Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Marion County, Illinois
Marion County has a HUD fair market rent of $930 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $794 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $930
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 46% less than in Illinois
- Typical rent
- $794
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% less than in Illinois
- Wage needed
- $17.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in Illinois
Only here
Renting in Marion County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Wayne County, the typical rent is $657: 17% less than in Marion County ($794).
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12% of households in Marion County have no internet at home, against 6% in Illinois.
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 Marion 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $661 | $12.71 | $26,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $767 | $14.75 | $30,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $930 | $17.88 | $37,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,210 | $23.27 | $48,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,554 | $29.88 | $62,160 |
HUD area: Marion County, IL. 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 20 ZIP codes in Marion County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 62807 to $1,210 in 62853. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($930).
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)
| 62801 | Jefferson County, IL | $700 | $790 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62801 | Marion County, IL | $700 | $790 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| 62801 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $700 | $790 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| 62801 | Washington County, IL | $700 | $790 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| 62807 | Marion County, IL | $660 | $770 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,550 |
| 62849 | Marion County, IL | $660 | $770 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,550 |
| 62853 | Jefferson County, IL | $860 | $1,000 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $2,020 |
| 62853 | Marion County, IL | $860 | $1,000 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $2,020 |
| 62854 | Clay County, IL | $660 | $770 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,550 |
| 62854 | Fayette County, IL | $660 | $770 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,550 |
| 62854 | Marion County, IL | $660 | $770 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,550 |
| 62870 | Marion County, IL | $700 | $820 | $990 | $1,290 | $1,650 |
| 62875 | Fayette County, IL | $800 | $890 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,760 |
| 62875 | Marion County, IL | $800 | $890 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,760 |
| 62875 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $800 | $890 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,760 |
| 62881 | Marion County, IL | $660 | $770 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,550 |
| 62882 | Marion County, IL | $690 | $790 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,610 |
| 62882 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $690 | $790 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,610 |
| 62892 | Fayette County, IL | $780 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,720 |
| 62892 | Marion County, IL | $780 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,720 |
- 62801 · Jefferson County, IL $960$1,250
- 62801 · Marion County, IL $960$1,250
- 62801 · St. Louis, MO-IL $960$1,250
- 62801 · Washington County, IL $960$1,250
- 62807 · Marion County, IL $930$1,210
- 62849 · Marion County, IL $930$1,210
- 62853 · Jefferson County, IL $1,210$1,570
- 62853 · Marion County, IL $1,210$1,570
- 62854 · Clay County, IL $930$1,210
- 62854 · Fayette County, IL $930$1,210
- 62854 · Marion County, IL $930$1,210
- 62870 · Marion County, IL $990$1,290
- 62875 · Fayette County, IL $1,090$1,420
- 62875 · Marion County, IL $1,090$1,420
- 62875 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,090$1,420
- 62881 · Marion County, IL $930$1,210
- 62882 · Marion County, IL $960$1,250
- 62882 · St. Louis, MO-IL $960$1,250
- 62892 · Fayette County, IL $1,060$1,380
- 62892 · Marion County, IL $1,060$1,380
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 Marion County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,932 households rent in Marion County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Marion 43%
- Illinois 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Marion County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Marion 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 3
776 homes in all; 760 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Centralia Site 1&2 Public housing 705 N Elm St, Centralia 62801 193 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Marion County · Average payment: $327 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (618) 532-1894
- Meadow Lark Manor Public housing 1 Glenwood Acres, Salem 62881 130 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Marion County · Average payment: $422 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (618) 532-1894
- Silver Acres Public housing 300 W Bond Ave, Patoka 62875 122 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Marion County · Average payment: $358 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (618) 532-1894
- The Villas at Heritage Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 Heritage Cir, Centralia 62801 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 2009
- Hickory Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Hickory Ridge Ct, Centralia 62801 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Maplewood Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 Fairway Dr, Centralia 62801 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2012
- Mills Crossing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Mills Cart Rd, Salem 62881 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Glenwood Acres II HUD-assisted 536 Roddy Rd, Salem 62881 39 low-income homes · For older adults · (618) 548-3019
- Hickory Meadows Subdivision Tax credit (LIHTC) 33 Hickory Meadows Dr, Centralia 62801 32 low-income homes · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Manor at Salem Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 411 S Hotze Rd, Salem 62881 40 homes, 24 low-income · Studio: 25 · 1 bd: 15 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Downtown Apartments HUD-assisted 200 N Jefferson St, Salem 62881 24 low-income homes · For families · (217) 342-4050
- Patoka Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 N Oak St, Patoka 62875 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
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 Marion 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 Marion 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 | $18,850 | $31,400 | $50,250 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,900 | $57,400 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,400 | $64,600 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $44,850 | $71,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,450 | $77,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,050 | $83,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $55,650 | $89,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,250 | $94,750 |
Area median income: $81,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Marion County, IL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $595 – $727
- 1 bedroom $690 – $844
- 2 bedrooms $837 – $1,023
- 3 bedrooms $1,089 – $1,331
- 4 bedrooms $1,399 – $1,709
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 Marion County Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 282 vouchers · 445 public housing units (618) 532-1894 Housing Authority of Marion County: ktinsley@mchahomes.org
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 Marion County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
C.e.f.s. Clay County Outreach Office
835 West North, Flora · 23 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
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C.e.f.s. Fayette County Outreach Office
517 W. Gallatin Street, Vandalia · 24 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
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C.e.f.s. Economic Opportunity Corporation
1805 S Banker St, Effingham · 37 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Marion County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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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 Marion 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
$1,860
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $930
- Security deposit
- $930
- Total
- $1,860
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 Marion County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $661; 1 bedroom: $767; 2 bedrooms: $930; 3 bedrooms: $1,210; 4 bedrooms: $1,554. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Marion County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($930) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.88 an hour full time, or $37,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Marion County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $44,850 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 Marion 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 $837 and $1,023 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Marion County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 62807 to $1,210 in 62853. 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 Marion County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Marion 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 Marion County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Marion County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Illinois, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).