Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Nelson County, Kentucky
Nelson County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,022 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,008 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.65 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,022
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 12% less than in Kentucky
- Typical rent
- $1,008
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% more than in Kentucky
- Wage needed
- $19.65
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% more than in Kentucky
Only here
Renting in Nelson County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nelson County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,008, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Bullitt County ($987).
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 Nelson 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 Nelson County was $1,049 a month in September 2026: 1% 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 | $777 | $14.94 | $31,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $781 | $15.02 | $31,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,022 | $19.65 | $40,880 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,302 | $25.04 | $52,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,587 | $30.52 | $63,480 |
HUD area: Nelson County, 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 15 ZIP codes in Nelson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 40051 to $1,090 in 40012. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,022).
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)
| 40004 | Nelson County, KY | $790 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,330 | $1,610 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40008 | Louisville, KY-IN | $780 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,620 |
| 40008 | Nelson County, KY | $780 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,620 |
| 40008 | Washington County, KY | $780 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,620 |
| 40012 | Anderson County, KY | $790 | $860 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,590 |
| 40012 | Nelson County, KY | $790 | $860 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,590 |
| 40013 | Louisville, KY-IN | $810 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,760 |
| 40013 | Nelson County, KY | $810 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,760 |
| 40020 | Nelson County, KY | $810 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,390 | $1,690 |
| 40051 | Elizabethtown, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 40051 | Nelson County, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 40052 | Elizabethtown, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 40052 | Marion County, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 40052 | Nelson County, KY | $760 | $770 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,600 |
| 40107 | Nelson County, KY | $730 | $730 | $960 | $1,230 | $1,540 |
- 40004 · Nelson County, KY $1,040$1,330
- 40008 · Louisville, KY-IN $1,030$1,310
- 40008 · Nelson County, KY $1,030$1,310
- 40008 · Washington County, KY $1,030$1,310
- 40012 · Anderson County, KY $1,090$1,440
- 40012 · Nelson County, KY $1,090$1,440
- 40013 · Louisville, KY-IN $1,070$1,430
- 40013 · Nelson County, KY $1,070$1,430
- 40020 · Nelson County, KY $1,050$1,390
- 40051 · Elizabethtown, KY $960$1,330
- 40051 · Nelson County, KY $960$1,330
- 40052 · Elizabethtown, KY $960$1,330
- 40052 · Marion County, KY $960$1,330
- 40052 · Nelson County, KY $960$1,330
- 40107 · Nelson County, KY $960$1,230
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 Nelson County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,149 households rent in Nelson County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Nelson 51%
- Kentucky 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Nelson County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Nelson 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
- 8
- public housing
- 1
553 homes in all; 540 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Kennett,edelen,elm Grove Public housing 203 S Elm Grove Ave, Bardstown 40004 199 homes, 187 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Bardstown · Average payment: $396 a month · Average wait: 25 months · Homes at several sites · (502) 348-3525
- Nazareth Village HUD-assisted 65 Village DR, Nazareth 40048 102 homes, 101 low-income · For older adults · (502) 348-4911
- Bardstown Village Apts HUD-assisted 1000 Harding St, Bardstown 40004 64 low-income homes · For families · (502) 348-2480
- Bard Homestead Tax credit (LIHTC) Bard Ave., Bardstown 40004 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1999
- Rolling Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 101 Locust St, New Haven 40051 32 low-income homes · For families · (502) 549-9010
- Creekview Apts - Bloomfield HUD-assisted 124 Perry St, Bloomfield 40008 28 low-income homes · For older adults · (502) 252-5289
- Colonial Woods Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Marvin Downs Road, Bardstown 40004 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 1993
- Hometown Apartments HUD-assisted 365 5th St, New Haven 40051 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (502) 549-9010
- New Haven Greens Tax credit (LIHTC) 5th Street, New Haven 40051 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Ashberry Terrace Apts. HUD-assisted 149 Wilble Blvd, Bardstown 40004 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (270) 765-2605
- Perkins Place Apartments HUD-assisted 300 Bourbon Ct, Bardstown 40004 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (270) 765-2605
- Brauchview Apartments HUD-assisted 311A Bourbon Ct, Bardstown 40004 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (270) 765-2605
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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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 | $18,350 | $30,550 | $48,850 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,900 | $55,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,250 | $62,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,600 | $69,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,100 | $75,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,600 | $80,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,100 | $86,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $57,600 | $92,100 |
Area median income: $87,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Nelson County, KY HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $699 – $855
- 1 bedroom $703 – $859
- 2 bedrooms $920 – $1,124
- 3 bedrooms $1,172 – $1,432
- 4 bedrooms $1,428 – $1,746
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 Bardstown Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 173 vouchers · 188 public housing units (502) 348-3525 Housing Authority of Bardstown: tracijohnsonhab@gmail.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 Nelson County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Apprisen - CCCS of the Midwest - Louisville
10200 Linn Station Rd, Louisville · 30 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
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Louisville Urban League
1535 W Broadway, Louisville · 35 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 10 more
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Reach, Inc.
733 Red Mile Rd, Lexington · 54 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Nelson 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
$2,044
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,022
- Security deposit
- $1,022
- Total
- $2,044
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 Nelson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $777; 1 bedroom: $781; 2 bedrooms: $1,022; 3 bedrooms: $1,302; 4 bedrooms: $1,587. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Nelson County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,022) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.65 an hour full time, or $40,880 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Nelson County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,600 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 Nelson 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 $920 and $1,124 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Nelson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 40051 to $1,090 in 40012. 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 Nelson County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Nelson 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 Nelson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Nelson County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Kentucky, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).