Renting in Lowndes County, Georgia: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,179; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 23% less than in Georgia
Typical rent: $1,052; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 24% less than in Georgia
Wage needed: $22.67; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $47,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 54%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 2% more than in Georgia

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)

Only here

Renting in Lowndes County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Lowndes County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,052, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Echols County ($1,017).
At 57%, Lowndes County ranks 15th among the 159 counties in Georgia for the lowest homeownership rate.

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 Lowndes 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 Lowndes County was $1,309 a month in September 2026: 3.4% 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	$898	$17.27	$35,920
1 bedroom	$904	$17.38	$36,160
2 bedrooms	$1,179	$22.67	$47,160
3 bedrooms	$1,575	$30.29	$63,000
4 bedrooms	$1,923	$36.98	$76,920

HUD area: Valdosta, GA 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 9 ZIP codes in Lowndes County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 31606 to $1,470 in 31605. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,179).

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.

31601	Valdosta, GA	$850	$860	$1,120	$1,500	$1,830
31602	Valdosta, GA	$990	$1,000	$1,300	$1,740	$2,120
31605	Valdosta, GA	$1,120	$1,130	$1,470	$1,960	$2,400
31606	Valdosta, GA	$830	$830	$1,080	$1,430	$1,730
31632	Cook County, GA	$960	$970	$1,250	$1,660	$1,980
31632	Valdosta, GA	$960	$970	$1,250	$1,660	$1,980
31641	Valdosta, GA	$890	$900	$1,170	$1,560	$1,910
31698	Valdosta, GA	$940	$950	$1,230	$1,650	$2,010
31699	Valdosta, GA	$1,050	$1,060	$1,380	$1,840	$2,260

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
31601 · Valdosta, GA $1,120$1,500
31602 · Valdosta, GA $1,300$1,740
31605 · Valdosta, GA $1,470$1,960
31606 · Valdosta, GA $1,080$1,430
31632 · Cook County, GA $1,250$1,660
31632 · Valdosta, GA $1,250$1,660
31641 · Valdosta, GA $1,170$1,560
31698 · Valdosta, GA $1,230$1,650
31699 · Valdosta, GA $1,380$1,840

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 Lowndes County, 54% 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.

54%

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

19,884 households rent in Lowndes County

Spend half or more of their income 28%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
Spend less than 30% 46%

Compared with the state and the country

Lowndes 54%
Georgia 52%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Lowndes County

HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Lowndes 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): 23
HUD-assisted: 8
public housing: 5

2,417 homes in all; 2,005 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Brittany Woods and Park Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1150 Old Statenville Rd, Valdosta 31601 204 homes, 172 low-income · In service since 2001 · For older adults · (229) 244-1770
Hudson-Dockett Homes Public housing 807 S Fry St, Valdosta 31601 170 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Valdosta · Average payment: $299 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (229) 242-4130
Cranford Homes Public housing 1102 W Gordon St, Valdosta 31601 131 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Valdosta · Average payment: $422 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (229) 242-4130
Ora Lee West Homes Public housing 610 E Ann St, Valdosta 31601 130 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Valdosta · Average payment: $321 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (229) 242-4130
Azalea Towers HUD-assisted 2910 Tara Dr, Valdosta 31602 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (229) 247-1275
Hudson-Dockett Homes Public housing 807 S Fry St, Valdosta 31601 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Valdosta · Average payment: $318 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (229) 242-4130
Rolling Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2409 Bemiss Rd, Valdosta 31602 88 homes, 86 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2004
Ashton Meadows Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2611 Bemiss Rd, Valdosta 31602 81 homes, 80 low-income · In service since 2001
Azalea Woods Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 811 W Mary St, Valdosta 31601 81 homes, 80 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 39 · 3 bd: 38 · In service since 2019 · For families · (229) 242-3961
Lakeview Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 2045 Casamonica Dr, Lake Park 31636 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2018 · For families
Heron Lake Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 Eastwind Rd, Valdosta 31602 88 homes, 71 low-income · In service since 2005
Heron Lake I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 Eastwind Rd, Valdosta 31602 88 homes, 70 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2005
Hyde Park Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1553 Weaver Dr, Valdosta 31601 64 low-income homes · 3 bd: 48 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 1998
Village on Park Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 908 W Park St, Hahira 31632 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2018 · For families · (229) 299-4010
Ashley House Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 E Hill Ave, Valdosta 31601 61 low-income homes · Studio: 17 · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 1994
Ashley House Apartments HUD-assisted 109 E Hill Ave, Valdosta 31601 61 low-income homes · For older adults · (229) 247-4834
Woodlawn Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 1211 N Forrest St, Valdosta 31601 60 homes, 59 low-income · In service since 2011
Freedom Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 4301 Bemiss Rd, Valdosta 31605 88 homes, 57 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2018 · For families
Gateway Pines Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 770 Union Rd, Hahira 31632 57 homes, 56 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2012
Gateway Pines II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1022 W Stanfill St, Hahira 31632 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2013
Heron Lake II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 Eastwind Rd, Valdosta 31602 64 homes, 54 low-income · In service since 2008
Brookhaven Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4740 Brookhaven Ct, Lake Park 31636 48 low-income homes · In service since 2008
Arbor Trace II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4700 Rolling Pine Dr, Lake Park 31636 43 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2019 · For families
Country Lane Tax credit (LIHTC) 2409 Bemiss Rd, Valdosta 31602 32 low-income homes · In service since 2008
Sands Horizon, Inc. HUD-assisted 1195 Old Statenville Rd, Valdosta 31601 30 low-income homes · For older adults
Sands Horizon II HUD-assisted 1195 Old Statenville Rd, Valdosta 31601 29 low-income homes · For older adults
Hahira,ga Public housing 200A E Park St, Hahira 31632 16 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Hahira · Average payment: $308 a month · (229) 686-9321
Valdosta/Lowndes County Options, Inc. HUD-assisted 400 E Park Ave, Valdosta 31602 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (229) 439-7061
Ashton Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1315 River St, Valdosta 31601 88 homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1999
Ashley House Apartments, Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 E Hill Ave, Valdosta 31601 61 homes · Studio: 17 · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 7
Gateway Pines Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 770 Union Rd, Hahira 31632 52 homes · In service since 2012
Brookhaven Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 4741 Rolling Pine Dr, Lake Park 31636 48 homes · In service since 2011
Brookhaven TC Lake Park, LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 4741 Rolling Pine Dr, Lake Park 31636 48 homes · In service since 2011

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 Lowndes 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 Lowndes 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: Valdosta, GA MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$17,400	$28,950	$46,300
2 people	$21,640	$33,050	$52,900
3 people	$27,320	$37,200	$59,500
4 people	$33,000	$41,300	$66,100
5 people	$38,680	$44,650	$71,400
6 people	$44,360	$47,950	$76,700
7 people	$50,040	$51,250	$82,000
8 people	$54,550	$54,550	$87,300

Area median income: $82,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Valdosta, GA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $808 – $988
1 bedroom $814 – $994
2 bedrooms $1,061 – $1,297
3 bedrooms $1,418 – $1,733
4 bedrooms $1,731 – $2,115

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 Valdosta Public housing · 531 public housing units (229) 242-4130 Housing Authority of the City of Valdosta: mstalvey@valdostapha.org
Housing Authority of the City of Hahira Public housing · 16 public housing units (229) 686-9321 Housing Authority of the City of Hahira: nashvillehousing@windstream.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 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 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 Lowndes County

This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.

FV
Family Visions Outreach, Inc.

601 West Price St., Sylvester · 59 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
(229) 777-7704

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Lowndes County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.

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

See details

See every agency in Georgia 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 Lowndes 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

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$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Lowndes County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$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 $1,179. 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

$2,358

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,179
Security deposit: $1,179
Total: $2,358

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 Lowndes County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $898; 1 bedroom: $904; 2 bedrooms: $1,179; 3 bedrooms: $1,575; 4 bedrooms: $1,923. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,179) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.67 an hour full time, or $47,160 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lowndes County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $41,300 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 Lowndes 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 $1,061 and $1,297 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 31606 to $1,470 in 31605. 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 Lowndes County?

HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Lowndes 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 Lowndes County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lowndes County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Georgia, 52%, 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 Lowndes County, Georgia

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Lowndes County: what sets it apart

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 Lowndes County

The Section 8 voucher in Lowndes County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Georgia

Where to get help with rent in Lowndes County

Rental assistance programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Lowndes County?

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

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lowndes County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Lowndes County?

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

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

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