Renting in Dearborn County, Indiana: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,442; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 11% more than in Indiana
Typical rent: $845; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 20% less than in Indiana
Wage needed: $27.73; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $57,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 37%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 23% less than in Indiana

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 Dearborn County: what sets it apart

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

At 85%, Dearborn County ranks 3rd among the 92 counties in Indiana for the highest homeownership rate.
At $84,735, Dearborn County ranks 8th among the 92 counties in Indiana for the highest typical household income.

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 Dearborn 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 Dearborn County was $1,298 a month in September 2026. 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	$1,052	$20.23	$42,080
1 bedroom	$1,128	$21.69	$45,120
2 bedrooms	$1,442	$27.73	$57,680
3 bedrooms	$1,897	$36.48	$75,880
4 bedrooms	$2,141	$41.17	$85,640

HUD area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN 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 13 ZIP codes in Dearborn County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 47001 to $1,400 in 47032. No ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,442).

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.

47001	Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$840	$900	$1,150	$1,510	$1,710
47018	Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$890	$950	$1,220	$1,600	$1,760
47018	Ripley County, IN	$890	$950	$1,220	$1,600	$1,760
47018	Switzerland County, IN	$890	$950	$1,220	$1,600	$1,760
47022	Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$860	$930	$1,180	$1,550	$1,690
47025	Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$880	$940	$1,200	$1,580	$1,780
47032	Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$1,020	$1,090	$1,400	$1,840	$2,070
47032	Ripley County, IN	$1,020	$1,090	$1,400	$1,840	$2,070
47041	Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$860	$910	$1,170	$1,530	$1,640
47041	Franklin County, IN	$860	$910	$1,170	$1,530	$1,640
47041	Ripley County, IN	$860	$910	$1,170	$1,530	$1,640
47060	Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$930	$1,010	$1,270	$1,670	$1,830
47060	Franklin County, IN	$930	$1,010	$1,270	$1,670	$1,830

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
47001 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,150$1,510
47018 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,220$1,600
47018 · Ripley County, IN $1,220$1,600
47018 · Switzerland County, IN $1,220$1,600
47022 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,180$1,550
47025 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,200$1,580
47032 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,400$1,840
47032 · Ripley County, IN $1,400$1,840
47041 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,170$1,530
47041 · Franklin County, IN $1,170$1,530
47041 · Ripley County, IN $1,170$1,530
47060 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,270$1,670
47060 · Franklin County, IN $1,270$1,670

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 Dearborn County, 37% 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.

37%

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

2,995 households rent in Dearborn County

Spend half or more of their income 19%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
Spend less than 30% 63%

Compared with the state and the country

Dearborn 37%
Indiana 48%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Dearborn County

HUD lists 8 properties with homes for low-income households in Dearborn 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): 4
HUD-assisted: 3
public housing: 1

384 homes in all; 309 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Lawrenceburg Village HUD-assisted 410 Valley Dr, Lawrenceburg 47025 75 low-income homes · For families · (812) 537-4913
North Dearborn Village I Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 25795 Unity Ln, West Harrison 47060 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 38 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
Greendale Village Apts Public housing 489 Ludlow St, Greendale 47025 50 low-income homes · Run by Greendale Housing Authority · Average payment: $465 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (812) 537-0164
Dillsboro Village Apartments HUD-assisted 10145 Alpha Dr, Dillsboro 47018 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 432-5282
Lutheran Community HUD-assisted 15 Village Dr, Lawrenceburg 47025 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 537-1305
North Dearborn Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 25795 Unity Ln, West Harrison 47060 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
Ludlow Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 283 Bielby Rd, Lawrenceburg 47025 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2004
Lawrenceburg Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 412 Valley Dr, Lawrenceburg 47025 75 homes

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 Dearborn 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 Dearborn 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: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$23,100	$38,500	$61,550
2 people	$26,400	$44,000	$70,350
3 people	$29,700	$49,500	$79,150
4 people	$33,000	$54,950	$87,900
5 people	$38,680	$59,350	$94,950
6 people	$44,360	$63,750	$102,000
7 people	$50,040	$68,150	$109,000
8 people	$55,720	$72,550	$116,050

Area median income: $109,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $947 – $1,157
1 bedroom $1,015 – $1,241
2 bedrooms $1,298 – $1,586
3 bedrooms $1,707 – $2,087
4 bedrooms $1,927 – $2,355

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

Greendale Housing Authority Public housing · 50 public housing units (812) 537-0164 Greendale Housing Authority: krissy@seiqpm.com

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 rule

Compare 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 Dearborn County

HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Dearborn County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.

See every agency in Indiana 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 Dearborn 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

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$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Dearborn County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$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 $1,442. 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

$2,884

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,442
Security deposit: $1,442
Total: $2,884

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 Dearborn County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,052; 1 bedroom: $1,128; 2 bedrooms: $1,442; 3 bedrooms: $1,897; 4 bedrooms: $2,141. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,442) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.73 an hour full time, or $57,680 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Dearborn County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,950 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 Dearborn 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 $1,298 and $1,586 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 47001 to $1,400 in 47032. 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 Dearborn County?

HUD lists 8 properties with homes for low-income households in Dearborn 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 Dearborn County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dearborn County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 48%, 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

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 Dearborn County, Indiana

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Dearborn 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 Dearborn County

The Section 8 voucher in Dearborn County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Indiana

Where to get help with rent in Dearborn County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Dearborn County?

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

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Dearborn County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Dearborn County?

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

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

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