Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Marshall County, Iowa
Marshall County has a HUD fair market rent of $940 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $885 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.08 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $940
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 16% less than in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $885
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 9% less than in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $18.08
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,600 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 32%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 26% less than in Iowa
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 Marshall 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 Marshall County was $1,124 a month in September 2026: 6.5% 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 | $698 | $13.42 | $27,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $719 | $13.83 | $28,760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $940 | $18.08 | $37,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,231 | $23.67 | $49,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,235 | $23.75 | $49,400 |
HUD area: Marshall 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 24 ZIP codes in Marshall County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 50005 to $1,410 in 50162. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($940).
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)
| 50005 | Marshall County, IA | $690 | $710 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50051 | Marshall County, IA | $690 | $710 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,260 |
| 50078 | Marshall County, IA | $700 | $720 | $940 | $1,220 | $1,240 |
| 50106 | Jasper County, IA | $710 | $770 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,240 |
| 50106 | Marshall County, IA | $710 | $770 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,240 |
| 50106 | Poweshiek County, IA | $710 | $770 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,240 |
| 50106 | Tama County, IA | $710 | $770 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,240 |
| 50120 | Marshall County, IA | $860 | $890 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $1,530 |
| 50141 | Jasper County, IA | $790 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,370 | $1,410 |
| 50141 | Marshall County, IA | $790 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,370 | $1,410 |
| 50142 | Marshall County, IA | $690 | $710 | $930 | $1,210 | $1,220 |
| 50148 | Hardin County, IA | $820 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,590 |
| 50148 | Marshall County, IA | $820 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,590 |
| 50148 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $820 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,590 |
| 50158 | Marshall County, IA | $700 | $720 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,240 |
| 50158 | Tama County, IA | $700 | $720 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,240 |
| 50162 | Jasper County, IA | $1,050 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,850 | $1,860 |
| 50162 | Marshall County, IA | $1,050 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,850 | $1,860 |
| 50234 | Jasper County, IA | $740 | $760 | $970 | $1,290 | $1,340 |
| 50234 | Marshall County, IA | $740 | $760 | $970 | $1,290 | $1,340 |
| 50239 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50239 | Marshall County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50247 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50247 | Marshall County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
- 50005 · Marshall County, IA $930$1,210
- 50051 · Marshall County, IA $930$1,210
- 50078 · Marshall County, IA $940$1,220
- 50106 · Jasper County, IA $930$1,220
- 50106 · Marshall County, IA $930$1,220
- 50106 · Poweshiek County, IA $930$1,220
- 50106 · Tama County, IA $930$1,220
- 50120 · Marshall County, IA $1,160$1,520
- 50141 · Jasper County, IA $1,040$1,370
- 50141 · Marshall County, IA $1,040$1,370
- 50142 · Marshall County, IA $930$1,210
- 50148 · Hardin County, IA $1,100$1,440
- 50148 · Marshall County, IA $1,100$1,440
- 50148 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $1,100$1,440
- 50158 · Marshall County, IA $940$1,230
- 50158 · Tama County, IA $940$1,230
- 50162 · Jasper County, IA $1,410$1,850
- 50162 · Marshall County, IA $1,410$1,850
- 50234 · Jasper County, IA $970$1,290
- 50234 · Marshall County, IA $970$1,290
- 50239 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50239 · Marshall County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50247 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50247 · Marshall County, IA $1,040$1,450
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 Marshall County, 32% 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.
32%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,874 households rent in Marshall County
- Spend half or more of their income 11%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 68%
Compared with the state and the country
- Marshall 32%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Marshall County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Marshall 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
- 5
470 homes in all; 426 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Edgebrook Park Apartments HUD-assisted 513 E Olive St, Marshalltown 50158 72 homes, 70 low-income · For families · (641) 752-4826
- Odd Fellows Apartments HUD-assisted 206 Nicholas Dr, Marshalltown 50158 65 low-income homes · For older adults · (641) 752-6700
- The Tallcorn Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2 N 2nd Ave, Marshalltown 50158 49 homes, 45 low-income · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Crestview of Marshalltown Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 N 2nd Ave, Marshalltown 50158 40 low-income homes · In service since 1994 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Westown Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 122 W Main St, Marshalltown 50158 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Hillcrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 208 Glenda Dr, Marshalltown 50158 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995 · For people with disabilities, families
- Marshalltown Sundance Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1711 S 7th Ave, Marshalltown 50158 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Marshalltown Senior Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 E Main St, Marshalltown 50158 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- State Center Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 609 2nd St NW, State Center 50247 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For families
- River Birch Eto Tax credit (LIHTC) 1601 Marion St, Marshalltown 50158 20 low-income homes · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Marshall Cmi Housing HUD-assisted 105 E Webster St, Marshalltown 50158 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (641) 753-6601
- Associates Supported Housing HUD-assisted 208 S 3rd St, Marshalltown 50158 20 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (641) 752-6700
- Crestview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 E Dawn St, Le Grand 50142 8 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- River Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 1509 Marion St, Marshalltown 50158 28 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Marshall 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 Marshall 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)
| 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: $92,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Marshall County, IA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $628 – $768
- 1 bedroom $647 – $791
- 2 bedrooms $846 – $1,034
- 3 bedrooms $1,108 – $1,354
- 4 bedrooms $1,112 – $1,359
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
- City of Marshalltown Rent Assistance Program Section 8 vouchers · 469 vouchers (641) 754-5756 City of Marshalltown Rent Assistance Program: housing@marshalltown-ia.gov
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 Marshall County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Family Management Financial Solutions, Inc.
2310 Falls Ave Ste 4, Waterloo · 44 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (home, Inc.)
1618 6th Ave, Des Moines · 45 miles away · Spanish
- Home improvement and repairs
- Homelessness services
- and 5 more
-
CCCS of Rochester-Northeastern Iowa
1003 W 4th St, Waterloo · 45 miles away · Spanish
- 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 Marshall 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
$1,880
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $940
- Security deposit
- $940
- Total
- $1,880
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 Marshall County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $698; 1 bedroom: $719; 2 bedrooms: $940; 3 bedrooms: $1,231; 4 bedrooms: $1,235. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Marshall County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($940) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.08 an hour full time, or $37,600 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Marshall 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 Marshall 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 $846 and $1,034 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Marshall County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 50005 to $1,410 in 50162. 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 Marshall County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Marshall 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 Marshall County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Marshall County, 32% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).