Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Graves County, Kentucky
Graves 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 $775 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
- $775
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 20% 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
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% more than in Kentucky
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 Graves 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 | $650 | $12.50 | $26,000 |
| 1 bedroom | $695 | $13.37 | $27,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $909 | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,219 | $23.44 | $48,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,270 | $24.42 | $50,800 |
HUD area: Graves 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 24 ZIP codes in Graves County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 42039 to $1,170 in 42051. 24 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)
| 42027 | Graves County, KY | $740 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42027 | McCracken County, KY | $740 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 42039 | Carlisle County, KY | $650 | $720 | $910 | $1,220 | $1,270 |
| 42039 | Graves County, KY | $650 | $720 | $910 | $1,220 | $1,270 |
| 42039 | Hickman County, KY | $650 | $720 | $910 | $1,220 | $1,270 |
| 42040 | Calloway County, KY | $750 | $790 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,410 |
| 42040 | Graves County, KY | $750 | $790 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,410 |
| 42051 | Graves County, KY | $840 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,570 | $1,630 |
| 42061 | Graves County, KY | $680 | $720 | $940 | $1,270 | $1,350 |
| 42066 | Calloway County, KY | $710 | $760 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,310 |
| 42066 | Graves County, KY | $710 | $760 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,310 |
| 42066 | Hickman County, KY | $710 | $760 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,310 |
| 42066 | Marshall County, KY | $710 | $760 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,310 |
| 42069 | Carlisle County, KY | $690 | $770 | $960 | $1,240 | $1,600 |
| 42069 | Graves County, KY | $690 | $770 | $960 | $1,240 | $1,600 |
| 42069 | McCracken County, KY | $690 | $770 | $960 | $1,240 | $1,600 |
| 42079 | Graves County, KY | $680 | $730 | $950 | $1,270 | $1,330 |
| 42082 | Graves County, KY | $690 | $820 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,600 |
| 42082 | Marshall County, KY | $690 | $820 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,600 |
| 42082 | McCracken County, KY | $690 | $820 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,600 |
| 42085 | Graves County, KY | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,210 | $1,260 |
| 42085 | Hickman County, KY | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,210 | $1,260 |
| 42088 | Graves County, KY | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,220 | $1,260 |
| 42088 | Hickman County, KY | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,220 | $1,260 |
- 42027 · Graves County, KY $1,050$1,330
- 42027 · McCracken County, KY $1,050$1,330
- 42039 · Carlisle County, KY $910$1,220
- 42039 · Graves County, KY $910$1,220
- 42039 · Hickman County, KY $910$1,220
- 42040 · Calloway County, KY $1,040$1,310
- 42040 · Graves County, KY $1,040$1,310
- 42051 · Graves County, KY $1,170$1,570
- 42061 · Graves County, KY $940$1,270
- 42066 · Calloway County, KY $990$1,220
- 42066 · Graves County, KY $990$1,220
- 42066 · Hickman County, KY $990$1,220
- 42066 · Marshall County, KY $990$1,220
- 42069 · Carlisle County, KY $960$1,240
- 42069 · Graves County, KY $960$1,240
- 42069 · McCracken County, KY $960$1,240
- 42079 · Graves County, KY $950$1,270
- 42082 · Graves County, KY $970$1,260
- 42082 · Marshall County, KY $970$1,260
- 42082 · McCracken County, KY $970$1,260
- 42085 · Graves County, KY $910$1,210
- 42085 · Hickman County, KY $910$1,210
- 42088 · Graves County, KY $910$1,220
- 42088 · Hickman County, KY $910$1,220
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 Graves County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,384 households rent in Graves County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Graves 46%
- Kentucky 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Graves County
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Graves 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)
- 4
- HUD-assisted
- 10
- public housing
- 2
617 homes in all; 612 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Northeast CT Public housing 1309 Adams Cir, Mayfield 42066 217 homes, 216 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Mayfield · Average payment: $312 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (270) 247-6391
- Mayfield Plaza Apartments HUD-assisted 439 Chestnut Cv, Mayfield 42066 92 homes, 91 low-income · For families · (270) 247-7723
- Davis Apartments HUD-assisted 2049 Marion Cir, Mayfield 42066 88 low-income homes · For older adults · (270) 247-3054
- Eloise Fuller Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) West South ST., Mayfield 42066 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Westwood of Symsonia HUD-assisted 60 Westwood Ave, Symsonia 42082 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (270) 851-3681
- Mayfield Manor II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Indiana ST., Mayfield 42066 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 23 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Wingo Apartments HUD-assisted 90 Atlantic Ave, Wingo 42088 16 low-income homes · For families · (270) 653-4593
- Eloise Fuller Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) West South Street, Mayfield 42066 15 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Agape - Western Kentucky Tax credit (LIHTC) 378 Quail Run, Mayfield 42066 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Fuller Apartments HUD-assisted 1535 Cuba Rd, Mayfield 42066 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (270) 247-8735
- Locust Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 676 Lebanon St, Wingo 42088 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (270) 623-6000
- Villa Madonna Apartments HUD-assisted 36 Father Riney Rd, Fancy Farm 42039 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (270) 251-6136
- Villa Madonna III HUD-assisted 85 Father Riney Rd, Fancy Farm 42039 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (270) 623-6136
- Willow Group Home HUD-assisted 230 E Willow Dr, Mayfield 42066 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (270) 247-1970
- Northeast CT Replacement Public housing 522 Brookside Dr, Mayfield 42066 6 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Mayfield · Homes at several sites · (270) 247-6391
- Christopher Home HUD-assisted 10039 State Route 80 W, Fancy Farm 42039 4 homes, 3 low-income · For people with disabilities · (270) 623-8210
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 Graves 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 Graves 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 | $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: $64,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Graves County, KY. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $585 – $715
- 1 bedroom $626 – $765
- 2 bedrooms $818 – $1,000
- 3 bedrooms $1,097 – $1,341
- 4 bedrooms $1,143 – $1,397
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 Mayfield Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 307 vouchers · 222 public housing units (270) 247-6391 Housing Authority of Mayfield: greg.vaughn@mayfieldhousing.org
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 Graves County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Graves 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 Graves County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $650; 1 bedroom: $695; 2 bedrooms: $909; 3 bedrooms: $1,219; 4 bedrooms: $1,270. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Graves 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 Graves 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 Graves 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 Graves County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 42039 to $1,170 in 42051. 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 Graves County?
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Graves 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 Graves County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Graves County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Kentucky, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).