from retaliation25 Del. C. §5516(a)-(c)
Repair and deduct from the rent25 Del. C. §5307(a)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Kent County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Kent County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

FS
First State Community Action Agency, Inc.

500 W Loockerman St, Dover · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
302-674-1355-114

See every agency in Delaware Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Kent 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 Delaware, the average home bill was $151 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Kent County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,629. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,258

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,629
Security deposit: $1,629
Total: $3,258

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Kent County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,286; 1 bedroom: $1,294; 2 bedrooms: $1,629; 3 bedrooms: $2,244; 4 bedrooms: $2,590. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Kent County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,629) without spending more than 30% of income takes $31.33 an hour full time, or $65,160 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kent County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,900 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 Kent 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 $1,466 and $1,792 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kent County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,370 in 19936 to $2,000 in 19979. 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 Kent County?

HUD lists 63 properties with homes for low-income households in Kent 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 Kent County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kent County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Delaware, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Kent County, Delaware

Four numbers to start with

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Kent County

The Section 8 voucher in Kent County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Delaware

Where to get help with rent in Kent County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Kent County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Kent County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kent County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Kent County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kent County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Kent County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Kent County?