Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Bartholomew County, Indiana
Bartholomew County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,493 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,127 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.71 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,493
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 15% more than in Indiana
- Typical rent
- $1,127
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% more than in Indiana
- Wage needed
- $28.71
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $59,720 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 Indiana
Only here
Renting in Bartholomew County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Decatur County, the typical rent is $861: 24% less than in Bartholomew County ($1,127).
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 Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew County was $1,380 a month in September 2026: 2.5% 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 | $1,261 | $24.25 | $50,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,276 | $24.54 | $51,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,493 | $28.71 | $59,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,779 | $34.21 | $71,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,126 | $40.88 | $85,040 |
HUD area: Columbus, IN 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 14 ZIP codes in Bartholomew County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 47226 to $1,580 in 47280. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,493).
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)
| 47201 | Columbus, IN | $1,320 | $1,330 | $1,560 | $1,860 | $2,230 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47201 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,320 | $1,330 | $1,560 | $1,860 | $2,230 |
| 47201 | Jackson County, IN | $1,320 | $1,330 | $1,560 | $1,860 | $2,230 |
| 47203 | Columbus, IN | $1,110 | $1,140 | $1,290 | $1,540 | $1,840 |
| 47226 | Columbus, IN | $1,110 | $1,140 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,800 |
| 47232 | Columbus, IN | $1,110 | $1,140 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,800 |
| 47232 | Jennings County, IN | $1,110 | $1,140 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,800 |
| 47236 | Columbus, IN | $1,110 | $1,140 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,800 |
| 47244 | Columbus, IN | $1,280 | $1,290 | $1,510 | $1,800 | $2,150 |
| 47244 | Decatur County, IN | $1,280 | $1,290 | $1,510 | $1,800 | $2,150 |
| 47246 | Columbus, IN | $1,180 | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,670 | $1,990 |
| 47246 | Decatur County, IN | $1,180 | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,670 | $1,990 |
| 47247 | Columbus, IN | $1,110 | $1,140 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,800 |
| 47280 | Columbus, IN | $1,330 | $1,350 | $1,580 | $1,880 | $2,250 |
- 47201 · Columbus, IN $1,560$1,860
- 47201 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,560$1,860
- 47201 · Jackson County, IN $1,560$1,860
- 47203 · Columbus, IN $1,290$1,540
- 47226 · Columbus, IN $1,280$1,530
- 47232 · Columbus, IN $1,280$1,530
- 47232 · Jennings County, IN $1,280$1,530
- 47236 · Columbus, IN $1,280$1,530
- 47244 · Columbus, IN $1,510$1,800
- 47244 · Decatur County, IN $1,510$1,800
- 47246 · Columbus, IN $1,400$1,670
- 47246 · Decatur County, IN $1,400$1,670
- 47247 · Columbus, IN $1,280$1,530
- 47280 · Columbus, IN $1,580$1,880
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 Bartholomew County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 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.
10,236 households rent in Bartholomew County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Bartholomew 43%
- Indiana 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Bartholomew County
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Bartholomew 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)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 13
- public housing
- 1
1,531 homes in all; 1,144 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Heritage Woods Public housing 222 Sycamore St, Columbus 47201 157 low-income homes · Run by Columbus Housing Authority · Average payment: $447 a month · Average wait: 59 months · (812) 378-0005
- Arbors at Waters Edge Tax credit (LIHTC) 4060 N 150 W, Columbus 47201 152 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2006
- Fairington Apartments Columbus HUD-assisted 2351 Fairington Ct, Columbus 47203 136 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 376-8836
- Canterbury House Apts - Columbus Tax credit (LIHTC) 3501 Nicholas Ln, Columbus 47203 144 homes, 128 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 42 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 2004
- Villas Apartments HUD-assisted 4101 Waycross Dr, Columbus 47203 99 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 379-1225
- Cambridge Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3301 McKinley Ave, Columbus 47201 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For families · (812) 372-8562
- Gateway Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Phoenix Ct, Columbus 47201 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Gladstone Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 411 S Gladstone Ave, Columbus 47201 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2020
- All Saints Community HUD-assisted 5400 Yellowwood Dr, Columbus 47203 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 378-9099
- The Lofts at Ashford Tax credit (LIHTC) SW Corner of Hutchins Avenue and 10th ST, Columbus 47201 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2020
- Briarwood Apartments Columbus HUD-assisted 2351 Thornybrook Dr, Columbus 47203 160 homes, 32 low-income · For families · (812) 376-9727
- Larae Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2469 W Larae Ave, Columbus 47201 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1993
- Armory - 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 646 Franklin St, Columbus 47201 25 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 21 · In service since 1996
- Mapleview Apartments HUD-assisted 2999 9th St, Columbus 47201 21 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (812) 378-4559
- Booth Manor Columbus HUD-assisted 2525 Illinois Ave, Columbus 47201 20 homes, 19 low-income · For older adults · (812) 372-7173
- Lincoln Village Cooperative Apts Phase II HUD-assisted 5217 N Lincoln Village Dr, Columbus 47203 50 homes, 18 low-income · For families · (812) 376-0338
- Lincoln Village Cooperative Apts Phase I HUD-assisted 5132 N Lincoln Village Dr, Columbus 47203 50 homes, 17 low-income · For families · (812) 376-0338
- Dogwood Place HUD-assisted 730 Schnier St, Columbus 47201 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (812) 378-4559
- Lincoln Village Cooperative Apts Phase III HUD-assisted 5134 S Lincoln Village Dr, Columbus 47203 56 homes, 13 low-income · For families · (812) 376-0338
- Lincoln Village Cooperative Apts Phase IV HUD-assisted 5135 N Lincoln Village Dr, Columbus 47203 50 homes, 12 low-income · For families · (812) 376-0338
- Indiana House HUD-assisted 2650 Fox Pointe Dr, Columbus 47203 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (812) 378-4559
- United Senior Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 13th St, Columbus 47201 63 homes
- Wexford of Taylorsville Tax credit (LIHTC) 9055 Wexford Ct, Columbus 47201 32 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew 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 | $20,450 | $34,050 | $54,400 |
| 2 people | $23,350 | $38,900 | $62,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,700 | $69,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,550 | $77,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,450 | $83,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,350 | $90,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,250 | $96,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,150 | $102,600 |
Area median income: $94,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Columbus, IN MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,135 – $1,387
- 1 bedroom $1,148 – $1,404
- 2 bedrooms $1,344 – $1,642
- 3 bedrooms $1,601 – $1,957
- 4 bedrooms $1,913 – $2,339
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
- Columbus Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 750 vouchers · 157 public housing units (812) 378-0005 Columbus Housing Authority: alan@columbushome.net
Housing agencies in Indiana Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Indiana
What Indiana 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?
- 45 days
- Ind. Code §32-31-3-12(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- Ind. Code §32-31-1-6
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 30 days
- Ind. Code §32-31-5-4
- Only a court order can remove youInd. Code §32-31-5-6(c)
- Protection from retaliationInd. Code §32-31-8.5-5
Help
Where to get help with rent in Bartholomew County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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City of Bloomington - Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND)
401 N Morton St, Bloomington · 34 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 6 more
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Transition Resources - Pendleton
600 Corporation Dr Ste 105, Pendleton · 56 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Bartholomew 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 Indiana, the average home bill was $133 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
$2,986
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,493
- Security deposit
- $1,493
- Total
- $2,986
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 Bartholomew County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,261; 1 bedroom: $1,276; 2 bedrooms: $1,493; 3 bedrooms: $1,779; 4 bedrooms: $2,126. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Bartholomew County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,493) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.71 an hour full time, or $59,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Bartholomew County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,550 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 Bartholomew 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 $1,344 and $1,642 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Bartholomew County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 47226 to $1,580 in 47280. 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 Bartholomew County?
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bartholomew County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).