Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Henderson County, Kentucky
Henderson 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 $777 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
- $777
- 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
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Kentucky
Only here
Renting in Henderson 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, McLean County has the lowest typical rent ($641), 18% below the $777 in Henderson County.
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 Henderson 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 Henderson County was $940 a month in September 2026. 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 | $787 | $15.13 | $31,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $792 | $15.23 | $31,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $909 | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,222 | $23.50 | $48,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,366 | $26.27 | $54,640 |
HUD area: Henderson 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 7 ZIP codes in Henderson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 42406 to $1,100 in 42451. 7 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)
| 42406 | Henderson County, KY | $780 | $790 | $910 | $1,220 | $1,360 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42406 | Webster County, KY | $780 | $790 | $910 | $1,220 | $1,360 |
| 42420 | Henderson County, KY | $840 | $840 | $970 | $1,300 | $1,460 |
| 42451 | Henderson County, KY | $880 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,460 | $1,540 |
| 42452 | Henderson County, KY | $820 | $830 | $950 | $1,280 | $1,430 |
| 42452 | Webster County, KY | $820 | $830 | $950 | $1,280 | $1,430 |
| 42458 | Henderson County, KY | $840 | $840 | $970 | $1,300 | $1,460 |
- 42406 · Henderson County, KY $910$1,220
- 42406 · Webster County, KY $910$1,220
- 42420 · Henderson County, KY $970$1,300
- 42451 · Henderson County, KY $1,100$1,460
- 42452 · Henderson County, KY $950$1,280
- 42452 · Webster County, KY $950$1,280
- 42458 · Henderson County, KY $970$1,300
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 Henderson County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,507 households rent in Henderson County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Henderson 44%
- Kentucky 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Henderson County
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Henderson 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
- 8
- public housing
- 2
1,410 homes in all; 1,266 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Scattered Sites (4 Sites) Public housing 24 Lawndale Ct, Henderson 42420 225 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Henderson · Average payment: $414 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (270) 827-1294
- Scattered Sites (4 Sites) Public housing 840 N Adams St, Henderson 42420 210 homes, 205 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Henderson · Average payment: $372 a month · Average wait: 4 months · Homes at several sites · (270) 827-1294
- Redbanks Apartments and Towers HUD-assisted 737 Kimsey Ln, Henderson 42420 126 low-income homes · For older adults · (270) 826-4920
- Cottages of Henderson Tax credit (LIHTC) Arbor DR., Henderson 42420 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2000
- Woodsview Apts HUD-assisted 1424 Woodland Dr, Henderson 42420 68 low-income homes · For families · (270) 826-1107
- Cambridge Pointe Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Zion RD., Henderson 42420 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1998
- Saddlebrook Apartments, Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) Saddlebrook DR., Henderson 42420 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Redbanks Regency Apartments HUD-assisted 875 Kimsey Ln, Henderson 42420 47 low-income homes · For older adults · (270) 826-7271
- Aislynn Village Tax credit (LIHTC) Old Corydon RD., Henderson 42420 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Saddlebrook Apartments, Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) Saddlebrook DR., Henderson 42420 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Saddlebrook Apartments, Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) Saddlebrook DR., Henderson 42420 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Women's Addiction Recovery Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) N. Mckinley Street, Henderson 42420 38 low-income homes · 4 bd: 38 · In service since 2007
- ST. Joseph Community Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Third Street, Henderson 42420 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Windy Way APARTMENTS HUD-assisted 721 Short 7th St, Henderson 42420 40 homes, 32 low-income · For families · (270) 826-9118
- Warm Residences II Tax credit (LIHTC) N. Mckinley, Henderson 42420 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Henderson Station I Tax credit (LIHTC) Washington ST., Henderson 42420 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Henderson Station II Tax credit (LIHTC) Center ST., Henderson 42420 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
- Sand Lane Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) Sand LN., Henderson 42420 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Canoe Creek Apartments HUD-assisted 500 Fair St, Henderson 42420 120 homes, 23 low-income · For families · (270) 715-5050
- Independent Living III - Henderson HUD-assisted 1636 S Main St, Henderson 42420 21 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (270) 826-1568
- Countryview Apartments HUD-assisted 1422 Mattingly Dr, Henderson 42420 12 low-income homes · For families · (270) 686-7090
- Henderson Group Home HUD-assisted 1660 S Main St, Henderson 42420 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (270) 826-3083
- Warm Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) North Mckinley Street, Henderson 42420 32 homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For families
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 Henderson 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 Henderson 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 | $16,750 | $27,900 | $44,650 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,900 | $51,000 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,900 | $57,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,850 | $63,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,050 | $68,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,250 | $73,950 |
| 7 people | $49,450 | $49,450 | $79,050 |
| 8 people | $52,650 | $52,650 | $84,150 |
Area median income: $79,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Henderson County, KY. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $708 – $866
- 1 bedroom $713 – $871
- 2 bedrooms $818 – $1,000
- 3 bedrooms $1,100 – $1,344
- 4 bedrooms $1,229 – $1,503
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 Henderson Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 755 vouchers · 430 public housing units (270) 827-1294 Housing Authority of Henderson: housing@hahenderson.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 Henderson County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Kentucky Legal Aid, Incorporated
100 South Railroad Street, # 120, Madisonville · 32 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Henderson 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 Henderson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $787; 1 bedroom: $792; 2 bedrooms: $909; 3 bedrooms: $1,222; 4 bedrooms: $1,366. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Henderson 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 Henderson County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,850 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 Henderson 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 Henderson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 42406 to $1,100 in 42451. 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 Henderson County?
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Henderson 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 Henderson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Henderson County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Kentucky, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).