Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lawrence County, Indiana
Lawrence County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,026 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $845 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.73 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,026
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in Indiana
- Typical rent
- $845
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 20% less than in Indiana
- Wage needed
- $19.73
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,040 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% less than in Indiana
Only here
Renting in Lawrence County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Martin County has the lowest typical rent ($697), 18% below the $845 in Lawrence County.
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14% of households in Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence County was $1,036 a month in September 2026. 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 | $768 | $14.77 | $30,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $784 | $15.08 | $31,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,026 | $19.73 | $41,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,222 | $23.50 | $48,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,572 | $30.23 | $62,880 |
HUD area: Lawrence County, IN. 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 16 ZIP codes in Lawrence County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 47446 to $1,160 in 47436. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,026).
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)
| 47420 | Lawrence County, IN | $790 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,250 | $1,610 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47421 | Bloomington, IN | $790 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,250 | $1,610 |
| 47421 | Lawrence County, IN | $790 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,250 | $1,610 |
| 47436 | Bloomington, IN | $900 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,430 | $1,790 |
| 47436 | Lawrence County, IN | $900 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,430 | $1,790 |
| 47437 | Lawrence County, IN | $790 | $810 | $1,050 | $1,260 | $1,610 |
| 47446 | Lawrence County, IN | $760 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,560 |
| 47446 | Martin County, IN | $760 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,560 |
| 47446 | Orange County, IN | $760 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,560 |
| 47451 | Lawrence County, IN | $760 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,560 |
| 47462 | Bloomington, IN | $840 | $870 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,680 |
| 47462 | Greene County, IN | $840 | $870 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,680 |
| 47462 | Lawrence County, IN | $840 | $870 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,680 |
| 47467 | Lawrence County, IN | $770 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,580 |
| 47470 | Lawrence County, IN | $800 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,280 | $1,640 |
| 47470 | Martin County, IN | $800 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,280 | $1,640 |
- 47420 · Lawrence County, IN $1,050$1,250
- 47421 · Bloomington, IN $1,050$1,250
- 47421 · Lawrence County, IN $1,050$1,250
- 47436 · Bloomington, IN $1,160$1,430
- 47436 · Lawrence County, IN $1,160$1,430
- 47437 · Lawrence County, IN $1,050$1,260
- 47446 · Lawrence County, IN $1,010$1,210
- 47446 · Martin County, IN $1,010$1,210
- 47446 · Orange County, IN $1,010$1,210
- 47451 · Lawrence County, IN $1,010$1,210
- 47462 · Bloomington, IN $1,090$1,350
- 47462 · Greene County, IN $1,090$1,350
- 47462 · Lawrence County, IN $1,090$1,350
- 47467 · Lawrence County, IN $1,030$1,230
- 47470 · Lawrence County, IN $1,070$1,280
- 47470 · Martin County, IN $1,070$1,280
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 Lawrence County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,697 households rent in Lawrence County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lawrence 47%
- Indiana 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lawrence County
HUD lists 7 properties with homes for low-income households in Lawrence 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
- 2
- public housing
- 1
455 homes in all; 448 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hauck House Apartments. Public housing 1305 K St, Bedford 47421 168 homes, 165 low-income · Run by Housing Authority City of Bedford · Average payment: $413 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (812) 279-2356
- Cambridge Square Bedford HUD-assisted 1941 Plaza Dr, Bedford 47421 135 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 279-6661
- Shawnee Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Shawnee Ln, Bedford 47421 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2000
- Stonecutters Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1030 16th St, Bedford 47421 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Pioneer Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Pioneer Creek Ln, Mitchell 47446 28 homes, 25 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002
- South Central Housing HUD-assisted 2721 Industrial Drive, Bedford 47421 20 homes, 19 low-income · For people with disabilities · (812) 275-8456
- Stalker School Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1429 8th St, Bedford 47421 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2013 · For families
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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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
-
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 | $19,050 | $31,750 | $50,750 |
| 2 people | $21,800 | $36,250 | $58,000 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,800 | $65,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,300 | $72,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,950 | $78,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,550 | $84,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,200 | $89,900 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,800 | $95,700 |
Area median income: $90,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lawrence County, IN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $691 – $845
- 1 bedroom $706 – $862
- 2 bedrooms $923 – $1,129
- 3 bedrooms $1,100 – $1,344
- 4 bedrooms $1,415 – $1,729
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 City of Bedford Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 172 vouchers · 165 public housing units (812) 279-2356 Housing Authority City of Bedford: bames@bhabedford.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 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 Lawrence County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
City of Bloomington - Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND)
401 N Morton St, Bloomington · 23 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 6 more
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Dubois Pike Warrick Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. D/B/A Tri-Cap
607 3rd Ave, Jasper · 39 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
-
Blue River Services Inc
156 Autumn Ridge Dr NW, Corydon · 45 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), Cambodian, Cantonese, and 19 more languages.
- Budget and credit workshops
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lawrence 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
$2,052
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,026
- Security deposit
- $1,026
- Total
- $2,052
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 Lawrence County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $768; 1 bedroom: $784; 2 bedrooms: $1,026; 3 bedrooms: $1,222; 4 bedrooms: $1,572. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lawrence County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,026) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.73 an hour full time, or $41,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lawrence County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,300 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 Lawrence 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 $923 and $1,129 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lawrence County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 47446 to $1,160 in 47436. 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 Lawrence County?
HUD lists 7 properties with homes for low-income households in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lawrence County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).