Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Muscatine County, Iowa
Muscatine County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,093 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $971 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.02 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,093
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 2% less than in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $971
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $21.02
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% more than in Iowa
Only here
Renting in Muscatine County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Louisa County has the lowest typical rent ($775), 20% below the $971 in Muscatine County.
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 Muscatine 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $812 | $15.62 | $32,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $867 | $16.67 | $34,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,093 | $21.02 | $43,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,315 | $25.29 | $52,600 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,622 | $31.19 | $64,880 |
HUD area: Muscatine 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 18 ZIP codes in Muscatine County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $970 in 52720 to $1,180 in 52759. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,093).
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)
| 52720 | Cedar County, IA | $720 | $780 | $970 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52720 | Muscatine County, IA | $720 | $780 | $970 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
| 52747 | Cedar County, IA | $740 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 52747 | Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $740 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 52747 | Muscatine County, IA | $740 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,640 |
| 52749 | Muscatine County, IA | $820 | $870 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,630 |
| 52754 | Louisa County, IA | $860 | $900 | $1,160 | $1,410 | $1,670 |
| 52754 | Muscatine County, IA | $860 | $900 | $1,160 | $1,410 | $1,670 |
| 52759 | Muscatine County, IA | $880 | $940 | $1,180 | $1,450 | $1,780 |
| 52760 | Cedar County, IA | $720 | $780 | $970 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
| 52760 | Muscatine County, IA | $720 | $780 | $970 | $1,240 | $1,450 |
| 52761 | Louisa County, IA | $820 | $870 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,630 |
| 52761 | Muscatine County, IA | $820 | $870 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,630 |
| 52766 | Iowa City, IA | $800 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 52766 | Muscatine County, IA | $800 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 52776 | Cedar County, IA | $800 | $870 | $1,030 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 52776 | Iowa City, IA | $800 | $870 | $1,030 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 52776 | Muscatine County, IA | $800 | $870 | $1,030 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
- 52720 · Cedar County, IA $970$1,240
- 52720 · Muscatine County, IA $970$1,240
- 52747 · Cedar County, IA $1,030$1,350
- 52747 · Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $1,030$1,350
- 52747 · Muscatine County, IA $1,030$1,350
- 52749 · Muscatine County, IA $1,100$1,320
- 52754 · Louisa County, IA $1,160$1,410
- 52754 · Muscatine County, IA $1,160$1,410
- 52759 · Muscatine County, IA $1,180$1,450
- 52760 · Cedar County, IA $970$1,240
- 52760 · Muscatine County, IA $970$1,240
- 52761 · Louisa County, IA $1,100$1,320
- 52761 · Muscatine County, IA $1,100$1,320
- 52766 · Iowa City, IA $1,060$1,430
- 52766 · Muscatine County, IA $1,060$1,430
- 52776 · Cedar County, IA $1,030$1,430
- 52776 · Iowa City, IA $1,030$1,430
- 52776 · 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 Muscatine County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,525 households rent in Muscatine County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Muscatine 45%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Muscatine County
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Muscatine 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)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 1
758 homes in all; 752 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Clark House Public housing 117 W 3rd St, Muscatine 52761 150 low-income homes · Run by Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency · Average payment: $351 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (563) 264-1554
- Muscatine Tower Apartments HUD-assisted 106 E 6th St, Muscatine 52761 92 low-income homes · For older adults · (563) 263-9915
- Cedar Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1816 Logan St, Muscatine 52761 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2006 · For families · (563) 262-8211
- Sycamore Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2416 Park Ave, Muscatine 52761 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Cedar Hills Apartments HUD-assisted 2002 Logan St, Muscatine 52761 72 homes, 67 low-income · For families · (563) 262-8211
- Harrison Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1716 Bandag Dr, Muscatine 52761 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 6 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Hershey Manor HUD-assisted 1810 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine 52761 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (563) 263-8304
- Cottage Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 1503 Houser St, Muscatine 52761 49 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2001 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Oak Park Senior Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 913 Club House Dr, Muscatine 52761 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Colorado Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Colorado St, Muscatine 52761 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Fulton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2815 Cedar St, Muscatine 52761 22 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Welch Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 220 Iowa Ave, Muscatine 52761 20 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Drake Schauland Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3009 Harmony Ln, Muscatine 52761 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1998 · For people with disabilities, families
- Mwa II Group Home HUD-assisted 2417 W Fulliam Ave, Muscatine 52761 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (319) 653-5525
- Harmony Place HUD-assisted 3014 W Fulliam Ave, Muscatine 52761 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (563) 263-2951
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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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: $92,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Muscatine County, IA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $731 – $893
- 1 bedroom $780 – $954
- 2 bedrooms $984 – $1,202
- 3 bedrooms $1,184 – $1,447
- 4 bedrooms $1,460 – $1,784
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
- Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 385 vouchers · 150 public housing units (563) 264-1554 Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency: jroyal-goodwin@muscatineiowa.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 Muscatine County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Muscatine County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency
215 Sycamore St, Muscatine
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Muscatine 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
$2,186
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,093
- Security deposit
- $1,093
- Total
- $2,186
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 Muscatine County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $812; 1 bedroom: $867; 2 bedrooms: $1,093; 3 bedrooms: $1,315; 4 bedrooms: $1,622. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Muscatine County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,093) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.02 an hour full time, or $43,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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 $984 and $1,202 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Muscatine County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $970 in 52720 to $1,180 in 52759. 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 Muscatine County?
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Muscatine 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 Muscatine County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Muscatine County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).