Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Howard County, Indiana
Howard County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,179 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $937 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.67 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,179
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 9% less than in Indiana
- Typical rent
- $937
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 12% less than in Indiana
- Wage needed
- $22.67
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $47,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% more than in Indiana
Only here
Renting in Howard County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Howard County has the highest typical rent in its area: $937, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Clinton County ($920).
-
Howard County has the 8th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 92 counties in Indiana (51%).
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 Howard 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 Howard County was $1,094 a month in September 2026: 6.7% 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 | $909 | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| 1 bedroom | $915 | $17.60 | $36,600 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,179 | $22.67 | $47,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,420 | $27.31 | $56,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,636 | $31.46 | $65,440 |
HUD area: Kokomo, 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 Howard County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 46901 to $1,190 in 46965. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,179).
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)
| 46901 | Cass County, IN | $860 | $870 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46901 | Kokomo, IN | $860 | $870 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,550 |
| 46901 | Miami County, IN | $860 | $870 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,550 |
| 46902 | Kokomo, IN | $920 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,430 | $1,650 |
| 46902 | Tipton County, IN | $920 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,430 | $1,650 |
| 46936 | Kokomo, IN | $910 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,640 |
| 46936 | Miami County, IN | $910 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,640 |
| 46936 | Tipton County, IN | $910 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,640 |
| 46937 | Kokomo, IN | $920 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,430 | $1,650 |
| 46965 | Kokomo, IN | $920 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,430 | $1,650 |
| 46979 | Carroll County, IN | $910 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,640 |
| 46979 | Clinton County, IN | $910 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,640 |
| 46979 | Kokomo, IN | $910 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,640 |
| 46979 | Tipton County, IN | $910 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,640 |
- 46901 · Cass County, IN $1,120$1,350
- 46901 · Kokomo, IN $1,120$1,350
- 46901 · Miami County, IN $1,120$1,350
- 46902 · Kokomo, IN $1,190$1,430
- 46902 · Tipton County, IN $1,190$1,430
- 46936 · Kokomo, IN $1,180$1,420
- 46936 · Miami County, IN $1,180$1,420
- 46936 · Tipton County, IN $1,180$1,420
- 46937 · Kokomo, IN $1,190$1,430
- 46965 · Kokomo, IN $1,190$1,430
- 46979 · Carroll County, IN $1,180$1,420
- 46979 · Clinton County, IN $1,180$1,420
- 46979 · Kokomo, IN $1,180$1,420
- 46979 · Tipton County, IN $1,180$1,420
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 Howard County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,474 households rent in Howard County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Howard 51%
- Indiana 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Howard County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Howard 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)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 1
1,272 homes in all; 961 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Garden Square Public housing 800 E Hoffer St, Kokomo 46902 175 low-income homes · Run by Kokomo Housing Authority · Average payment: $274 a month · Average wait: 75 months · (765) 459-3162
- Kokomo Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 510 Elk Dr, Kokomo 46902 130 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 61 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2005 · For families · (765) 453-5766
- Briarwick Apartments HUD-assisted 536 Southlea Dr, Kokomo 46902 128 low-income homes · For families · (765) 453-9433
- Silver Birch of Kokomo Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 S Washington St, Kokomo 46901 119 low-income homes · Studio: 49 · 1 bd: 70 · In service since 2018
- Friendship Haven HUD-assisted 2600 W Jefferson St, Kokomo 46901 100 homes, 99 low-income · For older adults · (765) 459-9343
- Apperson Way Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 N Apperson Way, Kokomo 46901 69 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Water Tower Place at Kingston Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 1495 N Webster St, Kokomo 46901 68 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Lincolnwood Apartments I HUD-assisted 2101 Mark Ln, Kokomo 46902 205 homes, 44 low-income · For families · (765) 453-4343
- Summerset Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 393 W 300 N, Kokomo 46901 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1998
- Summerset Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 393 W 300 N, Kokomo 46901 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002
- Fox Acres Apartments HUD-assisted 5038 S Webster St, Kokomo 46902 120 homes, 25 low-income · For families · (765) 455-0571
- Pillars Tax credit (LIHTC) 412 Pillars Pl, Kokomo 46902 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Washington Street Senior Residence Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 N Washington St, Kokomo 46901 53 homes
- Lincolnwood Apartments II HUD-assisted 2101 Mark Ln, Kokomo 46902 For families · (765) 453-4343
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 Howard 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 Howard 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 | $20,000 | $33,350 | $53,350 |
| 2 people | $22,850 | $38,100 | $60,950 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,850 | $68,550 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,600 | $76,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,450 | $82,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,250 | $88,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,050 | $94,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,850 | $100,550 |
Area median income: $96,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kokomo, IN MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $818 – $1,000
- 1 bedroom $824 – $1,007
- 2 bedrooms $1,061 – $1,297
- 3 bedrooms $1,278 – $1,562
- 4 bedrooms $1,472 – $1,800
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
- Kokomo Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,106 vouchers · 175 public housing units (765) 459-3162 Kokomo Housing Authority: dsteele@kokomoha.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 Howard County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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The Affordable Housing Corporation of Marion, Indiana
812 S Washington St, Marion · 24 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
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Transition Resources - Pendleton
600 Corporation Dr Ste 105, Pendleton · 38 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Pathstone Corporation - Indiana
420 S High St Ste 101, Muncie · 43 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 Howard 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
$2,358
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,179
- Security deposit
- $1,179
- Total
- $2,358
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 Howard County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $909; 1 bedroom: $915; 2 bedrooms: $1,179; 3 bedrooms: $1,420; 4 bedrooms: $1,636. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Howard County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,179) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.67 an hour full time, or $47,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Howard County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,600 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 Howard 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 $1,061 and $1,297 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Howard County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 46901 to $1,190 in 46965. 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 Howard County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Howard 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 Howard County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Howard County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).