Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Bell County, Kentucky
Bell County has a HUD fair market rent of $909 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $592 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.48 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $909
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in Kentucky
- Typical rent
- $592
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 39% less than in Kentucky
- Wage needed
- $17.48
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $36,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 21% more than in Kentucky
Only here
Renting in Bell County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Bell County has the 3rd lowest typical household income of the 120 counties in Kentucky ($31,354).
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Bell County has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 120 counties in Kentucky (59%).
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17% of households in Bell County have no internet at home, against 9% in Kentucky.
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At 55%, Bell County ranks 9th among the 112 counties in Kentucky with this figure for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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Bell County has the 10th lowest typical rent of the 118 counties in Kentucky with this figure ($592).
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 Bell 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 | $633 | $12.17 | $25,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $787 | $15.13 | $31,480 |
| 2 bedrooms | $909 | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,133 | $21.79 | $45,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,352 | $26.00 | $54,080 |
HUD area: Bell County, KY. 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 16 ZIP codes in Bell County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 40813 to $1,010 in 40845. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($909).
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)
| 40813 | Bell County, KY | $630 | $790 | $910 | $1,130 | $1,350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40845 | Bell County, KY | $700 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,500 |
| 40856 | Bell County, KY | $630 | $790 | $910 | $1,130 | $1,350 |
| 40902 | Bell County, KY | $630 | $790 | $910 | $1,130 | $1,350 |
| 40913 | Bell County, KY | $650 | $830 | $910 | $1,230 | $1,290 |
| 40913 | Clay County, KY | $650 | $830 | $910 | $1,230 | $1,290 |
| 40939 | Bell County, KY | $640 | $810 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,430 |
| 40939 | Knox County, KY | $640 | $810 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,430 |
| 40940 | Bell County, KY | $680 | $790 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,380 |
| 40940 | Whitley County, KY | $680 | $790 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,380 |
| 40958 | Bell County, KY | $630 | $790 | $910 | $1,130 | $1,350 |
| 40965 | Bell County, KY | $690 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,240 | $1,480 |
| 40965 | Claiborne County, TN | $690 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,240 | $1,480 |
| 40977 | Bell County, KY | $630 | $790 | $910 | $1,130 | $1,350 |
| 40988 | Bell County, KY | $650 | $780 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,320 |
| 40988 | Harlan County, KY | $650 | $780 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,320 |
- 40813 · Bell County, KY $910$1,130
- 40845 · Bell County, KY $1,010$1,260
- 40856 · Bell County, KY $910$1,130
- 40902 · Bell County, KY $910$1,130
- 40913 · Bell County, KY $910$1,230
- 40913 · Clay County, KY $910$1,230
- 40939 · Bell County, KY $910$1,150
- 40939 · Knox County, KY $910$1,150
- 40940 · Bell County, KY $950$1,180
- 40940 · Whitley County, KY $950$1,180
- 40958 · Bell County, KY $910$1,130
- 40965 · Bell County, KY $1,000$1,240
- 40965 · Claiborne County, TN $1,000$1,240
- 40977 · Bell County, KY $910$1,130
- 40988 · Bell County, KY $910$1,150
- 40988 · Harlan County, KY $910$1,150
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 Bell County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Kentucky, 45%, 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.
4,092 households rent in Bell County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Bell 55%
- Kentucky 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Bell County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Bell 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)
- 3
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 4
1,356 homes in all; 1,325 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Yoakum and Junction Public housing 906 Junction Apartments, Middlesboro 40965 245 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Middlesborough · Average payment: $364 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (606) 248-1940
- Northside DR Public housing 923 W Tennessee Ave, Pineville 40977 200 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Pineville · Average payment: $328 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (606) 337-2900
- Wilderness Trail HUD-assisted 1 Wilderness Trail Mnr, Pineville 40977 124 homes, 123 low-income · For older adults · (606) 337-8862
- Wilderness Trail Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) Wilderness Trail, Pineville 40977 123 low-income homes · 1 bd: 123 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Ferndale Apts HUD-assisted 1 Ferndale Apartments Rd, Pineville 40977 120 low-income homes · For families · (606) 337-8821
- Schultz Heights & Rennie Gayle Public housing 725 Hink Hts, Middlesboro 40965 118 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Middlesborough · Average payment: $341 a month · Average wait: 4 months · Homes at several sites · (606) 248-1940
- West End Homes Public housing 549 Westend Homes, Middlesboro 40965 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Middlesborough · Average payment: $386 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (606) 248-1940
- Bella Gardens Apartments HUD-assisted 300 Bella Gdns, Middlesboro 40965 84 low-income homes · For families · (606) 248-1602
- Happy Hollow HUD-assisted PO Box 11G, Middlesboro 40965 82 low-income homes · For families · (606) 248-5196
- Cumberland Village of Middlesboro Tax credit (LIHTC) Cumberland Village Road, Middlesboro 40965 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Cumberland Woods Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) S. 13th ST., Middlesboro 40965 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 1994
- Cumberland Village Apartments HUD-assisted 99 W Cumberland Ave., Middlesboro 40965 60 homes, 30 low-income · For families · (606) 248-4480
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 Bell County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Bell 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 | $15,960 | $25,200 | $40,250 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $28,800 | $46,000 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $32,400 | $51,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $35,950 | $57,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $38,850 | $62,100 |
| 6 people | $41,750 | $41,750 | $66,700 |
| 7 people | $44,600 | $44,600 | $71,300 |
| 8 people | $47,500 | $47,500 | $75,900 |
Area median income: $49,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Bell County, KY. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $570 – $696
- 1 bedroom $708 – $866
- 2 bedrooms $818 – $1,000
- 3 bedrooms $1,020 – $1,246
- 4 bedrooms $1,217 – $1,487
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
- Housing Authority of Middlesborough Public housing · 463 public housing units (606) 248-1940 Housing Authority of Middlesborough: lgilbert@middlesboroha.com
- Pineville/Bell County Community Dev Agency Section 8 vouchers · 405 vouchers (606) 337-7074 Pineville/Bell County Community Dev Agency: KY141Director@gmail.com
- Housing Authority of Pineville Public housing · 200 public housing units (606) 337-2900 Housing Authority of Pineville: james.crockett@pinevillehousing.com
Housing agencies in Kentucky Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Kentucky
What Kentucky 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.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 7 days
- KRS 383.660(2)
- Only a court order can remove youKRS 383.690
- Protection from retaliationKRS 383.705(1)
- Repair and deduct from the rentKRS 383.635(1)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Bell County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Kceoc Community Action Partnership, Inc.
5448 N US Highway 25E, Gray · 19 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Bell 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 Kentucky, the average home bill was $134 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
$1,818
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $909
- Security deposit
- $909
- Total
- $1,818
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 Bell County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $633; 1 bedroom: $787; 2 bedrooms: $909; 3 bedrooms: $1,133; 4 bedrooms: $1,352. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Bell County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($909) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.48 an hour full time, or $36,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Bell County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $35,950 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 Bell 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 $818 and $1,000 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Bell County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 40813 to $1,010 in 40845. 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 Bell County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Bell 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 Bell County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bell County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Kentucky, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).