Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Escambia County, Florida
Escambia County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,548 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,321 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,548
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,321
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 21% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $29.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $61,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 56%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in Florida
Only here
Renting in Escambia County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Holmes County has the lowest typical rent ($844), 36% below the $1,321 in Escambia 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 Escambia 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 Escambia County was $1,646 a month in September 2026: 2.5% 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 | $1,154 | $22.19 | $46,160 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,359 | $26.13 | $54,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,548 | $29.77 | $61,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,034 | $39.12 | $81,360 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,435 | $46.83 | $97,400 |
HUD area: Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL 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 19 ZIP codes in Escambia County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,330 in 32501 to $2,120 in 32508. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,548).
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)
| 32501 | $1,010 | $1,140 | $1,330 | $1,760 | $2,150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32502 | $1,180 | $1,390 | $1,580 | $2,080 | $2,490 |
| 32503 | $1,120 | $1,320 | $1,500 | $1,970 | $2,360 |
| 32504 | $1,140 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $2,010 | $2,410 |
| 32505 | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,330 | $1,760 | $2,150 |
| 32506 | $1,180 | $1,390 | $1,580 | $2,080 | $2,490 |
| 32507 | $1,140 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $2,010 | $2,430 |
| 32508 | $1,580 | $1,860 | $2,120 | $2,790 | $3,340 |
| 32509 | $1,180 | $1,390 | $1,580 | $2,080 | $2,490 |
| 32511 | $1,160 | $1,370 | $1,560 | $2,050 | $2,450 |
| 32512 | $1,130 | $1,330 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,380 |
| 32514 | $1,290 | $1,520 | $1,730 | $2,270 | $2,720 |
| 32526 | $1,180 | $1,390 | $1,580 | $2,080 | $2,490 |
| 32533 | $1,010 | $1,140 | $1,330 | $1,760 | $2,150 |
| 32534 | $1,180 | $1,390 | $1,580 | $2,080 | $2,490 |
| 32535 | $1,010 | $1,140 | $1,330 | $1,760 | $2,150 |
| 32561 | $1,390 | $1,640 | $1,870 | $2,460 | $2,940 |
| 32568 | $1,010 | $1,140 | $1,330 | $1,760 | $2,150 |
| 32577 | $1,020 | $1,200 | $1,350 | $1,770 | $2,150 |
- 32501 $1,330$1,760
- 32502 $1,580$2,080
- 32503 $1,500$1,970
- 32504 $1,530$2,010
- 32505 $1,330$1,760
- 32506 $1,580$2,080
- 32507 $1,530$2,010
- 32508 $2,120$2,790
- 32509 $1,580$2,080
- 32511 $1,560$2,050
- 32512 $1,510$1,980
- 32514 $1,730$2,270
- 32526 $1,580$2,080
- 32533 $1,330$1,760
- 32534 $1,580$2,080
- 32535 $1,330$1,760
- 32561 $1,870$2,460
- 32568 $1,330$1,760
- 32577 $1,350$1,770
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 Escambia County, 56% 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.
56%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
45,441 households rent in Escambia County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 44%
Compared with the state and the country
- Escambia 56%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Escambia County
HUD lists 40 properties with homes for low-income households in Escambia 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)
- 20
- HUD-assisted
- 16
- public housing
- 4
4,497 homes in all; 4,386 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Westminster Village I-V HUD-assisted 1700 N L St, Pensacola 32501 356 low-income homes · For older adults · (850) 433-5035
- Oakwood Terrace I HUD-assisted 700 Truman Ave, Pensacola 32505 300 low-income homes · For families · (850) 434-2721
- Stoddert Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Tiger Lily Dr, Pensacola 32506 320 homes, 252 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 129 · 3 bd: 167 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Peachtree Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 4600 Twin Oaks Dr, Pensacola 32506 218 low-income homes · 1 bd: 142 · 2 bd: 76 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Forest Creek Apartments HUD-assisted 34 Patton Dr, Pensacola 32507 200 low-income homes · For families · (850) 455-8017
- Moreno Court Public housing 1 Moreno Ct, Pensacola 32507 200 low-income homes · Run by Area Housing Commission · Average payment: $344 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (850) 438-8561
- Pensacola Village Apartments HUD-assisted 500 E Fairfield Dr, Pensacola 32503 200 low-income homes · For families · (850) 433-2026
- The Moorings HUD-assisted 8491 Old Spanish Trail Rd, Pensacola 32514 200 homes, 187 low-income · For families · (850) 476-9025
- Attucks Court Public housing 77 Attucks Ct, Pensacola 32501 172 low-income homes · Run by Area Housing Commission · Average payment: $355 a month · Average wait: 28 months · (850) 438-8561
- Gonzalez-Replacement Public housing 2103A N Hayne St, Pensacola 32503 171 low-income homes · Run by Area Housing Commission · Average payment: $386 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (850) 438-8561
- Johnson Lakes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1400 E Johnson Ave, Pensacola 32514 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, families
- Sunrise Apartments HUD-assisted 4350 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola 32505 160 homes, 151 low-income · For families · (850) 455-5496
- Alabaster Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 929 Massachusetts Ave, Pensacola 32505 147 homes, 146 low-income · 1 bd: 74 · 2 bd: 73 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Pines at Warrington Tax credit (LIHTC) 4101 W Navy Blvd, Pensacola 32507 160 homes, 144 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Arbours at Ensley Tax credit (LIHTC) 8810 Sonnyboy Ln, Pensacola 32514 112 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2008 · For families
- College Trace Apartments HUD-assisted 813 Bloodworth Ln, Pensacola 32504 112 homes, 111 low-income · For families · (850) 478-4889
- Palafox Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 7220 N Palafox St, Pensacola 32503 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Lucas Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 7815 Lilac Ln, Pensacola 32514 93 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 59 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Englewood Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 1810 W Cervantes St, Pensacola 32501 92 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 46 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Fairfield Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1412 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola 32501 92 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 46 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Morris Court II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1351 N K St, Pensacola 32501 74 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Fairfield Village HUD-assisted 601 N Fairfield Dr, Pensacola 32506 72 low-income homes · For older adults · (850) 455-6752
- Silurian Pond Tax credit (LIHTC) 2800 Hollywood Ave, Pensacola 32505 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Vista 17 at Cervantes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1717 W Cervantes St, Pensacola 32501 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Harbour Place Apartments HUD-assisted 9742 Harbour Pl, Pensacola 32506 68 low-income homes · For families · (850) 455-6622
- Cerny Village Apartments HUD-assisted 5227 Cerny Rd, Pensacola 32526 60 low-income homes · For families · (850) 456-3145
- Name Unknown Public housing 1303A N J St, Pensacola 32501 60 low-income homes · Run by Area Housing Commission · Average payment: $366 a month · Homes at several sites · (850) 438-8561
- Sugar Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 10155 Guidy Ln, Pensacola 32514 51 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Westwood Homes HUD-assisted 4400 Westover Ave, Pensacola 32506 51 homes, 50 low-income · For people with disabilities · (850) 438-8561
- Ahepa 296 HUD-assisted 3835 Creighton Rd, Pensacola 32504 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (850) 476-5516
- Century Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 121 2nd St, Century 32535 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2018
- Morris Court III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1301 N M St, Pensacola 32501 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 38 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, families
- Oakwood Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 9640 Shady Ln, Century 32535 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Wesley Scott Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 3300 W Scott St, Pensacola 32505 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2000
- Century Woods Apartments HUD-assisted 20 W Highway 4, Century 32535 36 low-income homes · For families · (850) 256-5361
- Camellia Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 901 Freedom Rd, Century 32535 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Lakeview Villa HUD-assisted 1620 W Hernandez St, Pensacola 32501 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (850) 469-3430
- Devilliers Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 N De Villiers St, Pensacola 32501 16 low-income homes
- Pensacola Voa Living Center HUD-assisted 1617 Blackwell Ln, Pensacola 32514 14 homes, 13 low-income · For people with disabilities · (850) 479-3444
- Lakeview Place HUD-assisted 1435 W Jordan St, Pensacola 32501 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (850) 469-3590
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 Escambia 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 Escambia 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 | $19,600 | $32,650 | $52,250 |
| 2 people | $22,400 | $37,300 | $59,700 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,950 | $67,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,600 | $74,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,350 | $80,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $54,100 | $86,550 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $57,850 | $92,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $61,550 | $98,500 |
Area median income: $92,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,039 – $1,269
- 1 bedroom $1,223 – $1,495
- 2 bedrooms $1,393 – $1,703
- 3 bedrooms $1,831 – $2,237
- 4 bedrooms $2,192 – $2,679
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
- City of Pensacola Housing Division Section 8 vouchers · 2,523 vouchers (850) 858-0350 City of Pensacola Housing Division: MReeves@cityofpensacola.com
- Area Housing Commission Public housing · 603 public housing units (850) 438-8561 Area Housing Commission: exec_dir@ahcpen.gccoxmail.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 Escambia County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Escambia County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Enterprise Investments, Incorporated
302 North Barcelona St, Pensacola
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 10 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Escambia County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
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 Escambia 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
$3,096
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,548
- Security deposit
- $1,548
- Total
- $3,096
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 Escambia County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,154; 1 bedroom: $1,359; 2 bedrooms: $1,548; 3 bedrooms: $2,034; 4 bedrooms: $2,435. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Escambia County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,548) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.77 an hour full time, or $61,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Escambia County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,600 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 Escambia 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 $1,393 and $1,703 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Escambia County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,330 in 32501 to $2,120 in 32508. 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 Escambia County?
HUD lists 40 properties with homes for low-income households in Escambia 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 Escambia County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Escambia County, 56% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).