Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Ellis County, Kansas
Ellis County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,036 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $943 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.92 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,036
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 15% less than in Kansas
- Typical rent
- $943
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 11% less than in Kansas
- Wage needed
- $19.92
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 26% more than in Kansas
Only here
Renting in Ellis County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Ellis County has the 3rd largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 90 counties in Kansas with this figure (55%).
-
Ellis County has the highest typical rent in its area: $943, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Russell County ($805).
-
At 63%, Ellis County ranks 10th among the 105 counties in Kansas for the lowest homeownership rate.
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 Ellis 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 | $721 | $13.87 | $28,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $792 | $15.23 | $31,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,036 | $19.92 | $41,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,416 | $27.23 | $56,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,732 | $33.31 | $69,280 |
HUD area: Ellis County, KS. 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 10 ZIP codes in Ellis County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 67637 to $1,050 in 67660. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,036).
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)
| 67601 | Ellis County, KS | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,420 | $1,740 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67627 | Ellis County, KS | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,420 | $1,740 |
| 67637 | Ellis County, KS | $670 | $750 | $960 | $1,290 | $1,580 |
| 67637 | Trego County, KS | $670 | $750 | $960 | $1,290 | $1,580 |
| 67640 | Ellis County, KS | $700 | $820 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,430 |
| 67640 | Russell County, KS | $700 | $820 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,430 |
| 67660 | Ellis County, KS | $740 | $820 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,710 |
| 67667 | Ellis County, KS | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,420 | $1,740 |
| 67671 | Ellis County, KS | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,410 | $1,720 |
| 67674 | Ellis County, KS | $710 | $800 | $1,000 | $1,320 | $1,590 |
- 67601 · Ellis County, KS $1,040$1,420
- 67627 · Ellis County, KS $1,040$1,420
- 67637 · Ellis County, KS $960$1,290
- 67637 · Trego County, KS $960$1,290
- 67640 · Ellis County, KS $960$1,200
- 67640 · Russell County, KS $960$1,200
- 67660 · Ellis County, KS $1,050$1,420
- 67667 · Ellis County, KS $1,040$1,420
- 67671 · Ellis County, KS $1,030$1,410
- 67674 · Ellis County, KS $1,000$1,320
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 Ellis County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Kansas, 43%, 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.
55%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,509 households rent in Ellis County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Ellis 55%
- Kansas 43%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Ellis County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Ellis 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)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 2
545 homes in all; 475 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Centennial Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2502 Sherman Ave, Hays 67601 90 low-income homes · In service since 1999 · For older adults · (785) 625-6242
- Epworth Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2800 Augusta Ln, Hays 67601 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 88 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2020 · For older adults · (785) 628-2660
- Wyndam Place Senior Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 2734 Hall St, Hays 67601 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Hays Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 1005 W 28th St, Hays 67601 41 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1996
- Stonepost I Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 E 4th St, Hays 67601 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2007
- Woodhaven Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1412 E 29th St, Hays 67601 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 1994
- Hays Commons HUD-assisted 2800 Grant Ave, Hays 67601 30 low-income homes · For families · (785) 628-3149
- Sunrise Apartments Public housing 1701 Sunset Trl, Hays 67601 30 low-income homes · Run by Hays Housing Authority · Average payment: $506 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (785) 625-1188
- Stonepost II Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 W 4th St, Hays 67601 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Sundance of Hays II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1311 E 33rd St, Hays 67601 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
- The Elms Public housing 613 Grant Street Ter, Victoria 67671 16 low-income homes · Run by Victoria Housing Authority · Average payment: $356 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (785) 735-2620
- Spruce Villa HUD-assisted 1201 Spruce St, Ellis 67637 24 homes, 12 low-income · For older adults · (785) 726-4746
- Volga-Canal Homes HUD-assisted 1728 Volga Dr, Hays 67601 14 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (785) 625-8050
- Meadowview Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 711 E 12th St, Ellis 67637 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2004
- Maronde Life Management Home HUD-assisted 604 8th St, Victoria 67671 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (785) 735-2262
- Sundance of Hays I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1311 E 33rd St, Hays 67601 40 homes · In service since 1998
- Stonepost III Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Oak St, Hays 67601 15 homes · In service since 2011
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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 | $20,100 | $33,450 | $53,500 |
| 2 people | $22,950 | $38,200 | $61,150 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,000 | $68,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,750 | $76,400 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,600 | $82,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,400 | $88,650 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,250 | $94,750 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $63,050 | $100,850 |
Area median income: $95,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Ellis County, KS. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $649 – $793
- 1 bedroom $713 – $871
- 2 bedrooms $932 – $1,140
- 3 bedrooms $1,274 – $1,558
- 4 bedrooms $1,559 – $1,905
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
- Hays Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 82 vouchers · 30 public housing units (785) 625-1188 Hays Housing Authority: hha@media-net.net
- Victoria Housing Authority Public housing · 16 public housing units (785) 735-2620 Victoria Housing Authority: vicpha@ruraltel.net
Housing agencies in Kansas Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Kansas
What Kansas 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 1 month of rent
- K.S.A. 58-2550(a)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- K.S.A. 58-2550(b)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 calendar days
- K.S.A. 58-2564(b)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- K.S.A. 58-2570(a)-(b)
- Only a court order can remove youK.S.A. 58-2569
- Protection from retaliationK.S.A. 58-2572(a)-(b)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Ellis County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Ellis County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Ellis 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 Kansas, the average home bill was $124 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
$2,072
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,036
- Security deposit
- $1,036
- Total
- $2,072
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 Ellis County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $721; 1 bedroom: $792; 2 bedrooms: $1,036; 3 bedrooms: $1,416; 4 bedrooms: $1,732. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Ellis County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,036) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.92 an hour full time, or $41,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ellis County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,750 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 Ellis 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 $932 and $1,140 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ellis County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 67637 to $1,050 in 67660. 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 Ellis County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Ellis 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 Ellis County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ellis County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Kansas, 43%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).