Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Pulaski County, Kentucky
Pulaski County has a HUD fair market rent of $924 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $803 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $924
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% less than in Kentucky
- Typical rent
- $803
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% less than in Kentucky
- Wage needed
- $17.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $36,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% more than in Kentucky
Only here
Renting in Pulaski County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in McCreary County, the typical rent is $577: 28% less than in Pulaski County ($803).
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 Pulaski 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 Pulaski County was $1,236 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 | $660 | $12.69 | $26,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $706 | $13.58 | $28,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $924 | $17.77 | $36,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,101 | $21.17 | $44,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,308 | $25.15 | $52,320 |
HUD area: Pulaski 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 12 ZIP codes in Pulaski County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 42501 to $960 in 42503. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($924).
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)
| 42501 | Pulaski County, KY | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,080 | $1,290 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42503 | Pulaski County, KY | $690 | $730 | $960 | $1,140 | $1,360 |
| 42519 | Pulaski County, KY | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,080 | $1,290 |
| 42533 | Pulaski County, KY | $650 | $690 | $910 | $1,080 | $1,290 |
| 42544 | Casey County, KY | $650 | $720 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,310 |
| 42544 | Pulaski County, KY | $650 | $720 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,310 |
| 42544 | Russell County, KY | $650 | $720 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,310 |
| 42544 | Wayne County, KY | $650 | $720 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,310 |
| 42553 | Casey County, KY | $660 | $720 | $930 | $1,110 | $1,320 |
| 42553 | Pulaski County, KY | $660 | $720 | $930 | $1,110 | $1,320 |
| 42567 | Lincoln County, KY | $650 | $700 | $910 | $1,080 | $1,300 |
| 42567 | Pulaski County, KY | $650 | $700 | $910 | $1,080 | $1,300 |
- 42501 · Pulaski County, KY $910$1,080
- 42503 · Pulaski County, KY $960$1,140
- 42519 · Pulaski County, KY $910$1,080
- 42533 · Pulaski County, KY $910$1,080
- 42544 · Casey County, KY $910$1,100
- 42544 · Pulaski County, KY $910$1,100
- 42544 · Russell County, KY $910$1,100
- 42544 · Wayne County, KY $910$1,100
- 42553 · Casey County, KY $930$1,110
- 42553 · Pulaski County, KY $930$1,110
- 42567 · Lincoln County, KY $910$1,080
- 42567 · Pulaski County, KY $910$1,080
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 Pulaski County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,214 households rent in Pulaski County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Pulaski 50%
- Kentucky 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Pulaski County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Pulaski 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)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
909 homes in all; 845 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Southern-Hines-Valley HM Public housing 325 Jasper St, Somerset 42501 215 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Somerset · Average payment: $339 a month · Average wait: 23 months · Homes at several sites · (606) 679-1332
- Sky Hope Recovery Center for Men Tax credit (LIHTC) Union Street, Somerset 42501 68 low-income homes · 4 bd: 68 · In service since 2018
- Beecher House HUD-assisted 203 S Main St, Somerset 42501 62 low-income homes · For older adults · (606) 679-3847
- Beecher House Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) S. Main Street, Somerset 42501 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 58 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Cumberland Manor - Somerset HUD-assisted 106 White Oak Cir, Somerset 42501 60 homes, 59 low-income · For families · (606) 561-5319
- Lakeview Estates HUD-assisted 193F White Oak Cir, Somerset 42501 48 homes, 47 low-income · For families · (606) 561-5616
- Greystone Manor HUD-assisted 302 Hail Knob Rd, Somerset 42503 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (606) 679-9219
- Somerset Village Apartments HUD-assisted 500 Somerset Vlg, Somerset 42501 101 homes, 40 low-income · For families · (606) 678-5508
- The Moore Complex HUD-assisted 130 Floyd St, Somerset 42503 31 homes, 30 low-income · For people with disabilities · (606) 679-6509
- Eagle's Landing Senior Community Tax credit (LIHTC) Independence Drive, Somerset 42501 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Pleasant Hill Square Tax credit (LIHTC) Mckee RD., Somerset 42503 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Somer-Court Assoc. DBA Plumtree Apartments - Proj. Tax credit (LIHTC) Turpen CT., Somerset 42503 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1997
- Somerset Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) James ST., Somerset 42501 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1993
- Westbrooke Apartments HUD-assisted 400 Kate Drive, Somerset 42501 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (606) 678-8979
- Clinton County Empowerment Zone Lease Tax credit (LIHTC) PO Box 609, Science Hill 42553 20 low-income homes · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2001 · For families
- University Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) N. College ST., Somerset 42503 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1994
- Royal Lodge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Lookout ST., Somerset 42501 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1997
- Somerset Holly Square Tax credit (LIHTC) Langdon ST., Somerset 42501 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · In service since 1991 · For older adults
- Clifty Heights Elderly Rental Project Tax credit (LIHTC) Stanford ST., Science Hill 42553 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Fox Hill Estates HUD-assisted 5409 Scenic Vista Dr, Somerset 42501 8 low-income homes · For families · (606) 256-5912
- Somerset Residence HUD-assisted 203 Shadow Hill Dr, Somerset 42501 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (859) 253-1686
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 Pulaski 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 Pulaski 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)
-
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)
-
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 | $26,400 | $42,200 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,150 | $48,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $33,900 | $54,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $40,700 | $65,100 |
| 6 people | $43,700 | $43,700 | $69,900 |
| 7 people | $46,700 | $46,700 | $74,750 |
| 8 people | $49,700 | $49,700 | $79,550 |
Area median income: $75,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Pulaski County, KY. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $594 – $726
- 1 bedroom $635 – $777
- 2 bedrooms $832 – $1,016
- 3 bedrooms $991 – $1,211
- 4 bedrooms $1,177 – $1,439
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 Somerset Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 322 vouchers · 215 public housing units (606) 679-1332 Housing Authority of Somerset: austyn@somersethousing.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 Pulaski County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Kceoc Community Action Partnership, Inc.
5448 N US Highway 25E, Gray · 38 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Pulaski 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
$1,848
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $924
- Security deposit
- $924
- Total
- $1,848
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 Pulaski County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $660; 1 bedroom: $706; 2 bedrooms: $924; 3 bedrooms: $1,101; 4 bedrooms: $1,308. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Pulaski County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($924) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.77 an hour full time, or $36,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Pulaski County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $37,650 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 Pulaski 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 $832 and $1,016 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Pulaski County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 42501 to $960 in 42503. 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 Pulaski County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Pulaski 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 Pulaski County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Pulaski County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Kentucky, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).