Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hardin County, Kentucky
Hardin County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,087 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $971 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.90 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,087
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 6% less than in Kentucky
- Typical rent
- $971
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in Kentucky
- Wage needed
- $20.90
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 37%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 19% less than in Kentucky
Only here
Renting in Hardin County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Grayson County has the lowest typical rent ($658), 32% below the $971 in Hardin County.
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Hardin County has the 9th lowest homeownership rate of the 120 counties in Kentucky (63%).
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 Hardin 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 Hardin County was $1,277 a month in September 2026: 0.6% 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 | $860 | $16.54 | $34,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $866 | $16.65 | $34,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,087 | $20.90 | $43,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,505 | $28.94 | $60,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,817 | $34.94 | $72,680 |
HUD area: Elizabethtown, KY 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 13 ZIP codes in Hardin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 42712 to $1,240 in 40121. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,087).
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)
| 40121 | Elizabethtown, KY | $970 | $980 | $1,240 | $1,710 | $2,010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40121 | Meade County, KY | $970 | $980 | $1,240 | $1,710 | $2,010 |
| 40160 | Elizabethtown, KY | $810 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 40162 | Elizabethtown, KY | $940 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,650 | $1,960 |
| 42701 | Elizabethtown, KY | $930 | $930 | $1,170 | $1,620 | $1,960 |
| 42712 | Breckinridge County, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 42712 | Elizabethtown, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 42712 | Grayson County, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 42724 | Elizabethtown, KY | $840 | $840 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
| 42732 | Elizabethtown, KY | $760 | $790 | $980 | $1,360 | $1,600 |
| 42740 | Elizabethtown, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 42776 | Elizabethtown, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 42788 | Elizabethtown, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
- 40121 · Elizabethtown, KY $1,240$1,710
- 40121 · Meade County, KY $1,240$1,710
- 40160 · Elizabethtown, KY $1,020$1,410
- 40162 · Elizabethtown, KY $1,200$1,650
- 42701 · Elizabethtown, KY $1,170$1,620
- 42712 · Breckinridge County, KY $960$1,330
- 42712 · Elizabethtown, KY $960$1,330
- 42712 · Grayson County, KY $960$1,330
- 42724 · Elizabethtown, KY $1,060$1,470
- 42732 · Elizabethtown, KY $980$1,360
- 42740 · Elizabethtown, KY $960$1,330
- 42776 · Elizabethtown, KY $960$1,330
- 42788 · Elizabethtown, KY $960$1,330
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 Hardin County, 37% 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.
37%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
16,701 households rent in Hardin County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 63%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hardin 37%
- Kentucky 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hardin County
HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Hardin 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)
- 24
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 2
1,302 homes in all; 1,285 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- PINE CREST (I and II) HUD-assisted 513 Glen Circle Dr, Elizabethtown 42701 140 homes, 127 low-income · For families · (270) 769-5645
- Housing Authority of Elizabethtown Public housing 63 Public Sq, Elizabethtown 42701 112 homes, 111 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Elizabethtown · Average payment: $412 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (270) 765-2092
- Towne Mall Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) Towne Drive, Elizabethtown 42701 92 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Tyler Park Apartments - N. Miles ST Tax credit (LIHTC) N. Miles ST., Elizabethtown 42701 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · In service since 1993 · For older adults, families
- Abel Acres Tax credit (LIHTC) Robinbrooke Boulevard, Elizabethtown 42701 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Willow Creek Apartments HUD-assisted 285 Elmwood Dr, Radcliff 40160 49 low-income homes · For families · (270) 351-6600
- Bellwood Apts HUD-assisted 542 Bellwood Dr, Elizabethtown 42701 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (270) 765-2092
- University Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Lincoln Court, Elizabethtown 42701 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2018 · For families
- University Apts. HUD-assisted 103 Lincoln Ct, Elizabethtown 42701 41 low-income homes · For families · (270) 765-2779
- Marbury Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) Marbury Drive, Radcliff 40160 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2011
- Murray Heights Public housing Radcliff 40160 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Radcliff · Average payment: $427 a month · Average wait: 27 months · (270) 351-6772
- Reno Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Buford LN., Elizabethtown 42701 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For older adults, families
- Saddle Creek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Plum Creek CT., Elizabethtown 42701 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003
- Starlite Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Starlite DR., Elizabethtown 42701 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Steward Manor HUD-assisted 490 Fox Ridge Rd, Radcliff 40160 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (270) 352-1293
- Beacon Hill Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Innovation Way, Radcliff 40160 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Griffin Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) Johnstown Road, Elizabethtown 42701 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Sunshine Village Tax credit (LIHTC) Starlite DR., Elizabethtown 42701 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Claire Village Tax credit (LIHTC) Starlite DR., Elizabethtown 42701 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2004
- Springfield Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) Keeneland DR., Elizabethtown 42701 30 low-income homes · 4 bd: 30 · In service since 2001
- Tisbury Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Innovation Way, Radcliff 40160 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Abby Ridge, Limited Tax credit (LIHTC) Abby CT., Elizabethtown 42701 24 low-income homes · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2000
- Cliffwood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Elm RD., Radcliff 40160 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Green Hills Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Stewart ST., Elizabethtown 42701 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995
- Sahale Heights Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Alex Drive, Elizabethtown 42701 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Vaughn Village I Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Crimson Creek CT., Elizabethtown 42702 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Vaughn Village II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Crimson Creek CT., Elizabethtown 42702 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Reno II Tax credit (LIHTC) Buford LN., Elizabethtown 42701 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Countryside Apartments HUD-assisted 653 Westport Rd, Elizabethtown 42701 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (270) 769-1304
- Agape - Central Tax credit (LIHTC) Wagon Wheel Trail, Elizabethtown 42701 12 low-income homes · In service since 1995
- Cedar Valley Group Home HUD-assisted 549 Bellwood Dr, Elizabethtown 42701 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (270) 765-2605
- Lincoln Trail Res Group Home HUD-assisted 200 Diecks Dr, Elizabethtown 42701 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (270) 737-2614
- Greenwood Residence HUD-assisted 1328 Woodland Dr, Elizabethtown 42701 4 homes, 3 low-income · For people with disabilities · (270) 765-2605
- Tyler Park Apartments - French ST. Tax credit (LIHTC) French ST., Elizabethtown 42701 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1994
- Vaughn Village II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1119 Northridge Dr, Elizabethtown 42701 1 home
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 Hardin 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 Hardin 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
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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 | $18,550 | $30,900 | $49,400 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,300 | $56,450 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,700 | $63,500 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $44,100 | $70,550 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,650 | $76,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $51,200 | $81,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,700 | $87,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $58,200 | $93,150 |
Area median income: $92,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Elizabethtown, KY HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $774 – $946
- 1 bedroom $779 – $953
- 2 bedrooms $978 – $1,196
- 3 bedrooms $1,355 – $1,656
- 4 bedrooms $1,635 – $1,999
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 Elizabethtown Public housing · 111 public housing units (270) 765-2092 Housing Authority of Elizabethtown: haet@windstream.net
- Housing Authority of Radcliff Public housing · 40 public housing units (270) 351-6772 Housing Authority of Radcliff: radcliffha@bbtel.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 Hardin County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Louisville Urban League
1535 W Broadway, Louisville · 40 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 10 more
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Apprisen - CCCS of the Midwest - Louisville
10200 Linn Station Rd, Louisville · 43 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Hardin 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
$2,174
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,087
- Security deposit
- $1,087
- Total
- $2,174
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 Hardin County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $860; 1 bedroom: $866; 2 bedrooms: $1,087; 3 bedrooms: $1,505; 4 bedrooms: $1,817. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hardin County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,087) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.90 an hour full time, or $43,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hardin County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $44,100 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 Hardin 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 $978 and $1,196 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hardin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 42712 to $1,240 in 40121. 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 Hardin County?
HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Hardin 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 Hardin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hardin County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Kentucky, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).