Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Marion County, Iowa
Marion County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,021 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $884 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.63 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,021
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% less than in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $884
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 9% less than in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $19.63
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 38%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 13% less than in Iowa
Only here
Renting in Marion County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Lucas County, the typical rent is $709: 20% less than in Marion County ($884).
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 Marion 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 Marion County was $1,009 a month in September 2026: 1.7% 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 | $711 | $13.67 | $28,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $826 | $15.88 | $33,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,021 | $19.63 | $40,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,217 | $23.40 | $48,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,378 | $26.50 | $55,120 |
HUD area: Marion County, IA. 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 21 ZIP codes in Marion County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 50044 to $1,190 in 50219. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,021).
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)
| 50044 | Mahaska County, IA | $650 | $740 | $930 | $1,120 | $1,250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50044 | Marion County, IA | $650 | $740 | $930 | $1,120 | $1,250 |
| 50044 | Monroe County, IA | $650 | $740 | $930 | $1,120 | $1,250 |
| 50057 | Lucas County, IA | $680 | $750 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,280 |
| 50057 | Marion County, IA | $680 | $750 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,280 |
| 50057 | Monroe County, IA | $680 | $750 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,280 |
| 50062 | Marion County, IA | $650 | $750 | $930 | $1,100 | $1,250 |
| 50116 | Marion County, IA | $670 | $740 | $930 | $1,170 | $1,260 |
| 50119 | Marion County, IA | $760 | $880 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,470 |
| 50138 | Marion County, IA | $670 | $780 | $960 | $1,140 | $1,300 |
| 50163 | Marion County, IA | $650 | $750 | $930 | $1,100 | $1,250 |
| 50214 | Jasper County, IA | $760 | $820 | $1,030 | $1,290 | $1,410 |
| 50214 | Marion County, IA | $760 | $820 | $1,030 | $1,290 | $1,410 |
| 50219 | Mahaska County, IA | $830 | $960 | $1,190 | $1,420 | $1,600 |
| 50219 | Marion County, IA | $830 | $960 | $1,190 | $1,420 | $1,600 |
| 50225 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $670 | $770 | $950 | $1,140 | $1,290 |
| 50225 | Marion County, IA | $670 | $770 | $950 | $1,140 | $1,290 |
| 50252 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $800 | $860 | $1,050 | $1,360 | $1,450 |
| 50252 | Marion County, IA | $800 | $860 | $1,050 | $1,360 | $1,450 |
| 50256 | Mahaska County, IA | $700 | $780 | $980 | $1,180 | $1,320 |
| 50256 | Marion County, IA | $700 | $780 | $980 | $1,180 | $1,320 |
- 50044 · Mahaska County, IA $930$1,120
- 50044 · Marion County, IA $930$1,120
- 50044 · Monroe County, IA $930$1,120
- 50057 · Lucas County, IA $950$1,200
- 50057 · Marion County, IA $950$1,200
- 50057 · Monroe County, IA $950$1,200
- 50062 · Marion County, IA $930$1,100
- 50116 · Marion County, IA $930$1,170
- 50119 · Marion County, IA $1,090$1,300
- 50138 · Marion County, IA $960$1,140
- 50163 · Marion County, IA $930$1,100
- 50214 · Jasper County, IA $1,030$1,290
- 50214 · Marion County, IA $1,030$1,290
- 50219 · Mahaska County, IA $1,190$1,420
- 50219 · Marion County, IA $1,190$1,420
- 50225 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $950$1,140
- 50225 · Marion County, IA $950$1,140
- 50252 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,050$1,360
- 50252 · Marion County, IA $1,050$1,360
- 50256 · Mahaska County, IA $980$1,180
- 50256 · Marion County, IA $980$1,180
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 Marion County, 38% 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.
38%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,970 households rent in Marion County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 62%
Compared with the state and the country
- Marion 38%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Marion County
HUD lists 8 properties with homes for low-income households in Marion 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 1
279 homes in all; 245 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Unselected Public housing 800 N Depot St, Knoxville 50138 48 homes, 47 low-income · Run by Low Rent Housing Agency of Knoxville · Average payment: $567 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (641) 828-7371
- Villas at Fox Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 2110 Madelyn Dr, Knoxville 50138 50 homes, 42 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 26 · In service since 2015 · For families
- The Reserves at Mill Farm Tax credit (LIHTC) 1135 W 16th St, Pella 50219 32 homes, 31 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Fair Haven West HUD-assisted 604 E 2nd St, Pella 50219 29 low-income homes · For older adults · (641) 620-9163
- Shady Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 E Jefferson St, Pella 50219 48 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Madison Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2000 W Madison St, Knoxville 50138 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Oakview I HUD-assisted 1017 Levin Dr, Knoxville 50138 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (641) 842-5663
- Windsor Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 1210 Eric Dr, Knoxville 50138 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2001 · For older adults, people with disabilities
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 Marion 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 Marion 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
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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 | $22,000 | $36,650 | $58,650 |
| 2 people | $25,150 | $41,900 | $67,000 |
| 3 people | $28,300 | $47,150 | $75,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,350 | $83,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,550 | $90,450 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,750 | $97,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,950 | $103,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,150 | $110,550 |
Area median income: $104,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Marion County, IA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $640 – $782
- 1 bedroom $743 – $909
- 2 bedrooms $919 – $1,123
- 3 bedrooms $1,095 – $1,339
- 4 bedrooms $1,240 – $1,516
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
- Low Rent Housing Agency of Knoxville Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 263 vouchers · 47 public housing units (641) 828-7371 Low Rent Housing Agency of Knoxville: clenger@lrhak.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 Marion County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (home, Inc.)
1618 6th Ave, Des Moines · 34 miles away · Spanish
- Home improvement and repairs
- Homelessness services
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Marion 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
$2,042
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,021
- Security deposit
- $1,021
- Total
- $2,042
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 Marion County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $711; 1 bedroom: $826; 2 bedrooms: $1,021; 3 bedrooms: $1,217; 4 bedrooms: $1,378. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Marion County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,021) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.63 an hour full time, or $40,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Marion County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,350 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 Marion 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 $919 and $1,123 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Marion County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 50044 to $1,190 in 50219. 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 Marion County?
HUD lists 8 properties with homes for low-income households in Marion 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 Marion County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Marion County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).