Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Porter County, Indiana
Porter County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,429 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,219 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.48 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,429
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% more than in Indiana
- Typical rent
- $1,219
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% more than in Indiana
- Wage needed
- $27.48
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% more than in Indiana
Only here
Renting in Porter County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Porter County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,219, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Lake County ($1,131).
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Porter County has the 5th highest typical rent of the 92 counties in Indiana ($1,219).
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Porter County has the 7th highest typical household income of the 92 counties in Indiana ($87,972).
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 Porter 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 Porter County was $1,473 a month in September 2026: 4.6% 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 | $1,117 | $21.48 | $44,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,176 | $22.62 | $47,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,429 | $27.48 | $57,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,739 | $33.44 | $69,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,898 | $36.50 | $75,920 |
HUD area: Gary, 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 11 ZIP codes in Porter County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,130 in 46347 to $2,020 in 46301. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,429).
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)
| 46301 | Gary, IN | $1,580 | $1,660 | $2,020 | $2,460 | $2,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46302 | Gary, IN | $1,080 | $1,140 | $1,380 | $1,680 | $1,830 |
| 46304 | Gary, IN | $1,170 | $1,230 | $1,500 | $1,830 | $1,990 |
| 46341 | Gary, IN | $920 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,440 | $1,570 |
| 46341 | Jasper County, IN | $920 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,440 | $1,570 |
| 46347 | Gary, IN | $880 | $930 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,530 |
| 46368 | Gary, IN | $1,160 | $1,220 | $1,480 | $1,800 | $1,970 |
| 46383 | Gary, IN | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,470 | $1,790 | $1,950 |
| 46383 | Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,470 | $1,790 | $1,950 |
| 46385 | Gary, IN | $1,240 | $1,310 | $1,590 | $1,940 | $2,110 |
| 46393 | Gary, IN | $1,160 | $1,230 | $1,490 | $1,810 | $1,970 |
- 46301 · Gary, IN $2,020$2,460
- 46302 · Gary, IN $1,380$1,680
- 46304 · Gary, IN $1,500$1,830
- 46341 · Gary, IN $1,180$1,440
- 46341 · Jasper County, IN $1,180$1,440
- 46347 · Gary, IN $1,130$1,400
- 46368 · Gary, IN $1,480$1,800
- 46383 · Gary, IN $1,470$1,790
- 46383 · Michigan City-La Porte, IN $1,470$1,790
- 46385 · Gary, IN $1,590$1,940
- 46393 · Gary, IN $1,490$1,810
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 Porter 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.
15,287 households rent in Porter County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Porter 51%
- Indiana 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Porter County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Porter County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 4
1,232 homes in all; 993 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Jamestown Apartments Valparaiso HUD-assisted 2810 Winchester Dr, Valparaiso 46383 201 homes, 200 low-income · For older adults · (219) 462-6149
- Windridge Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2210 Beech St, Valparaiso 46383 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1994
- Port Crossing Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3300 Portside Ct, Portage 46368 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1995
- Anderson Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 785 Baltimore Rd, Valparaiso 46385 92 low-income homes · 1 bd: 92 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Masters Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 Gleneagles Blvd, Valparaiso 46383 96 homes, 88 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2002
- Misty Glen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 99 Misty Gln, Hebron 46341 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1997
- Breckenridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3300 Denise Dr, Portage 46368 168 homes, 68 low-income · 1 bd: 63 · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1996
- Orchard Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Waverly Rd, Chesterton 46304 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1992
- Orchard Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Waverly Rd, Chesterton 46304 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 1994
- Masters Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 Gleneagles Blvd, Valparaiso 46383 64 homes, 54 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Williamsburg on the Lake Valparaiso HUD-assisted 2901-03-05 A thru D Winchester Dr., Valparaiso 46383 150 homes, 30 low-income · For families · (219) 462-6149
- Aurora View Tax credit (LIHTC) 2610 40 Valparaiso Street, Valparaiso 46383 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2018
- Aurora View Apartments HUD-assisted 2640 Valparaiso St, Valparaiso 46383 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (219) 476-4555
- Prominence Commons II HUD-assisted 6440 Evergreen Ave, Portage 46368 9 low-income homes · (219) 286-3301
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 Porter County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Porter County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $21,200 | $35,350 | $56,500 |
| 2 people | $24,200 | $40,400 | $64,600 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $45,450 | $72,650 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,450 | $80,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,500 | $87,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,550 | $93,650 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,600 | $100,100 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,600 | $106,550 |
Area median income: $100,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Gary, IN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,005 – $1,229
- 1 bedroom $1,058 – $1,294
- 2 bedrooms $1,286 – $1,572
- 3 bedrooms $1,565 – $1,913
- 4 bedrooms $1,708 – $2,088
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Porter County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Porter County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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City of Gary Department of Community Development
401 Broadway, Gary · 15 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES, INC dba CoACTION
5240 Fountain Dr, Crown Point · 17 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance
5233 Hohman Ave Ste 104, Hammond · 24 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Porter 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
$2,858
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,429
- Security deposit
- $1,429
- Total
- $2,858
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 Porter County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,117; 1 bedroom: $1,176; 2 bedrooms: $1,429; 3 bedrooms: $1,739; 4 bedrooms: $1,898. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Porter County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,429) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.48 an hour full time, or $57,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Porter County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,450 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 Porter 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 $1,286 and $1,572 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Porter County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,130 in 46347 to $2,020 in 46301. 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 Porter County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Porter 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 Porter County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Porter County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).