Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Madison County, Illinois
Madison County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,349 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,024 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.94 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,349
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 22% less than in Illinois
- Typical rent
- $1,024
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 20% less than in Illinois
- Wage needed
- $25.94
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $53,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in Illinois
Only here
Renting in Madison County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Montgomery County has the lowest typical rent ($723), 29% below the $1,024 in Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison County was $1,196 a month in September 2026: 4.1% 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 | $1,064 | $20.46 | $42,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,104 | $21.23 | $44,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,349 | $25.94 | $53,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,731 | $33.29 | $69,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,997 | $38.40 | $79,880 |
HUD area: St. Louis, MO-IL 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 34 ZIP codes in Madison County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 62001 to $1,590 in 62281. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,349).
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)
| 62001 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $760 | $790 | $960 | $1,230 | $1,420 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62002 | Macoupin County, IL | $1,030 | $1,060 | $1,300 | $1,670 | $1,930 |
| 62002 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,030 | $1,060 | $1,300 | $1,670 | $1,930 |
| 62010 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $880 | $920 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,660 |
| 62018 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,290 | $1,660 | $1,910 |
| 62021 | Macoupin County, IL | $880 | $900 | $1,140 | $1,420 | $1,720 |
| 62021 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $880 | $900 | $1,140 | $1,420 | $1,720 |
| 62024 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $850 | $880 | $1,080 | $1,390 | $1,600 |
| 62025 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,180 | $1,230 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,220 |
| 62026 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,180 | $1,230 | $1,500 | $1,920 | $2,220 |
| 62034 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,050 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,710 | $1,970 |
| 62035 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,140 | $1,180 | $1,440 | $1,850 | $2,130 |
| 62040 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $900 | $930 | $1,140 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 62046 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $910 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,720 |
| 62048 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $920 | $960 | $1,170 | $1,500 | $1,730 |
| 62058 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $760 | $790 | $960 | $1,230 | $1,420 |
| 62060 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $990 | $1,020 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,850 |
| 62061 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $910 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,720 |
| 62062 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $980 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,590 | $1,840 |
| 62067 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,010 | $1,050 | $1,280 | $1,650 | $1,900 |
| 62074 | Bond County, IL | $750 | $780 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,430 |
| 62074 | Macoupin County, IL | $750 | $780 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,430 |
| 62074 | Montgomery County, IL | $750 | $780 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,430 |
| 62074 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $750 | $780 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,430 |
| 62084 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $930 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,750 |
| 62087 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $800 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,500 |
| 62090 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $900 | $930 | $1,140 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 62095 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $900 | $930 | $1,140 | $1,460 | $1,690 |
| 62097 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $940 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,510 | $1,790 |
| 62234 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $990 | $1,020 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,850 |
| 62249 | Bond County, IL | $800 | $830 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,510 |
| 62249 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $800 | $830 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,510 |
| 62281 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,250 | $1,300 | $1,590 | $2,040 | $2,350 |
| 62294 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,060 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,730 | $2,000 |
- 62001 · St. Louis, MO-IL $960$1,230
- 62002 · Macoupin County, IL $1,300$1,670
- 62002 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,300$1,670
- 62010 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,120$1,440
- 62018 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,290$1,660
- 62021 · Macoupin County, IL $1,140$1,420
- 62021 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,140$1,420
- 62024 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,080$1,390
- 62025 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,500$1,920
- 62026 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,500$1,920
- 62034 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,330$1,710
- 62035 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,440$1,850
- 62040 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,140$1,460
- 62046 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,160$1,490
- 62048 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,170$1,500
- 62058 · St. Louis, MO-IL $960$1,230
- 62060 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,250$1,600
- 62061 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,160$1,490
- 62062 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,240$1,590
- 62067 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,280$1,650
- 62074 · Bond County, IL $960$1,220
- 62074 · Macoupin County, IL $960$1,220
- 62074 · Montgomery County, IL $960$1,220
- 62074 · St. Louis, MO-IL $960$1,220
- 62084 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,180$1,510
- 62087 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,010$1,300
- 62090 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,140$1,460
- 62095 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,140$1,460
- 62097 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,200$1,510
- 62234 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,250$1,600
- 62249 · Bond County, IL $1,020$1,310
- 62249 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,020$1,310
- 62281 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,590$2,040
- 62294 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,350$1,730
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 Madison County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
28,418 households rent in Madison County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Madison 47%
- Illinois 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Madison County
HUD lists 57 properties with homes for low-income households in Madison 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)
- 26
- HUD-assisted
- 21
- public housing
- 14
3,563 homes in all; 3,140 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Oakwood Estates Public housing 275 Janet St, Alton 62002 250 homes, 244 low-income · Run by Housing Authority - City of Alton · Average payment: $409 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (618) 465-4260
- Anchorage Homes Public housing 2901 E 25th St, Granite City 62040 194 low-income homes · Run by Granite City Housing Authority · Average payment: $375 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (618) 876-0975
- Skyline Towers HUD-assisted 3113 Washington Ave, Alton 62002 158 low-income homes · For older adults · (618) 465-1940
- Northgate Homes Public housing 150 S Aurora St, Collinsville 62234 134 homes, 128 low-income · Run by Madison County Housing Authority · Average payment: $329 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (618) 345-5142
- Marian Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 20 Marian Heights Dr, Alton 62002 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 119 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2003 · For older adults · (618) 462-0363
- Township Village Apts HUD-assisted 617 Valley Dr, East Alton 62024 122 low-income homes · For families · (314) 968-2205
- Town and Country Apartments HUD-assisted 2562 Parkview Dr, Granite City 62040 121 low-income homes · For older adults
- Woodland Towers HUD-assisted 306 Pine Lake Rd, Collinsville 62234 104 low-income homes · For older adults · (618) 345-7240
- Hillcrest Apartments HUD-assisted 1710 Muny Vista Dr, Alton 62002 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (618) 465-0996
- Woodland Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) 304 306 Pine Lake RD, Collinsville 62234 99 low-income homes · In service since 2017
- Granite City Commons Public housing 2941 Costello Ln, Granite City 62040 96 low-income homes · Run by Granite City Housing Authority · Average payment: $441 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (618) 876-0975
- Bissell Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1300 Klein Ave, Venice 62090 92 low-income homes · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For families · (618) 451-7902
- Faith Countryside Homes HUD-assisted 1331 26th St, Highland 62249 84 low-income homes · For older adults · (618) 651-3100
- Washington Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1530 Market St, Madison 62060 84 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Cambridge House of Maryville Tax credit (LIHTC) 6901 State Route 162, Maryville 62062 103 homes, 83 low-income · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Gateway Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1676 Market St, Madison 62060 78 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2012
- Alton Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Sullivan DR, Alton 62002 84 homes, 71 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Meachum Crossing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1038 James Gray St, Venice 62090 78 homes, 70 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 45 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 2009
- May Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted · Public housing 1701 Bryant Ave, Edwardsville 62025 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 14 · For older adults · Run by Madison County Housing Authority · (618) 692-0076
- New Parkside Apartments HUD-assisted 2520 Parkview Dr, Granite City 62040 64 homes, 63 low-income · For families · (618) 797-6921
- Belle Manor HUD-assisted 3200 Belle St, Alton 62002 60 low-income homes · For families · (618) 465-5105
- Windham Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2701 Windham Terrace Dr, Wood River 62095 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Broadway Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Broadway Ave, South Roxana 62087 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Storey Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 40B Manor Dr, Cottage Hills 62018 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Storey Manor HUD-assisted 39 Manor Dr, Cottage Hills 62018 50 low-income homes · For families · (618) 462-5626
- Stevens Building HUD-assisted 118 Haller St, Wood River 62095 46 low-income homes · For older adults · (618) 254-6568
- Humboldt School Housing Development Tax credit (LIHTC) 1028 E 6th St, Alton 62002 44 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2000 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Granite City Green Community Public housing 2703 E 25th St, Granite City 62040 43 low-income homes · Run by Granite City Housing Authority · Average payment: $398 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (618) 876-0975
- Godfrey Estates/Northwood Apartments HUD-assisted 325 Big Arch Rd, Godfrey 62035 100 homes, 40 low-income · For families · (618) 466-4345
- Golden Oaks Apartment HUD-assisted 111 W Acton Ave, Wood River 62095 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (618) 466-9006
- Chestnut Madison Recovery Tax credit (LIHTC) 604 State St, Madison 62060 32 low-income homes · Studio: 32 · In service since 2007
- Hampton Place Three Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 Highland Ave, Alton 62002 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2011
- Hampton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1439 Pearl St, Alton 62002 30 homes, 27 low-income · 3 bd: 27 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Adams ST Housing Development Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 Adams ST, Granite City 62040 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1998
- Vintage Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2231 Adams St, Granite City 62040 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Idlewood Apt Tax credit (LIHTC) 527 Lower Marine Rd, Troy 62294 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1993
- Northtown East Apartments HUD-assisted 85A Suppiger Ln, Highland 62249 24 low-income homes · For families · (618) 654-7033
- Hampton Place Extension II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1439 Pearl St, Alton 62002 26 homes, 23 low-income · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 2005
- Alton Pointe Apartments Public housing 1039A Alton Pointe Circle Dr, Alton 62002 84 homes, 21 low-income · Run by Madison County Housing Authority · Average payment: $318 a month · Average wait: 62 months · (618) 345-5142
- Woodland Park Public housing 735 Claremont Ct, Collinsville 62234 80 homes, 20 low-income · Run by Madison County Housing Authority · Average payment: $387 a month · (618) 345-5142
- Granite City Green Community Phase II Public housing 2701 Edwards St, Granite City 62040 20 low-income homes · Run by Granite City Housing Authority · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (618) 876-0975
- Yakubian Homes HUD-assisted 1902 Brown St, Alton 62002 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (618) 465-0120
- Senior Plaza Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2676 Eagle Way Dr, Highland 62249 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991
- Warren Hempel Apartments HUD-assisted 120 Manor Ct, Alton 62002 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (618) 465-0120
- Senior Plaza Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Suppiger Ln, Highland 62249 17 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Alton Cmi Apartments HUD-assisted 727 Washington Ave, Alton 62002 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (618) 465-0120
- D'adrian Meadows Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1234 Preis Ln, Godfrey 62035 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1991
- Madison Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1601 Market St, Madison 62060 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Amys Crossing HUD-assisted 1900 Brown St, Alton 62002 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (618) 465-0120
- Greenwood Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1026 Greenwood St, Madison 62060 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities
- Mainstay Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 1218 19th St, Granite City 62040 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 2002
- Gateway Apartments Public housing 1658 Market St, Madison 62060 78 homes, 9 low-income · Run by Madison County Housing Authority · (618) 345-5142
- Washington Avenue Apartments Public housing 1646 Market St, Madison 62060 43 homes, 7 low-income · Run by Madison County Housing Authority · (618) 345-5142
- Chestnut Mainstay II HUD-assisted 1411 6th St, Madison 62060 7 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (618) 709-7611
- Meachum Crossing Apartments Public housing 1319 Skoklo Way, Venice 62090 78 homes, 5 low-income · Run by Madison County Housing Authority · (618) 345-5142
- Toledo Estates Public housing 2705 Toledo Ave, Alton 62002 5 homes, 3 low-income · Run by Housing Authority - City of Alton · (618) 465-4260
- Passive House Public housing 2507 Nameoki Rd, Granite City 62040 2 low-income homes · Run by Granite City Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (618) 876-0975
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 Madison County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Madison 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 | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 2 people | $27,250 | $45,400 | $72,650 |
| 3 people | $30,650 | $51,100 | $81,750 |
| 4 people | $34,050 | $56,750 | $90,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,300 | $98,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $65,850 | $105,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,400 | $112,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $74,950 | $119,900 |
Area median income: $113,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: St. Louis, MO-IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $958 – $1,170
- 1 bedroom $994 – $1,214
- 2 bedrooms $1,214 – $1,484
- 3 bedrooms $1,558 – $1,904
- 4 bedrooms $1,797 – $2,197
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
- Madison County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,223 vouchers · 561 public housing units (618) 345-5142 Madison County Housing Authority: jamecachapman@mchail.org
- Granite City Housing Authority Public housing · 355 public housing units (618) 876-0975 Granite City Housing Authority: Teri.Lake@granitecityha.org
- Housing Authority - City of Alton Public housing · 249 public housing units (618) 465-4260 Housing Authority - City of Alton: ahainfo@altonhousing.com
Housing agencies in Illinois Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Illinois
What Illinois 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.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 5 days
- 735 ILCS 5/9-101 to 9-307 (Eviction Act)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- 735 ILCS 5/9-101 to 9-307 (Eviction Act)
- Only a court order can remove you735 ILCS 5/9-101 to 9-307 (Eviction Act)
- Protection from retaliation765 ILCS 721 (Landlord Retaliation Act)
- Protection related to immigration statusIllinois Human Rights Act
Help
Where to get help with rent in Madison County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Madison County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Madison County Urban League
408 E Broadway Street, Alton
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Madison County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)
Run by Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
Illinois state help to pay back rent and court costs if you already have an eviction case for nonpayment
Open, per the source
See details
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Madison 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 Illinois, the average home bill was $110 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
$2,698
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,349
- Security deposit
- $1,349
- Total
- $2,698
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 Madison County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,064; 1 bedroom: $1,104; 2 bedrooms: $1,349; 3 bedrooms: $1,731; 4 bedrooms: $1,997. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Madison County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,349) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.94 an hour full time, or $53,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Madison County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,750 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 Madison 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 $1,214 and $1,484 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Madison County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 62001 to $1,590 in 62281. 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 Madison County?
HUD lists 57 properties with homes for low-income households in Madison 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 Madison County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Madison County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).