Renting in Johnson County, Iowa: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,180; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 6% more than in Iowa
Typical rent: $1,122; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 15% more than in Iowa
Wage needed: $22.69; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $47,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 56%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 28% more than in Iowa

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 Johnson County: what sets it apart

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

Of the 98 counties in Iowa with this figure, Johnson County has the largest share of rent-burdened renters: 56%.
At 59%, Johnson County ranks 2nd among the 99 counties in Iowa for the lowest homeownership rate.
At $1,122, Johnson County ranks 3rd among the 99 counties in Iowa for the highest typical rent.
Johnson County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,122, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Muscatine County ($971).

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 Johnson 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 Johnson County was $1,760 a month in September 2026: 7.7% 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	$942	$18.12	$37,680
1 bedroom	$1,002	$19.27	$40,080
2 bedrooms	$1,180	$22.69	$47,200
3 bedrooms	$1,634	$31.42	$65,360
4 bedrooms	$1,972	$37.92	$78,880

HUD area: Iowa City, 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 Johnson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 52247 to $1,330 in 52245. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,180).

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.

52235	Iowa City, IA	$970	$1,030	$1,210	$1,680	$2,020
52240	Iowa City, IA	$1,010	$1,070	$1,260	$1,740	$2,110
52241	Iowa City, IA	$940	$1,000	$1,180	$1,630	$1,970
52242	Iowa City, IA	$990	$1,050	$1,230	$1,710	$2,070
52245	Iowa City, IA	$1,060	$1,130	$1,330	$1,840	$2,220
52246	Iowa City, IA	$960	$1,020	$1,200	$1,660	$2,010
52247	Iowa City, IA	$800	$870	$1,030	$1,430	$1,730
52247	Washington County, IA	$800	$870	$1,030	$1,430	$1,730
52317	Iowa City, IA	$1,050	$1,110	$1,310	$1,810	$2,190
52322	Iowa City, IA	$800	$870	$1,030	$1,430	$1,730
52322	Iowa County, IA	$800	$870	$1,030	$1,430	$1,730
52333	Cedar County, IA	$1,020	$1,090	$1,280	$1,770	$2,130
52333	Cedar Rapids, IA	$1,020	$1,090	$1,280	$1,770	$2,130
52333	Iowa City, IA	$1,020	$1,090	$1,280	$1,770	$2,130
52338	Cedar Rapids, IA	$930	$990	$1,170	$1,620	$1,960
52338	Iowa City, IA	$930	$990	$1,170	$1,620	$1,960
52340	Iowa City, IA	$1,050	$1,120	$1,320	$1,830	$2,210
52755	Iowa City, IA	$810	$870	$1,030	$1,430	$1,730
52755	Louisa County, IA	$810	$870	$1,030	$1,430	$1,730
52755	Muscatine County, IA	$810	$870	$1,030	$1,430	$1,730

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
52235 · Iowa City, IA $1,210$1,680
52240 · Iowa City, IA $1,260$1,740
52241 · Iowa City, IA $1,180$1,630
52242 · Iowa City, IA $1,230$1,710
52245 · Iowa City, IA $1,330$1,840
52246 · Iowa City, IA $1,200$1,660
52247 · Iowa City, IA $1,030$1,430
52247 · Washington County, IA $1,030$1,430
52317 · Iowa City, IA $1,310$1,810
52322 · Iowa City, IA $1,030$1,430
52322 · Iowa County, IA $1,030$1,430
52333 · Cedar County, IA $1,280$1,770
52333 · Cedar Rapids, IA $1,280$1,770
52333 · Iowa City, IA $1,280$1,770
52338 · Cedar Rapids, IA $1,170$1,620
52338 · Iowa City, IA $1,170$1,620
52340 · Iowa City, IA $1,320$1,830
52755 · Iowa City, IA $1,030$1,430
52755 · Louisa County, IA $1,030$1,430
52755 · Muscatine County, IA $1,030$1,430

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 Johnson County, 56% 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.

56%

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

25,736 households rent in Johnson County

Spend half or more of their income 31%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
Spend less than 30% 44%

Compared with the state and the country

Johnson 56%
Iowa 44%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Johnson County

HUD lists 29 properties with homes for low-income households in Johnson 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): 20
HUD-assisted: 8
public housing: 2

1,360 homes in all; 1,341 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Pheasant Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2626 Bartelt Rd, Iowa City 52246 248 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 80 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2017 · For families · (319) 351-0439
Iowa City Public Housing Public housing 404 E College St, Iowa City 52240 86 low-income homes · Run by Iowa City Housing Authority · Average payment: $587 a month · Average wait: 44 months · Homes at several sites · (319) 356-5400
Capitol House Apartments HUD-assisted 320 S Dubuque St, Iowa City 52240 81 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 338-2127
Ecumenical Towers HUD-assisted 320 E Washington St, Iowa City 52240 81 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 338-7450
North Liberty Living Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 450 Ashley Ct, North Liberty 52317 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 53 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
Systems Unlimited Group Homes HUD-assisted 1615 Deforest Ave, Iowa City 52240 78 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (319) 338-9212
Autumn Park Apartments ~ Iowa City HUD-assisted 913 Willow St, Iowa City 52245 64 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 337-7176
Coralville Senior Residences HUD-assisted 1799 5th St, Coralville 52241 57 low-income homes · For older adults · (319) 396-9083
Emerson Point Tax credit (LIHTC) 1355 Shannon Dr, Iowa City 52246 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 54 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
Coral Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 915 20th Ave, Coralville 52241 56 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
Regency Heights Senior II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1060 Scott Park Dr, Iowa City 52245 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2001 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Diamond Senior Apartments of Iowa City Tax credit (LIHTC) 1030 William St, Iowa City 52240 40 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
Regency Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1010 Scott Park Dr, Iowa City 52245 37 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2000 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Nex Tax credit (LIHTC) 671 Nex Ave, Iowa City 52245 36 homes, 32 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2020 · For families
Iowa City Iha Senior Housing I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1259 Shannon Dr, Iowa City 52246 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
Jefferson Point I Tax credit (LIHTC) 45 W Jefferson St, North Liberty 52317 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Jefferson Point II Tax credit (LIHTC) 45 W Jefferson St, North Liberty 52317 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
Lexington Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1229 Shannon Dr, Iowa City 52246 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
Del Ray Ridge LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 628 S Dubuque St, Iowa City 52240 33 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2020 · For families
Savannah Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 711 Savannah Dr, North Liberty 52317 28 low-income homes · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
North Front Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 705 N Front St, North Liberty 52317 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
Aniston Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1062 Chamberlain Dr, Iowa City 52240 22 low-income homes · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2010 · For families
Corridor Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 720 Foster Rd, Iowa City 52245 22 low-income homes · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2013 · For families
East Side Village Public housing 401 E Linn St, Lone Tree 52755 20 low-income homes · Run by Lone Tree Housing Commission · Average payment: $390 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (319) 629-4689
Melrose Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 4435 Melrose Ave, Iowa City 52246 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
Berry Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 2160 Taylor Dr, Iowa City 52240 14 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2007 · For families
Whispering Garden Tax credit (LIHTC) 2417 Whispering Meadow Dr, Iowa City 52240 12 low-income homes · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
Systems Sandusky Group Home HUD-assisted 645 Sandusky Dr, Iowa City 52240 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (319) 338-9212
Birch House HUD-assisted 745 Pepper Dr, Iowa City 52240 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (319) 341-9849

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 Johnson County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Johnson 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: Iowa City, IA HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$25,500	$42,500	$68,000
2 people	$29,150	$48,600	$77,700
3 people	$32,800	$54,650	$87,400
4 people	$36,400	$60,700	$97,100
5 people	$39,350	$65,600	$104,900
6 people	$44,360	$70,450	$112,650
7 people	$50,040	$75,300	$120,450
8 people	$55,720	$80,150	$128,200

Area median income: $121,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Iowa City, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $848 – $1,036
1 bedroom $902 – $1,102
2 bedrooms $1,062 – $1,298
3 bedrooms $1,471 – $1,797
4 bedrooms $1,775 – $2,169

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

Iowa City Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,431 vouchers · 86 public housing units (319) 356-5400 Iowa City Housing Authority: icha@Iowa-City.org
Lone Tree Housing Commission Public housing · 20 public housing units (319) 629-4689 Lone Tree Housing Commission: lthc319@aol.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 rule

Compare 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 Johnson County

These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.

HA
Horizons, A Family Service Alliance (horizons Cccs)

819 5th St SE, Cedar Rapids · 21 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 10 more
(319) 398-3943
MM
Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency

215 Sycamore St, Muscatine · 33 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
(563) 264-1554

See every agency in Iowa 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 Johnson 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

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$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Johnson County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$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 $1,180. 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

$2,360

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,180
Security deposit: $1,180
Total: $2,360

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 Johnson County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $942; 1 bedroom: $1,002; 2 bedrooms: $1,180; 3 bedrooms: $1,634; 4 bedrooms: $1,972. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,180) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.69 an hour full time, or $47,200 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Johnson County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $60,700 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 Johnson 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 $1,062 and $1,298 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 52247 to $1,330 in 52245. 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 Johnson County?

HUD lists 29 properties with homes for low-income households in Johnson 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 Johnson County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Johnson County, 56% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, 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 Johnson County, Iowa

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Johnson 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 Johnson County

The Section 8 voucher in Johnson County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Iowa

Where to get help with rent in Johnson 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 Johnson County?

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

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Johnson County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Johnson County?

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

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

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