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

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,252; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 4% less than in Indiana
Typical rent: $1,193; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 12% more than in Indiana
Wage needed: $24.08; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $50,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 61%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 26% more 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 Monroe County: what sets it apart

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

Monroe County has the 2nd lowest homeownership rate of the 92 counties in Indiana (54%).
At 61%, Monroe County ranks 2nd among the 92 counties in Indiana for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
Monroe County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,193, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Morgan County ($1,042).
Monroe County has the 7th highest typical rent of the 92 counties in Indiana ($1,193).

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 Monroe 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 Monroe County was $1,748 a month in September 2026: 2% more than 12 months ago. 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	$1,001	$19.25	$40,040
1 bedroom	$1,096	$21.08	$43,840
2 bedrooms	$1,252	$24.08	$50,080
3 bedrooms	$1,601	$30.79	$64,040
4 bedrooms	$1,932	$37.15	$77,280

HUD area: Bloomington, 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 15 ZIP codes in Monroe County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 47429 to $1,290 in 47458. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,252).

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.

47401	Bloomington, IN	$1,030	$1,130	$1,290	$1,650	$1,990
47401	Indianapolis-Carmel, IN	$1,030	$1,130	$1,290	$1,650	$1,990
47403	Bloomington, IN	$940	$1,020	$1,170	$1,500	$1,810
47403	Greene County, IN	$940	$1,020	$1,170	$1,500	$1,810
47404	Bloomington, IN	$1,020	$1,110	$1,270	$1,620	$1,960
47404	Owen County, IN	$1,020	$1,110	$1,270	$1,620	$1,960
47405	Bloomington, IN	$1,020	$1,110	$1,270	$1,620	$1,960
47406	Bloomington, IN	$1,010	$1,110	$1,270	$1,620	$1,950
47408	Bloomington, IN	$1,010	$1,100	$1,260	$1,610	$1,940
47429	Bloomington, IN	$870	$970	$1,090	$1,420	$1,720
47434	Bloomington, IN	$940	$1,020	$1,170	$1,500	$1,810
47458	Bloomington, IN	$1,030	$1,130	$1,290	$1,650	$1,990
47464	Bloomington, IN	$870	$970	$1,090	$1,420	$1,720
47468	Bloomington, IN	$990	$1,100	$1,260	$1,620	$1,970
47468	Indianapolis-Carmel, IN	$990	$1,100	$1,260	$1,620	$1,970

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
47401 · Bloomington, IN $1,290$1,650
47401 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,290$1,650
47403 · Bloomington, IN $1,170$1,500
47403 · Greene County, IN $1,170$1,500
47404 · Bloomington, IN $1,270$1,620
47404 · Owen County, IN $1,270$1,620
47405 · Bloomington, IN $1,270$1,620
47406 · Bloomington, IN $1,270$1,620
47408 · Bloomington, IN $1,260$1,610
47429 · Bloomington, IN $1,090$1,420
47434 · Bloomington, IN $1,170$1,500
47458 · Bloomington, IN $1,290$1,650
47464 · Bloomington, IN $1,090$1,420
47468 · Bloomington, IN $1,260$1,620
47468 · Indianapolis-Carmel, IN $1,260$1,620

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 Monroe County, 61% 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.

61%

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

27,269 households rent in Monroe County

Spend half or more of their income 36%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
Spend less than 30% 39%

Compared with the state and the country

Monroe 61%
Indiana 48%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Monroe County

HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Monroe 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): 16
HUD-assisted: 9
public housing: 1

1,746 homes in all; 1,587 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Country View Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 2500 S Rockport Rd, Bloomington 47403 206 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 144 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1998
Canterbury House Apts (bloomington) Tax credit (LIHTC) 540 S Basswood Dr, Bloomington 47403 208 homes, 174 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2003
Cambridge Square Bloomington HUD-assisted 307 N Pete Ellis Dr, Bloomington 47408 153 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 337-3507
Henderson Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2475 S Winslow Ct, Bloomington 47401 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 92 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2008 · For families · (812) 339-3088
Union at Crescent Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 N Crescent Rd, Bloomington 47404 146 low-income homes · 1 bd: 64 · 2 bd: 63 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2020
Bradford Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2900 W Ridge Rd, Bloomington 47403 130 homes, 128 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1993
Reserve at Chandler S Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 1320 N Arlington Park Dr, Bloomington 47404 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 38 · In service since 1998
Patterson Pointe Senior Residence Tax credit (LIHTC) 454 S Westplex Ave, Bloomington 47403 61 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
Edgewood Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7400 W Mustang Dr, Ellettsville 47429 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 1999
Crescent Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1210 N Crescent Rd, Bloomington 47404 45 low-income homes · In service since 2007
Richland Apartments Phase I HUD-assisted 800 W Allen ST, Ellettsville 47429 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 876-6111
B-Line Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 N Rogers St, Bloomington 47404 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2019 · For families
Crawford Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2440 S Henderson St, Bloomington 47401 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 2017
Providence Place of Bloomington I HUD-assisted 2500 S Rockport Rd, Bloomington 47403 33 low-income homes · For older adults
Southern Knoll Tax credit (LIHTC) 1107 W 3rd St, Bloomington 47404 31 low-income homes · Studio: 15 · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2020
Woodbridge Apartments Bloomington I HUD-assisted 3400 E John Hinkle Pl, Bloomington 47408 150 homes, 30 low-income · For families · (812) 337-3501
Middle Way Transitional Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 S Washington St, Bloomington 47401 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1997
Crawford Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2400 S Henderson St, Bloomington 47401 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · In service since 2013 · For families
Providence Place of Bloomington II HUD-assisted 2500 S Rockport Rd, Bloomington 47403 24 low-income homes · For older adults
Maple Shade HUD-assisted 1101 W Main St, Ellettsville 47429 22 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 876-6169
Richland Apartments Phase III HUD-assisted 801 W Allen ST, Ellettsville 47429 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (812) 876-8561
Westplex Woods Apartments HUD-assisted 100 S Westplex Ave, Bloomington 47404 20 homes, 19 low-income · For people with disabilities · (812) 337-2434
HS Partners III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1834 S Covey Ln, Bloomington 47401 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1991
Crestmont Public housing 1002 N Summitt St, Bloomington 47404 2 homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington · (812) 339-3491
Stone Brook Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 675 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington 47403 In service since 2004

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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: Bloomington, 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: Bloomington, IN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $901 – $1,101
1 bedroom $986 – $1,206
2 bedrooms $1,127 – $1,377
3 bedrooms $1,441 – $1,761
4 bedrooms $1,739 – $2,125

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 of the City of Bloomington Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,696 vouchers (812) 339-3491 Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington: nferreira@blha.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 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 Monroe County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Monroe County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

CB
City of Bloomington - Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND)

401 N Morton St, Bloomington
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 6 more
(812) 349-3420

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 Monroe 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$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Monroe County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$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 $1,252. 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

$2,504

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,252
Security deposit: $1,252
Total: $2,504

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 Monroe County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,001; 1 bedroom: $1,096; 2 bedrooms: $1,252; 3 bedrooms: $1,601; 4 bedrooms: $1,932. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,252) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.08 an hour full time, or $50,080 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 $1,127 and $1,377 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 47429 to $1,290 in 47458. 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 Monroe County?

HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Monroe 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 Monroe County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Monroe County, 61% 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
HUD-approved housing counseling 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 Monroe County, Indiana

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Monroe 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 Monroe County

The Section 8 voucher in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County?

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

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Monroe County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Monroe County?

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

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

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