Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Story County, Iowa
Story County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,061 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,018 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.40 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,061
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% less than in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $1,018
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% more than in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $20.40
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $42,440 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 Story County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Story County has the lowest homeownership rate of the 99 counties in Iowa: 56%.
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At $1,018, Story County ranks 5th among the 99 counties in Iowa for the highest typical rent.
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Nearby, in Hardin County, the typical rent is $795: 22% less than in Story County ($1,018).
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 Story 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 Story County was $1,245 a month in September 2026: 2.9% 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 | $891 | $17.13 | $35,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $944 | $18.15 | $37,760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,061 | $20.40 | $42,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,469 | $28.25 | $58,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,768 | $34.00 | $70,720 |
HUD area: Ames, 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 25 ZIP codes in Story County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,040 in 50055 to $1,350 in 50124. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,061).
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)
| 50010 | Ames, IA | $910 | $960 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50012 | Ames, IA | $990 | $1,040 | $1,180 | $1,640 | $1,960 |
| 50013 | Ames, IA | $1,000 | $1,060 | $1,200 | $1,670 | $1,990 |
| 50014 | Ames, IA | $1,010 | $1,070 | $1,210 | $1,680 | $2,010 |
| 50014 | Boone County, IA | $1,010 | $1,070 | $1,210 | $1,680 | $2,010 |
| 50046 | Ames, IA | $960 | $1,020 | $1,160 | $1,590 | $1,860 |
| 50046 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $960 | $1,020 | $1,160 | $1,590 | $1,860 |
| 50055 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50055 | Jasper County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50055 | Marshall County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50056 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50105 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50124 | Ames, IA | $1,140 | $1,200 | $1,350 | $1,870 | $2,250 |
| 50124 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $1,140 | $1,200 | $1,350 | $1,870 | $2,250 |
| 50134 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50134 | Boone County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50154 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50154 | Hardin County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50201 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50236 | Ames, IA | $940 | $1,000 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,870 |
| 50236 | Hamilton County, IA | $940 | $1,000 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,870 |
| 50248 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50248 | Boone County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50248 | Hamilton County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50278 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
- 50010 · Ames, IA $1,080$1,500
- 50012 · Ames, IA $1,180$1,640
- 50013 · Ames, IA $1,200$1,670
- 50014 · Ames, IA $1,210$1,680
- 50014 · Boone County, IA $1,210$1,680
- 50046 · Ames, IA $1,160$1,590
- 50046 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,160$1,590
- 50055 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50055 · Jasper County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50055 · Marshall County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50056 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50105 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50124 · Ames, IA $1,350$1,870
- 50124 · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $1,350$1,870
- 50134 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50134 · Boone County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50154 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50154 · Hardin County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50201 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50236 · Ames, IA $1,120$1,550
- 50236 · Hamilton County, IA $1,120$1,550
- 50248 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50248 · Boone County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50248 · Hamilton County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50278 · Ames, 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 Story 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.
17,305 households rent in Story County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Story 49%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Story County
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Story County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 5
660 homes in all; 611 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Keystone and Stonehaven Apartments HUD-assisted 3115 Roy Key Ave, Ames 50010 110 homes, 108 low-income · For older adults · (515) 232-2865
- Windsor Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 3709 Tripp St, Ames 50014 145 homes, 99 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Regency V Apartments HUD-assisted 3001 Regency Ct, Ames 50010 64 homes, 63 low-income · For older adults · (515) 232-8079
- Laverne Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 919 S 16th St, Ames 50010 62 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Eastwood of Ames Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 420 E 7th St, Ames 50010 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2011 · For families · (515) 232-2413
- The Rose of Ames Tax credit (LIHTC) 1315 Coconino Rd, Ames 50014 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Cedar Place Apartments HUD-assisted 812 Cedar St, Story City 50248 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (515) 733-2904
- Meadows Apts of Nevada Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 402 5th St, Nevada 50201 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · In service since 2011 · For older adults · (515) 382-3239
- Neveda Elderly Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 833 S 13th St, Nevada 50201 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Viking Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 910 Fairview St, Story City 50248 24 low-income homes · In service since 1991 · For people with disabilities, families
- Granmeadow Villiage Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1014 Shagbark Dr, Nevada 50201 16 low-income homes · In service since 1987
2 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 Story County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Story County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $25,700 | $42,850 | $68,550 |
| 2 people | $29,400 | $49,000 | $78,350 |
| 3 people | $33,050 | $55,100 | $88,150 |
| 4 people | $36,700 | $61,200 | $97,900 |
| 5 people | $39,650 | $66,100 | $105,750 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $71,000 | $113,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $75,900 | $121,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $80,800 | $129,250 |
Area median income: $122,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Ames, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $802 – $980
- 1 bedroom $850 – $1,038
- 2 bedrooms $955 – $1,167
- 3 bedrooms $1,322 – $1,616
- 4 bedrooms $1,591 – $1,945
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Story County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Story County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (home, Inc.)
1618 6th Ave, Des Moines · 31 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 Story 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
$2,122
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,061
- Security deposit
- $1,061
- Total
- $2,122
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 Story County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $891; 1 bedroom: $944; 2 bedrooms: $1,061; 3 bedrooms: $1,469; 4 bedrooms: $1,768. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Story County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,061) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.40 an hour full time, or $42,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Story County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $61,200 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 Story 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 $955 and $1,167 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Story County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,040 in 50055 to $1,350 in 50124. 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 Story County?
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Story 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 Story County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Story County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).