Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hamilton County, Indiana
Hamilton County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,536 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,574 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.54 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,536
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% more than in Indiana
- Typical rent
- $1,574
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 48% more than in Indiana
- Wage needed
- $29.54
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $61,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% less than in Indiana
Only here
Renting in Hamilton County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 92 counties in Indiana, Hamilton County has the highest typical rent: $1,574.
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Of the 92 counties in Indiana, Hamilton County has the highest typical household income: $121,530.
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Hamilton County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,574, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Boone County ($1,359).
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2% of households in Hamilton County have no internet at home, against 8% in Indiana.
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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton County was $1,845 a month in September 2026: 6.2% 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 | $1,187 | $22.83 | $47,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,336 | $25.69 | $53,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,536 | $29.54 | $61,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,991 | $38.29 | $79,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,425 | $46.63 | $97,000 |
HUD area: Indianapolis-Carmel, 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 17 ZIP codes in Hamilton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 46069 to $2,180 in 46280. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,536).
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)
| 46030 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $980 | $1,100 | $1,270 | $1,650 | $2,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46031 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,130 | $1,240 | $1,470 | $1,870 | $2,240 |
| 46031 | Tipton County, IN | $1,130 | $1,240 | $1,470 | $1,870 | $2,240 |
| 46032 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,650 | $1,860 | $2,140 | $2,770 | $3,380 |
| 46033 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,670 | $1,880 | $2,160 | $2,800 | $3,410 |
| 46034 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,090 | $1,230 | $1,410 | $1,830 | $2,230 |
| 46037 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,560 | $1,760 | $2,020 | $2,620 | $3,190 |
| 46038 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,540 | $1,730 | $1,990 | $2,580 | $3,140 |
| 46060 | Anderson, IN | $1,280 | $1,440 | $1,660 | $2,150 | $2,620 |
| 46060 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,280 | $1,440 | $1,660 | $2,150 | $2,620 |
| 46062 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,450 | $1,630 | $1,870 | $2,420 | $2,950 |
| 46069 | Clinton County, IN | $860 | $970 | $1,120 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
| 46069 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $860 | $970 | $1,120 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
| 46069 | Tipton County, IN | $860 | $970 | $1,120 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
| 46074 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,640 | $1,840 | $2,120 | $2,750 | $3,350 |
| 46280 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,690 | $1,900 | $2,180 | $2,830 | $3,440 |
| 46290 | Indianapolis-Carmel, IN | $1,500 | $1,690 | $1,940 | $2,510 | $3,060 |
- 46030 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,270$1,650
- 46031 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,470$1,870
- 46031 · Tipton County, IN $1,470$1,870
- 46032 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $2,140$2,770
- 46033 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $2,160$2,800
- 46034 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,410$1,830
- 46037 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $2,020$2,620
- 46038 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,990$2,580
- 46060 · Anderson, IN $1,660$2,150
- 46060 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,660$2,150
- 46062 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,870$2,420
- 46069 · Clinton County, IN $1,120$1,450
- 46069 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,120$1,450
- 46069 · Tipton County, IN $1,120$1,450
- 46074 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $2,120$2,750
- 46280 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $2,180$2,830
- 46290 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,940$2,510
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 Hamilton County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
32,836 households rent in Hamilton County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hamilton 42%
- Indiana 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hamilton County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Hamilton County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 3
1,949 homes in all; 1,917 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Greystone Apts of Noblesville Tax credit (LIHTC) 7160 Oxfordshire Blvd, Noblesville 46062 236 low-income homes · 1 bd: 96 · 2 bd: 124 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Cumberland Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 10225 Stage Coach Trl, Fishers 46037 232 low-income homes · 1 bd: 96 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 1999
- Casey Acres Tax credit (LIHTC) 1270 Sabrina Way, Westfield 46074 227 low-income homes · 1 bd: 67 · 2 bd: 93 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 23 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Princeton Lakes Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 17955 Murray Pl, Noblesville 46060 208 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2005
- Noble Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 480 Kings Ln, Noblesville 46060 132 low-income homes · For families · (317) 773-6133
- Noble Manor Apartments II HUD-assisted 311 Kings Ln, Noblesville 46060 131 low-income homes · For families · (317) 773-6133
- Deer Chase Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 12190 Whirlaway Dr, Noblesville 46060 144 homes, 128 low-income · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 52 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2005
- Deer Chase Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 12190 Whirlaway Dr, Noblesville 46060 144 homes, 128 low-income · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 52 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2006
- Valley Farms Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 S Union St, Westfield 46074 92 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 1996
- Noblesville Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 15367 Meredith Meadows Dr E, Noblesville 46060 84 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 64 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Noble Manor Village HUD-assisted 301 Queens Ln, Noblesville 46060 73 low-income homes · For older adults · (317) 773-6133
- Noble Manor Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 777 Queens Ln, Noblesville 46060 73 low-income homes · 1 bd: 73 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Commons at Spring Mill Tax credit (LIHTC) 17308 Cayuga Dr, Westfield 46074 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Hamilton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 706 W Main St, Arcadia 46030 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2006
- Spicewood Garden II Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 Spicewood Dr N, Sheridan 46069 26 low-income homes · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Spicewood Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 Ginger Ln, Sheridan 46069 23 low-income homes · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- D & R Assoc Tax credit (LIHTC) 10355 Central Ave, Carmel 46280 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1994
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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 | $23,200 | $38,650 | $61,800 |
| 2 people | $26,500 | $44,150 | $70,600 |
| 3 people | $29,800 | $49,650 | $79,450 |
| 4 people | $33,100 | $55,150 | $88,250 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $59,600 | $95,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $64,000 | $102,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $68,400 | $109,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $72,800 | $116,500 |
Area median income: $110,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Indianapolis-Carmel, IN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,068 – $1,306
- 1 bedroom $1,202 – $1,470
- 2 bedrooms $1,382 – $1,690
- 3 bedrooms $1,792 – $2,190
- 4 bedrooms $2,183 – $2,668
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
- Noblesville Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 222 vouchers (317) 773-5110 Noblesville Housing Authority: ajacobsen@gonha.org
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 Hamilton County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Transition Resources - Pendleton
600 Corporation Dr Ste 105, Pendleton · 13 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Pathstone Corporation - Indiana
420 S High St Ste 101, Muncie · 35 miles away · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Hamilton 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
$3,072
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,536
- Security deposit
- $1,536
- Total
- $3,072
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 Hamilton County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,187; 1 bedroom: $1,336; 2 bedrooms: $1,536; 3 bedrooms: $1,991; 4 bedrooms: $2,425. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hamilton County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,536) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.54 an hour full time, or $61,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hamilton County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $55,150 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 Hamilton 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 $1,382 and $1,690 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hamilton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 46069 to $2,180 in 46280. 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 Hamilton County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Hamilton County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Hamilton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hamilton County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).