Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Kenton County, Kentucky
Kenton County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,442 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,069 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.73 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,442
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 25% more than in Kentucky
- Typical rent
- $1,069
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 11% more than in Kentucky
- Wage needed
- $27.73
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in Kentucky
Only here
Renting in Kenton County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Bracken County, the typical rent is $756: 29% less than in Kenton County ($1,069).
-
At $80,548, Kenton County ranks 8th among the 120 counties in Kentucky for the highest typical household income.
-
At $1,069, Kenton County ranks 9th among the 118 counties in Kentucky 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 Kenton 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 Kenton County was $1,483 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 | $1,052 | $20.23 | $42,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,128 | $21.69 | $45,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,442 | $27.73 | $57,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,897 | $36.48 | $75,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,141 | $41.17 | $85,640 |
HUD area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN 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 8 ZIP codes in Kenton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 41063 to $1,650 in 41051. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,442).
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)
| 41011 | $1,120 | $1,200 | $1,530 | $2,010 | $2,270 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41014 | $940 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,700 | $1,920 |
| 41015 | $960 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,740 | $1,960 |
| 41016 | $950 | $1,020 | $1,300 | $1,710 | $1,930 |
| 41017 | $960 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,740 | $1,960 |
| 41018 | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,820 | $2,050 |
| 41051 | $1,200 | $1,290 | $1,650 | $2,170 | $2,450 |
| 41063 | $880 | $950 | $1,210 | $1,590 | $1,800 |
- 41011 $1,530$2,010
- 41014 $1,290$1,700
- 41015 $1,320$1,740
- 41016 $1,300$1,710
- 41017 $1,320$1,740
- 41018 $1,380$1,820
- 41051 $1,650$2,170
- 41063 $1,210$1,590
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 Kenton 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.
19,709 households rent in Kenton County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Kenton 44%
- Kentucky 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Kenton County
HUD lists 49 properties with homes for low-income households in Kenton 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)
- 25
- HUD-assisted
- 14
- public housing
- 10
3,063 homes in all; 2,748 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- City Heights Public housing 706 Welsh Dr, Covington 41011 366 homes, 361 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · (859) 292-2145
- Latonia Terrace Public housing 13 Indiana Dr, Covington 41015 235 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · Average payment: $357 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (859) 292-2145
- Cambridge Square Apts HUD-assisted 101 Promontory Dr, Covington 41015 200 homes, 199 low-income · For families · (859) 431-2205
- Golden Tower Public housing 50 E 11th St, Covington 41011 200 homes, 155 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · Average payment: $365 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (859) 292-2145
- The Colony HUD-assisted 3800 Locke St, Covington 41015 137 homes, 136 low-income · For older adults · (859) 581-2214
- Hathaway Court Apartments HUD-assisted 1200 Highway Ave, Covington 41011 159 homes, 124 low-income · For older adults · (859) 491-5301
- Rivers Edge at Eastside Pointe - Fka Jacob Price Tax credit (LIHTC) Greenup Street, Covington 41011 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 63 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Panorama Apartments East Tax credit (LIHTC) Brent Spence Square, Covington 41011 104 low-income homes · 1 bd: 91 · 4 bd: 13 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Taylor Ridge HUD-assisted 904 Regal Ridge Dr, Independence 41051 100 homes, 99 low-income · For families · (859) 356-2500
- Taylor Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Regal Ridge Drive, Independence 41051 99 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 27 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Lasalette Gardens Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Greenup Street, Covington 41011 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · 4 bd: 26 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Lasalette Gardens Apartments HUD-assisted 702 Greenup St, Covington 41011 76 low-income homes · For older adults · (859) 431-5369
- Eagle Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Eagle Creek DR., Erlanger 41018 64 low-income homes · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Baptist Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) Riggs Ave., Erlanger 41018 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 58 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Ashwood Apartments and Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Kimberly Drive, Erlanger 41018 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For families
- ST. Aloysius - ST. Clair Tax credit (LIHTC) West 8th Street, Covington 41011 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 1 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- ST. Aloysius Apartments HUD-assisted 410 W 8th St, Covington 41011 48 low-income homes · For families · (859) 581-2269
- Lincoln Grant Scholar House Tax credit (LIHTC) Greenup Street, Covington 41011 45 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Highpoint Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Hay Street, Ludlow 41016 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Rivers Edge at Eastside Pointe Public housing 1050 Greenup St, Covington 41011 120 homes, 43 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · Average payment: $375 a month · Average wait: 28 months · (859) 292-2145
- High Point HUD-assisted 110 Hay St, Ludlow 41016 44 homes, 43 low-income · For older adults · (859) 491-7365
- WH Mainstrasse I Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered Sites, Covington 41011 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 2 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2017 · For families
- WH Mainstrasse HUD-assisted 1122 Greenup St, Covington 41011 41 homes, 40 low-income · For families · (513) 559-5822
- The Austinburg Apts HUD-assisted 411 Patton St, Covington 41014 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (859) 291-9047
- Three Springs Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Anderson Road, Crescent Springs 41017 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Transitions Recovery Kentucky Tax credit (LIHTC) 305 Pleasure Isle Dr, Erlanger 41017 38 low-income homes · 4 bd: 38 · In service since 2009
- Eastside Revitilization II Tax credit (LIHTC) Pleasant Street, Covington 41011 33 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Eastside Revitalization LLL Tax credit (LIHTC) East 11th Street, Covington 41011 31 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Covington Hope Apartments HUD-assisted 1550 Banklick St, Covington 41011 30 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (859) 581-0755
- 14 W 10th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 14 W 10th St, Covington 41011 26 low-income homes · In service since 1990
- Academy Flats Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) Woodburn Ave., Covington 41011 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Thomas Edison School Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Scott BLVD., Covington 41014 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Eastside Revitalization I Tax credit (LIHTC) Trevor Street, Covington 41011 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2008
- Gardens at Greenup HUD-assisted 1102 Greenup St, Covington 41011 20 low-income homes · For families · (859) 261-3881
- New Site Properties Public housing 220 E 8th St, Covington 41011 19 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · Average payment: $449 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (859) 292-2145
- Bromley Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Boone St, Bromley 41016 17 homes, 15 low-income · In service since 1995
- Emery Public housing 990 Emery Dr, Covington 41011 69 homes, 12 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · Average payment: $403 a month · (859) 292-2145
- Eastside Revitalization 2 Public housing 217 Trevor St, Covington 41011 33 homes, 8 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · Homes at several sites · (859) 292-2145
- Eastside Revitalization 3 Public housing 329 E 13th St, Covington 41011 31 homes, 6 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · Homes at several sites · (859) 292-2145
- Academy Flats Public housing 1726 Holman Ave, Covington 41011 26 homes, 6 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · (859) 292-2145
- Eastside Revitalization 1 Public housing 1221 Garrard St, Covington 41011 24 homes, 6 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Covington · Homes at several sites · (859) 292-2145
- 701 Madison Ave Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Madison Ave, Covington 41011 6 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- VOA/ORV Bunker Hill Court HUD-assisted 11567 Bunker Hill Ct, Independence 41051 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (859) 372-5600
- VOA/ORV Madison Pike HUD-assisted 5190 Madison Pike, Independence 41051 4 homes, 3 low-income · For people with disabilities · (859) 372-5600
- 344 E 13th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 344 E 13th St, Covington 41011 3 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- 731 Philadelphia ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 731 Philadelphia St, Covington 41011 3 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- VOA/ORV Autumn Ridge HUD-assisted 10768 Autumnridge Dr, Independence 41051 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (859) 372-5600
- 1006 Greenup ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 1006 Greenup St, Covington 41011 2 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- 908 Greenup ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 908 Greenup St, Covington 41011 2 low-income homes · In service since 1991
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 Kenton 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 Kenton 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 | $23,100 | $38,500 | $61,550 |
| 2 people | $26,400 | $44,000 | $70,350 |
| 3 people | $29,700 | $49,500 | $79,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $54,950 | $87,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $59,350 | $94,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $63,750 | $102,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $68,150 | $109,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $72,550 | $116,050 |
Area median income: $109,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $947 – $1,157
- 1 bedroom $1,015 – $1,241
- 2 bedrooms $1,298 – $1,586
- 3 bedrooms $1,707 – $2,087
- 4 bedrooms $1,927 – $2,355
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 Covington Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,265 vouchers · 1,073 public housing units (859) 292-2145 Housing Authority of Covington: sarlinghaus@hacov.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 Kenton County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Kenton County. 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 Kenton 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
$2,884
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,442
- Security deposit
- $1,442
- Total
- $2,884
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 Kenton County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,052; 1 bedroom: $1,128; 2 bedrooms: $1,442; 3 bedrooms: $1,897; 4 bedrooms: $2,141. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Kenton County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,442) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.73 an hour full time, or $57,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kenton County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,950 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 Kenton 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 $1,298 and $1,586 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kenton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 41063 to $1,650 in 41051. 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 Kenton County?
HUD lists 49 properties with homes for low-income households in Kenton 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 Kenton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kenton County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Kentucky, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).