Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in St. Johns County, Florida
St. Johns County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,694 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,922 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,694
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,922
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% more than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $32.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $67,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 60%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Florida
Only here
Renting in St. Johns County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 67 counties in Florida, St. Johns County has the highest typical household income: $109,839.
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St. Johns County has the 2nd highest typical rent of the 67 counties in Florida ($1,922).
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St. Johns County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,922, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Flagler County ($1,722).
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 St. Johns 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 St. Johns County was $2,020 a month in September 2026: 1% 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 | $1,401 | $26.94 | $56,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,421 | $27.33 | $56,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,694 | $32.58 | $67,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,077 | $39.94 | $83,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,594 | $49.88 | $103,760 |
HUD area: Jacksonville, 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 14 ZIP codes in St. Johns County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 32145 to $2,540 in 32259. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,694).
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)
| 32033 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,690 | $1,710 | $2,040 | $2,500 | $3,120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32080 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,600 | $1,620 | $1,930 | $2,370 | $2,960 |
| 32080 | Palm Coast, FL | $1,600 | $1,620 | $1,930 | $2,370 | $2,960 |
| 32081 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,760 | $1,780 | $2,130 | $2,640 | $3,340 |
| 32082 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,810 | $1,840 | $2,190 | $2,680 | $3,350 |
| 32084 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,440 | $1,460 | $1,740 | $2,130 | $2,660 |
| 32086 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,480 | $1,500 | $1,790 | $2,190 | $2,740 |
| 32086 | Palm Coast, FL | $1,480 | $1,500 | $1,790 | $2,190 | $2,740 |
| 32092 | Jacksonville, FL | $2,100 | $2,130 | $2,540 | $3,110 | $3,890 |
| 32095 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,780 | $1,800 | $2,150 | $2,640 | $3,290 |
| 32145 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,280 | $1,570 | $1,960 |
| 32145 | Palm Coast, FL | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,280 | $1,570 | $1,960 |
| 32145 | Putnam County, FL | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,280 | $1,570 | $1,960 |
| 32259 | Jacksonville, FL | $2,100 | $2,130 | $2,540 | $3,110 | $3,890 |
- 32033 · Jacksonville, FL $2,040$2,500
- 32080 · Jacksonville, FL $1,930$2,370
- 32080 · Palm Coast, FL $1,930$2,370
- 32081 · Jacksonville, FL $2,130$2,640
- 32082 · Jacksonville, FL $2,190$2,680
- 32084 · Jacksonville, FL $1,740$2,130
- 32086 · Jacksonville, FL $1,790$2,190
- 32086 · Palm Coast, FL $1,790$2,190
- 32092 · Jacksonville, FL $2,540$3,110
- 32095 · Jacksonville, FL $2,150$2,640
- 32145 · Jacksonville, FL $1,280$1,570
- 32145 · Palm Coast, FL $1,280$1,570
- 32145 · Putnam County, FL $1,280$1,570
- 32259 · Jacksonville, FL $2,540$3,110
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 St. Johns County, 60% 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.
60%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
20,572 households rent in St. Johns County
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 40%
Compared with the state and the country
- St. Johns 60%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in St. Johns County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in St. Johns County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 6
1,261 homes in all; 1,134 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Whispering Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Whispering Woods Ln, St Augustine 32084 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 92 · 3 bd: 68 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Oaks at ST Johns Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Nettles Ln, Ponte Vedra Beach 32081 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 32 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Whispering Pines (st Augustine) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 Whispering Cir, St Augustine 32084 192 homes, 145 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 92 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Ponce Harbor Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 Ponce Harbor Dr, St Augustine 32086 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Summer Breeze at Summerset Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 305 Summer Breeze Way, St Augustine 32086 132 low-income homes · 1 bd: 66 · 2 bd: 66 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, families
- Woodcrest Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 Woodcrest Dr, St Augustine 32084 90 homes, 88 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 1997
- Residences at Oyster Creek HUD-assisted 200 S Woodlawn St, Saint Augustine 32084 76 homes, 75 low-income · For families · (904) 824-5011
- Southern Villas Apartments HUD-assisted 52 Sunrise BVLD, Saint Augustine 32084 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (904) 829-8989
- Huguenot Harbour Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Gunby Cir, St Augustine 32084 34 low-income homes · In service since 1995 · For families
- The Oaks Apartments HUD-assisted 30 Desoto Pl, Saint Augustine 32084 33 homes, 32 low-income · For older adults · (904) 824-8582
- Casa del Mar Apartments HUD-assisted 1575 A1a S, Saint Augustine 32080 44 homes, 29 low-income · For older adults · (904) 471-2444
- Hastings Apartments HUD-assisted 805 Merkerson St, Hastings 32145 20 low-income homes · For families · (904) 325-9414
- Arc of ST. Johns County HUD-assisted 10 Sunrise Blvd, Saint Augustine 32084 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (904) 824-3070
- Southern Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 52 Sunrise Blvd, St Augustine 32084 60 homes · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2018 · For older adults, families
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 St. Johns County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in St. Johns County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $22,850 | $38,050 | $60,900 |
| 2 people | $26,100 | $43,500 | $69,600 |
| 3 people | $29,350 | $48,950 | $78,300 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $54,350 | $86,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $58,700 | $93,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $63,050 | $100,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $67,400 | $107,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $71,750 | $114,800 |
Area median income: $108,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Jacksonville, FL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,261 – $1,541
- 1 bedroom $1,279 – $1,563
- 2 bedrooms $1,525 – $1,863
- 3 bedrooms $1,869 – $2,285
- 4 bedrooms $2,335 – $2,853
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in St. Johns County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 St. Johns County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in St. Johns County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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ST. Johns County Board of County Commissioners
200 San Sebastian Vw, St Augustine
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in St. Johns 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 St. Johns 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
$3,388
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,694
- Security deposit
- $1,694
- Total
- $3,388
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 St. Johns County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,401; 1 bedroom: $1,421; 2 bedrooms: $1,694; 3 bedrooms: $2,077; 4 bedrooms: $2,594. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in St. Johns County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,694) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.58 an hour full time, or $67,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in St. Johns County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,350 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 St. Johns 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 $1,525 and $1,863 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in St. Johns County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 32145 to $2,540 in 32259. 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 St. Johns County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in St. Johns County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 St. Johns County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In St. Johns County, 60% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).