Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Riley County, Kansas
Riley County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,107 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,046 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,107
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 9% less than in Kansas
- Typical rent
- $1,046
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 1% less than in Kansas
- Wage needed
- $21.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% more than in Kansas
Only here
Renting in Riley County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 46%, Riley County ranks 2nd among the 105 counties in Kansas for the lowest homeownership rate.
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Nearby, in Marshall County, the typical rent is $690: 34% less than in Riley County ($1,046).
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Riley County has the 8th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 90 counties in Kansas with this figure (51%).
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At $1,046, Riley County ranks 9th among the 102 counties in Kansas with this figure for the highest typical rent.
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 Riley 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 Riley County was $1,296 a month in September 2026: 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 | $859 | $16.52 | $34,360 |
| 1 bedroom | $924 | $17.77 | $36,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,107 | $21.29 | $44,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,533 | $29.48 | $61,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,850 | $35.58 | $74,000 |
HUD area: Manhattan, KS 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 11 ZIP codes in Riley County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $970 in 66449 to $1,370 in 66442. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,107).
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)
| 66442 | Geary County, KS | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,370 | $1,890 | $2,290 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66442 | Manhattan, KS | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,370 | $1,890 | $2,290 |
| 66449 | Manhattan, KS | $790 | $810 | $970 | $1,340 | $1,620 |
| 66502 | Geary County, KS | $840 | $900 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,810 |
| 66502 | Manhattan, KS | $840 | $900 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,810 |
| 66502 | Topeka, KS | $840 | $900 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,810 |
| 66503 | Manhattan, KS | $990 | $1,060 | $1,270 | $1,760 | $2,120 |
| 66506 | Manhattan, KS | $840 | $900 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,810 |
| 66517 | Manhattan, KS | $980 | $1,050 | $1,260 | $1,740 | $2,110 |
| 66531 | Manhattan, KS | $990 | $1,060 | $1,270 | $1,760 | $2,120 |
| 66554 | Manhattan, KS | $840 | $900 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,810 |
- 66442 · Geary County, KS $1,370$1,890
- 66442 · Manhattan, KS $1,370$1,890
- 66449 · Manhattan, KS $970$1,340
- 66502 · Geary County, KS $1,080$1,500
- 66502 · Manhattan, KS $1,080$1,500
- 66502 · Topeka, KS $1,080$1,500
- 66503 · Manhattan, KS $1,270$1,760
- 66506 · Manhattan, KS $1,080$1,500
- 66517 · Manhattan, KS $1,260$1,740
- 66531 · Manhattan, KS $1,270$1,760
- 66554 · Manhattan, KS $1,080$1,500
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 Riley County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
14,932 households rent in Riley County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Riley 51%
- Kansas 43%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Riley County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Riley 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)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 2
1,004 homes in all; 678 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Apartment Tower Public housing 300 N 5th St, Manhattan 66502 202 low-income homes · Run by Manhattan Housing Authority · Average payment: $334 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (785) 776-8588
- Highland Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 509 Stone Dr, Manhattan 66503 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2007
- Country Meadow Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 E Marlatt Ave, Manhattan 66502 108 homes, 84 low-income · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Birchwood Villas Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 5428 Ledge Stone Dr, Manhattan 66503 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Colorado Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 420 Colorado St, Manhattan 66502 47 homes, 46 low-income · 1 bd: 46 · In service since 2002 · For older adults · (785) 776-7994
- Willow Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 5527 Stone Crest Ct, Manhattan 66503 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Gardens at Flint Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 1339 Flint Hills Pl, Manhattan 66502 48 homes, 40 low-income · In service since 2006
- Garden Grove Apartments HUD-assisted 1119 Garden Way, Manhattan 66502 35 homes, 34 low-income · For older adults · (785) 776-2277
- Flint Hills Improvement Public housing 1325 Flint Hills Pl, Manhattan 66502 60 homes, 28 low-income · Run by Manhattan Housing Authority · Average payment: $286 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (785) 776-8588
- Garden Grove II HUD-assisted 1115 Garden Way, Manhattan 66502 27 homes, 26 low-income · For older adults · (785) 776-2277
- Riley Centre HUD-assisted 902 W Walnut St, Riley 66531 24 low-income homes · For families · (785) 485-2687
- Brookfield III Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 N Brookglen Cir, Manhattan 66502 8 low-income homes · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2009
- Brookfield Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 415 Walters Dr, Manhattan 66502 112 homes · In service since 2007
- Flint Hills Rehab Tax credit (LIHTC) 1339 Flint Hills Pl, Manhattan 66502 58 homes · In service since 2007
- Prairie View (OGDEN) Tax credit (LIHTC) 315 N Park, Ogden 66517 48 homes · In service since 1998
- Scenic Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5507 Stone Crest Ct, Manhattan 66503 29 homes · In service since 2013
- Brookfield Homes I Tax credit (LIHTC) 224 Brookvalley Dr, Manhattan 66502 6 homes · In service since 2004
- Brookfield Homes II Tax credit (LIHTC) 404 Brookmont Dr, Manhattan 66502 6 homes · In service since 2005
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 Riley 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 Riley 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 | $20,800 | $34,650 | $55,400 |
| 2 people | $23,800 | $39,600 | $63,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,550 | $71,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,500 | $79,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,450 | $85,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,400 | $91,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $61,350 | $98,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $65,300 | $104,550 |
Area median income: $112,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Manhattan, KS HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $773 – $945
- 1 bedroom $832 – $1,016
- 2 bedrooms $996 – $1,218
- 3 bedrooms $1,380 – $1,686
- 4 bedrooms $1,665 – $2,035
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
- Manhattan Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 296 vouchers · 258 public housing units (785) 776-8588 Manhattan Housing Authority: estabrook@mhaks.org
- North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging Section 8 vouchers · 423 vouchers (785) 776-9294 North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging: ncfhaaa@ncfhaaa.com
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 Riley County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Riley 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 Riley 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
$2,214
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,107
- Security deposit
- $1,107
- Total
- $2,214
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 Riley County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $859; 1 bedroom: $924; 2 bedrooms: $1,107; 3 bedrooms: $1,533; 4 bedrooms: $1,850. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Riley County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,107) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.29 an hour full time, or $44,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Riley County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,500 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 Riley 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 $996 and $1,218 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Riley County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $970 in 66449 to $1,370 in 66442. 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 Riley County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Riley 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 Riley County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Riley County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Kansas, 43%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).