Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Laurens County, Georgia
Laurens County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,007 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $863 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.37 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,007
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 34% less than in Georgia
- Typical rent
- $863
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% less than in Georgia
- Wage needed
- $19.37
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Georgia
Only here
Renting in Laurens County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Laurens County has the highest typical rent in its area: $863, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Bleckley County ($799).
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12% of households in Laurens County have no internet at home, against 7% in Georgia.
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 Laurens 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 Laurens County was $1,187 a month in September 2026: 8.5% 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 | $701 | $13.48 | $28,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $770 | $14.81 | $30,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,007 | $19.37 | $40,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,286 | $24.73 | $51,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,600 | $30.77 | $64,000 |
HUD area: Laurens County, GA. 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 13 ZIP codes in Laurens County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 31009 to $1,160 in 31065. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,007).
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)
| 30454 | Laurens County, GA | $740 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,300 | $1,580 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31009 | Laurens County, GA | $700 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,590 |
| 31019 | Laurens County, GA | $800 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,830 |
| 31021 | Laurens County, GA | $700 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,590 |
| 31021 | Wilkinson County, GA | $700 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,590 |
| 31022 | Bleckley County, GA | $790 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,790 |
| 31022 | Dodge County, GA | $790 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,790 |
| 31022 | Laurens County, GA | $790 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,790 |
| 31027 | Laurens County, GA | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,640 |
| 31065 | Bleckley County, GA | $830 | $900 | $1,160 | $1,470 | $1,800 |
| 31065 | Laurens County, GA | $830 | $900 | $1,160 | $1,470 | $1,800 |
| 31065 | Wilkinson County, GA | $830 | $900 | $1,160 | $1,470 | $1,800 |
| 31075 | Laurens County, GA | $700 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,590 |
- 30454 · Laurens County, GA $1,020$1,300
- 31009 · Laurens County, GA $1,000$1,280
- 31019 · Laurens County, GA $1,150$1,470
- 31021 · Laurens County, GA $1,000$1,280
- 31021 · Wilkinson County, GA $1,000$1,280
- 31022 · Bleckley County, GA $1,130$1,440
- 31022 · Dodge County, GA $1,130$1,440
- 31022 · Laurens County, GA $1,130$1,440
- 31027 · Laurens County, GA $1,030$1,320
- 31065 · Bleckley County, GA $1,160$1,470
- 31065 · Laurens County, GA $1,160$1,470
- 31065 · Wilkinson County, GA $1,160$1,470
- 31075 · Laurens County, GA $1,000$1,280
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 Laurens County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, 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.
6,643 households rent in Laurens County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Laurens 49%
- Georgia 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Laurens County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Laurens 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)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 4
1,376 homes in all; 978 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Claxton Homes Public housing 511 Vinson Vlg, Dublin 31021 150 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Dublin · Average payment: $297 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (478) 290-6714
- Johnson Homes Public housing 112 Katie Dudley Vlg, Dublin 31021 145 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Dublin · Average payment: $298 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (478) 290-6714
- Simmons Jackson Homes Public housing 208A Roberts St, Dublin 31021 145 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Dublin · Average payment: $319 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (478) 290-6714
- Riverview Heights HUD-assisted 200 Riverview Dr, Dublin 31021 117 low-income homes · For older adults · (478) 272-2055
- Smith HMS-Coleman CT Public housing 501A Coleman Ct, Dublin 31021 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Dublin · Average payment: $312 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (478) 290-6714
- Groveland Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 1717 Telfair St, Dublin 31021 52 low-income homes · For families · (478) 272-8256
- Shamrock Village Apartments HUD-assisted 1606 S Jefferson St, Dublin 31021 70 homes, 51 low-income · For families · (478) 272-8610
- Emerald Pointe Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 Woodlawn Dr, Dublin 31021 64 homes, 51 low-income · In service since 2006
- Dublin Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 450 Hillcrest Pkwy, Dublin 31021 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1997
- Hillcrest Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 208 Hillcrest Dr, Dublin 31021 48 low-income homes · In service since 1996
- Woodlawn Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Woodlawn Dr, Dublin 31021 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2001
- Dogwood Terrace HUD-assisted 202 Woodlawn Dr, Dublin 31021 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (478) 277-9100
- Laurens County Resources HUD-assisted 202 Hillcrest Dr, Dublin 31021 10 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (228) 818-3226
- Martin Court HUD-assisted 143 Hillcrest Dr, Dublin 31021 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (478) 275-8850
- Oconee Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Riverview Dr, Dublin 31021 117 homes · In service since 2010
- Riverview Heights Fka Oconee Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Riverview Dr, Dublin 31021 117 homes · In service since 2010
- Meadowood Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1015 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Dublin 31021 80 homes · In service since 1999
- Waterford Estates (fka Shannon Estates) Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Waterford Trl, Dublin 31021 50 homes · In service since 2010
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 Laurens County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Laurens 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 | $16,200 | $26,950 | $43,150 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,800 | $49,300 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,650 | $55,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $38,500 | $61,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $41,600 | $66,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $44,700 | $71,500 |
| 7 people | $47,750 | $47,750 | $76,400 |
| 8 people | $50,850 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
Area median income: $74,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Laurens County, GA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $631 – $771
- 1 bedroom $693 – $847
- 2 bedrooms $906 – $1,108
- 3 bedrooms $1,157 – $1,415
- 4 bedrooms $1,440 – $1,760
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
- Housing Authority of the City of Dublin Public housing · 540 public housing units (478) 290-6714 Housing Authority of the City of Dublin: dhousing@dublinhousingauthority.net
Housing agencies in Georgia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Georgia
What Georgia 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
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-30.1
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-34
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 business days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-50(a)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 60 days
- O.C.G.A. §44-7-7
- Only a court order can remove youO.C.G.A. §44-7-14.1; §44-7-50 et seq.
- Protection from retaliationO.C.G.A. §44-7-24
Help
Where to get help with rent in Laurens County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Homefirst Housing Resource Services, Inc.
688 Walnut St, Macon · 51 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
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Telamon Corporation - Macon Branch
2150 Northside Xing, Macon · 57 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Laurens County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Run by Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS)
Help from the federal LIHEAP program in Georgia to pay the home energy bill, through your county's community action agency
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Laurens 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 Georgia, the average home bill was $151 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
$2,014
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,007
- Security deposit
- $1,007
- Total
- $2,014
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 Laurens County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $701; 1 bedroom: $770; 2 bedrooms: $1,007; 3 bedrooms: $1,286; 4 bedrooms: $1,600. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Laurens County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,007) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.37 an hour full time, or $40,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Laurens County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $38,500 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 Laurens 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 $906 and $1,108 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Laurens County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 31009 to $1,160 in 31065. 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 Laurens County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Laurens 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 Laurens County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Laurens County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).