Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Black Hawk County, Iowa
Black Hawk County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,096 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $989 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.08 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,096
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 2% less than in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $989
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% more than in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $21.08
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% more than in Iowa
Only here
Renting in Black Hawk County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 66%, Black Hawk County ranks 3rd among the 99 counties in Iowa for the lowest homeownership rate.
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Black Hawk County has the highest typical rent in its area: $989, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Bremer County ($921).
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At $989, Black Hawk County ranks 8th among the 99 counties in Iowa for the highest typical rent.
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 Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk County was $1,019 a month in September 2026: 4.3% 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 | $763 | $14.67 | $30,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $838 | $16.12 | $33,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,096 | $21.08 | $43,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,401 | $26.94 | $56,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,832 | $35.23 | $73,280 |
HUD area: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA 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 20 ZIP codes in Black Hawk County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $950 in 50626 to $1,310 in 50613. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,096).
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)
| 50613 | Bremer County, IA | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $2,190 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50613 | Butler County, IA | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $2,190 |
| 50613 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $2,190 |
| 50623 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $700 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,690 |
| 50626 | Bremer County, IA | $660 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50626 | Buchanan County, IA | $660 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50626 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $660 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50634 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $660 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50643 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $800 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,920 |
| 50648 | Buchanan County, IA | $750 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,370 | $1,640 |
| 50648 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $750 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,370 | $1,640 |
| 50651 | Benton County, IA | $710 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,680 |
| 50651 | Buchanan County, IA | $710 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,680 |
| 50651 | Tama County, IA | $710 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,680 |
| 50651 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $710 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,680 |
| 50667 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $740 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,360 | $1,750 |
| 50701 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,720 |
| 50702 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $790 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,460 | $1,910 |
| 50703 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $750 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,810 |
| 50707 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $730 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,340 | $1,760 |
- 50613 · Bremer County, IA $1,310$1,670
- 50613 · Butler County, IA $1,310$1,670
- 50613 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,310$1,670
- 50623 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,010$1,290
- 50626 · Bremer County, IA $950$1,230
- 50626 · Buchanan County, IA $950$1,230
- 50626 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $950$1,230
- 50634 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $950$1,230
- 50643 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,150$1,470
- 50648 · Buchanan County, IA $1,000$1,370
- 50648 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,000$1,370
- 50651 · Benton County, IA $1,020$1,310
- 50651 · Buchanan County, IA $1,020$1,310
- 50651 · Tama County, IA $1,020$1,310
- 50651 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,020$1,310
- 50667 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,050$1,360
- 50701 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,030$1,320
- 50702 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,140$1,460
- 50703 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,080$1,380
- 50707 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,050$1,340
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 Black Hawk County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
18,424 households rent in Black Hawk County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Black Hawk 49%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Black Hawk County
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Black Hawk 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)
- 19
- HUD-assisted
- 17
- public housing
- 1
1,917 homes in all; 1,776 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- The Preserve at Crossroads Tax credit (LIHTC) 1455 Oleson Rd, Waterloo 50702 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Russell Lamson Tax credit (LIHTC) 209 W 5th St, Waterloo 50701 90 low-income homes · Studio: 24 · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2012
- Cedar River Tower HUD-assisted 106 E 3rd St, Waterloo 50703 85 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 234-0652
- Hotel President Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 500 Sycamore St, Waterloo 50703 84 low-income homes · Studio: 38 · 1 bd: 46 · In service since 2015 · For older adults · (319) 235-7754
- Camelot Apartments HUD-assisted 1650 Camelot Dr, Waterloo 50702 82 homes, 81 low-income · For older adults · (319) 233-7771
- Crossroads Square HUD-assisted 1820 E Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo 50702 81 homes, 80 low-income · For older adults · (319) 233-1616
- MT. Village HUD-assisted 1727 Mount Village Dr, Waterloo 50703 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 236-1074
- Park at Nine23 HUD-assisted 3112 Boulder Dr, Cedar Falls 50613 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 277-3138
- Heritage Apartments HUD-assisted 1306 W Donald St, Waterloo 50703 101 homes, 75 low-income · For families · (319) 234-4004
- Cedar Square Family Housing HUD-assisted 1811 W 8th St, Cedar Falls 50613 70 low-income homes · For families · (319) 277-1441
- College Square Village I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1207 Maplewood Dr, Cedar Falls 50613 64 low-income homes · In service since 1992 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- College Square Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1119 Maplewood Dr, Cedar Falls 50613 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 1995 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- The Rose of Waterloo Tax credit (LIHTC) 421 Oak Ave, Waterloo 50703 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Legacy Manor of Waterloo Tax credit (LIHTC) 1050 Flammang Dr, Waterloo 50702 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Liberty Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1119 Kent Cir, Waterloo 50701 57 low-income homes · 1 bd: 57 · In service since 2010 · For older adults · (319) 236-5790
- Stokes Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1311 Prospect Ave, Waterloo 50703 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 52 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Pineview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3850 Pineview Pl, Waterloo 50701 54 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Renaissance Park Apartments HUD-assisted 610 E 4th St, Waterloo 50703 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 234-1411
- Ridgeway Towers Public housing 225 W Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo 50701 50 low-income homes · Run by Waterloo Housing Authority · Average payment: $430 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (319) 233-0201
- Evansdale Senior Residences HUD-assisted 210 S Evans Rd, Evansdale 50707 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 234-3155
- Greenhill Point Tax credit (LIHTC) 1009 S Hackett Rd, Waterloo 50701 47 homes, 42 low-income · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Exceptional Persons HUD-assisted 3704 Veralta dr., Waterloo 50701 64 homes, 40 low-income · For people with disabilities · (319) 232-6671
- Fox Meadows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 715 Central Ave, Evansdale 50707 41 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Horizon Towers HUD-assisted 2724 Bicentennial Dr, Cedar Falls 50613 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 268-1094
- Unity Square Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 100 Unity Sq, Waterloo 50703 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 2010 · For families, people experiencing homelessness · (319) 236-4290
- Greenridge Family Apartments HUD-assisted 1641 Camelot Dr, Waterloo 50702 32 low-income homes · For families · (319) 233-7771
- Prairie Village of Laporte City Tax credit (LIHTC) 220 Valley Dr, La Porte City 50651 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Ridge Village West HUD-assisted 1262 Downing Ct, Waterloo 50701 30 low-income homes · For families · (319) 233-3585
- WC Stokes Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 515 Stokes Dr, Waterloo 50703 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Bills Community Homes HUD-assisted 827 Wildwood Rd, Waterloo 50702 26 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (319) 232-6671
- Marsh Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 627 Sycamore St, Waterloo 50703 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2000 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Roosevelt Senior Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 E Arlington St, Waterloo 50703 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Thunder Ridge Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 212 N Magnolia Dr, Cedar Falls 50613 42 homes
- Pinnacle Apts of Waterloo Tax credit (LIHTC) 314 Randolph St, Waterloo 50701 37 homes
3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Black Hawk County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Black Hawk 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 | $19,800 | $32,950 | $52,750 |
| 2 people | $22,600 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,350 | $67,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,050 | $75,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $54,600 | $87,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,350 | $93,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,150 | $99,400 |
Area median income: $91,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $687 – $839
- 1 bedroom $754 – $922
- 2 bedrooms $986 – $1,206
- 3 bedrooms $1,261 – $1,541
- 4 bedrooms $1,649 – $2,015
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
- Waterloo Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,091 vouchers · 50 public housing units (319) 233-0201 Waterloo Housing Authority: lekeisha.veasley@waterloo-ia.org
- Cedar Falls Housing Commission Section 8 vouchers · 406 vouchers (319) 273-8669 Cedar Falls Housing Commission: robyn.cusmano@cedarfalls.com
- Evansdale Municipal Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 163 vouchers (319) 234-0385 Evansdale Municipal Housing Authority: ed@evansdalehousing.com
Housing agencies in Iowa Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Iowa
What Iowa 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.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Iowa Code §562A.12(1)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Iowa Code §562A.12(3)(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Iowa Code §562A.27(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Iowa Code §562A.34(2)
- Only a court order can remove youIowa Code §562A.33
- Repair and deduct from the rentIowa Code §562A.27(4)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Black Hawk County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Black Hawk County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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CCCS of Rochester-Northeastern Iowa
1003 W 4th St, Waterloo · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
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Family Management Financial Solutions, Inc.
2310 Falls Ave Ste 4, Waterloo
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Black Hawk 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 Iowa, the average home bill was $112 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
$2,192
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,096
- Security deposit
- $1,096
- Total
- $2,192
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 Black Hawk County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $763; 1 bedroom: $838; 2 bedrooms: $1,096; 3 bedrooms: $1,401; 4 bedrooms: $1,832. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Black Hawk County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,096) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.08 an hour full time, or $43,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Black Hawk County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,050 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 Black Hawk 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 $986 and $1,206 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Black Hawk County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $950 in 50626 to $1,310 in 50613. 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 Black Hawk County?
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Black Hawk County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).