Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Alachua County, Florida
Alachua County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,471 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,339 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,471
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 25% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,339
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 20% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $28.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $58,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 63%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in Florida
Only here
Renting in Alachua County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 54%, Alachua County ranks 3rd among the 67 counties in Florida for the lowest homeownership rate.
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Nearby, in Bradford County, the typical rent is $863: 36% less than in Alachua County ($1,339).
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Alachua County has the 6th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 66 counties in Florida with this figure (63%).
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 Alachua 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 Alachua County was $1,640 a month in September 2026: 1.9% 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 | $1,197 | $23.02 | $47,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,241 | $23.87 | $49,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,471 | $28.29 | $58,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,806 | $34.73 | $72,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,933 | $37.17 | $77,320 |
HUD area: Gainesville, FL HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 27 ZIP codes in Alachua County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,350 in 32618 to $1,870 in 32606. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,471).
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)
| 32601 | Gainesville, FL | $1,120 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,690 | $1,810 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32603 | Gainesville, FL | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,370 | $1,690 | $1,800 |
| 32605 | Gainesville, FL | $1,430 | $1,490 | $1,760 | $2,160 | $2,310 |
| 32606 | Gainesville, FL | $1,520 | $1,580 | $1,870 | $2,300 | $2,460 |
| 32607 | Gainesville, FL | $1,240 | $1,280 | $1,520 | $1,870 | $2,000 |
| 32608 | Gainesville, FL | $1,330 | $1,380 | $1,640 | $2,010 | $2,160 |
| 32609 | Bradford County, FL | $1,180 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $1,780 | $1,910 |
| 32609 | Gainesville, FL | $1,180 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $1,780 | $1,910 |
| 32610 | Gainesville, FL | $1,210 | $1,260 | $1,490 | $1,830 | $1,970 |
| 32612 | Gainesville, FL | $1,190 | $1,240 | $1,460 | $1,800 | $1,930 |
| 32615 | Gainesville, FL | $1,140 | $1,180 | $1,400 | $1,720 | $1,840 |
| 32616 | Gainesville, FL | $1,140 | $1,180 | $1,400 | $1,720 | $1,840 |
| 32618 | Gainesville, FL | $1,070 | $1,150 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32618 | Levy County, FL | $1,070 | $1,150 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32631 | Gainesville, FL | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32640 | Gainesville, FL | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32640 | Putnam County, FL | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32641 | Gainesville, FL | $1,050 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32643 | Columbia County, FL | $1,500 | $1,550 | $1,840 | $2,260 | $2,420 |
| 32643 | Gainesville, FL | $1,500 | $1,550 | $1,840 | $2,260 | $2,420 |
| 32653 | Gainesville, FL | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32658 | Gainesville, FL | $1,130 | $1,170 | $1,390 | $1,710 | $1,830 |
| 32667 | Gainesville, FL | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32667 | Ocala, FL | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,780 |
| 32669 | Gainesville, FL | $1,500 | $1,560 | $1,850 | $2,270 | $2,430 |
| 32669 | Levy County, FL | $1,500 | $1,560 | $1,850 | $2,270 | $2,430 |
| 32694 | Gainesville, FL | $1,100 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,690 | $1,920 |
- 32601 · Gainesville, FL $1,380$1,690
- 32603 · Gainesville, FL $1,370$1,690
- 32605 · Gainesville, FL $1,760$2,160
- 32606 · Gainesville, FL $1,870$2,300
- 32607 · Gainesville, FL $1,520$1,870
- 32608 · Gainesville, FL $1,640$2,010
- 32609 · Bradford County, FL $1,450$1,780
- 32609 · Gainesville, FL $1,450$1,780
- 32610 · Gainesville, FL $1,490$1,830
- 32612 · Gainesville, FL $1,460$1,800
- 32615 · Gainesville, FL $1,400$1,720
- 32616 · Gainesville, FL $1,400$1,720
- 32618 · Gainesville, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32618 · Levy County, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32631 · Gainesville, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32640 · Gainesville, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32640 · Putnam County, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32641 · Gainesville, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32643 · Columbia County, FL $1,840$2,260
- 32643 · Gainesville, FL $1,840$2,260
- 32653 · Gainesville, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32658 · Gainesville, FL $1,390$1,710
- 32667 · Gainesville, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32667 · Ocala, FL $1,350$1,690
- 32669 · Gainesville, FL $1,850$2,270
- 32669 · Levy County, FL $1,850$2,270
- 32694 · Gainesville, FL $1,350$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 Alachua County, 63% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, 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.
63%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
53,601 households rent in Alachua County
- Spend half or more of their income 37%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 37%
Compared with the state and the country
- Alachua 63%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Alachua County
HUD lists 37 properties with homes for low-income households in Alachua 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)
- 17
- HUD-assisted
- 18
- public housing
- 5
3,849 homes in all; 3,372 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Scattered Sites 001 Public housing 924 SW 61st St, Gainesville 32607 254 homes, 252 low-income · Run by Alachua County · Average payment: $449 a month · Average wait: 46 months · Homes at several sites · (352) 372-2549
- Pine, Lake, Forest, Caroline Public housing 2611 NE 1st Ln, Gainesville 32641 244 homes, 239 low-income · Run by Gainesville Housing Authority · Average payment: $446 a month · Average wait: 23 months · Homes at several sites · (352) 872-5502
- Harbor Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 6815 W University Ave, Gainesville 32607 208 homes, 207 low-income · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 48 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Forest Green & Village Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 3501 NE 15th St, Gainesville 32609 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 70 · 3 bd: 70 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Majestic Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 5800 SW 20th Ave, Gainesville 32607 172 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 136 · In service since 2017 · For families · (352) 332-5800
- Oak Park, Sunshine Park Public housing 100 NE 8th Ave, Gainesville 32601 171 low-income homes · Run by Gainesville Housing Authority · Average payment: $357 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (352) 872-5502
- Forest & Village Apartments HUD-assisted 3101 NE 15th St, Gainesville 32609 200 homes, 162 low-income · For families · (352) 378-9135
- Verdant Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 4260 SE 10th Pl, Gainesville 32641 140 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Santa Fe Oaks II Tax credit (LIHTC) 8008 NW 31st Ave, Gainesville 32606 129 low-income homes · 3 bd: 129 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Brookside Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 NW 146th Dr, Newberry 32669 176 homes, 124 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Lewis Place at Ironwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 4121 NE 15th St, Gainesville 32609 112 homes, 111 low-income · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2000
- Eden Park at Ironwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 1330 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville 32609 104 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2004 · For families
- The 400 Apartments HUD-assisted 400 NW 1st Ave, Gainesville 32601 101 low-income homes · For older adults · (352) 334-4025
- Carver Gardens HUD-assisted 1101 SE 15th St, Gainesville 32641 100 low-income homes · For families · (352) 378-1834
- Gardenia Garden Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1727 NE 8th Ave, Gainesville 32641 100 low-income homes · 3 bd: 58 · In service since 2013 · For families · (352) 378-6992
- Pine Grove Apts HUD-assisted 1901 NE 2nd St, Gainesville 32609 97 homes, 96 low-income · For older adults · (352) 373-2333
- Grove at Sweetwater Preserve Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 SE 19th Pl, Gainesville 32641 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Tiger Bay Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 2415 SE 4th Ln, Gainesville 32641 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Madison Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 5500 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville 32608 97 homes, 95 low-income · 2 bd: 57 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1998
- Village Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 SE 18th St, Gainesville 32641 91 low-income homes · 1 bd: 88 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2001
- Pine Meadows (gainesville) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 7025 W University Ave, Gainesville 32607 78 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2011 · For families · (352) 872-5500
- Alachua Apts HUD-assisted 13605 NW County Road 235, Alachua 32615 70 low-income homes · For families · (386) 462-4206
- Santa Fe Oaks I Tax credit (LIHTC) 8203 NW 31st Ave, Gainesville 32606 66 low-income homes · 3 bd: 66 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Reserve at Kanapaha Tax credit (LIHTC) 4440 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville 32608 272 homes, 55 low-income · 1 bd: 88 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 66 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 1999
- Sherwood Oaks Apartments HUD-assisted 13400 NW 140th St, Alachua 32615 54 low-income homes · For families · (386) 462-4206
- Horizon Sunset Apartments HUD-assisted 1515 NW 10th St, Gainesville 32601 80 homes, 53 low-income · For families · (352) 378-9400
- Woodland Park, Eastwood Meadows Public housing 925 SE 43rd St, Gainesville 32641 50 low-income homes · Run by Gainesville Housing Authority · Average payment: $426 a month · Average wait: 37 months · Homes at several sites · (352) 872-5502
- Hampton Court HUD-assisted 6415 NW 23rd Ter, Gainesville 32653 42 low-income homes · For families · (352) 377-3318
- The Grove at Sweetwater Preserve Public housing 175 SE 19th Pl, Gainesville 32641 96 homes, 30 low-income · Run by Gainesville Housing Authority · Average payment: $425 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (352) 872-5502
- Sunset Satellite Apartments HUD-assisted 3440 SW 28th Ter, Gainesville 32608 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (352) 374-5600
- New Horizons Properties IV - Choice Apts HUD-assisted 2101 NE 2nd St, Gainesville 32609 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (352) 374-5600
- Housing for the Handicapped Alachua Co I- 6th St. HUD-assisted 3781 NW 6th St, Gainesville 32609 13 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (352) 342-7345
- Alternative Housing, Inc. HUD-assisted 1342 NW 45th Ave, Gainesville 32605 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (352) 376-3057
- Housing for the Handicapped Alachua Co II-9th St. HUD-assisted 934 SW 9th St, Gainesville 32601 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (352) 372-7345
- New Horizons Properties I - Joyce Apts. HUD-assisted 3010 SW 35th Pl, Gainesville 32608 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (352) 372-9734
- New Horizons Properties III - Transitions HUD-assisted 3807 SW 34th St, Gainesville 32608 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (352) 378-4583
- Arbours at Tumblin Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 1309 SW 13th St, Gainesville 32608 64 homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2018 · For older adults, families
3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Alachua 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 Alachua 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 | $20,850 | $34,700 | $55,550 |
| 2 people | $23,800 | $39,650 | $63,450 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,600 | $71,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,550 | $79,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,550 | $85,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,500 | $92,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $61,450 | $98,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $65,450 | $104,700 |
Area median income: $99,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Gainesville, FL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,077 – $1,317
- 1 bedroom $1,117 – $1,365
- 2 bedrooms $1,324 – $1,618
- 3 bedrooms $1,625 – $1,987
- 4 bedrooms $1,740 – $2,126
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
- Gainesville Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,991 vouchers · 556 public housing units (352) 872-5502 Gainesville Housing Authority: pamelad@gnvha.org
- Alachua County Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,160 vouchers · 252 public housing units (352) 372-2549 Alachua County: info@acha-fl.com
Housing agencies in Florida Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Florida
What Florida 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.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 15 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.49(3)(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.56(3)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.57(3)
- Only a court order can remove youFla. Stat. §83.67(2)
- Protection from retaliationFla. Stat. §83.64
Help
Where to get help with rent in Alachua County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Alachua County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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University of Florida/Florida Cooperative Extension
1604 McCarty Drive, McCarty Hall D, Suit, Gainesville
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 7 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Alachua County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Run by FloridaCommerce
Help from the federal LIHEAP program in Florida that pays the electric or gas company directly, including past-due bills and reconnection
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Alachua 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 Florida, the average home bill was $156 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
$2,942
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,471
- Security deposit
- $1,471
- Total
- $2,942
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 Alachua County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,197; 1 bedroom: $1,241; 2 bedrooms: $1,471; 3 bedrooms: $1,806; 4 bedrooms: $1,933. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Alachua County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,471) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.29 an hour full time, or $58,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Alachua County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,550 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 Alachua 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 $1,324 and $1,618 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Alachua County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,350 in 32618 to $1,870 in 32606. 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 Alachua County?
HUD lists 37 properties with homes for low-income households in Alachua 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 Alachua County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Alachua County, 63% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).