Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Bienville Parish, Louisiana
Bienville Parish has a HUD fair market rent of $892 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $606 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.15 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $892
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 23% less than in Louisiana
- Typical rent
- $606
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 43% less than in Louisiana
- Wage needed
- $17.15
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $35,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% less than in Louisiana
Only here
Renting in Bienville Parish: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $606, Bienville Parish ranks 2nd among the 64 parishes in Louisiana for the lowest typical rent.
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Bienville Parish has the lowest typical rent in its area: $606, less than any of its 6 neighboring parishes; next is Claiborne Parish ($674).
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At $35,011, Bienville Parish ranks 3rd among the 64 parishes in Louisiana for the lowest typical household income.
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30% of households in Bienville Parish have no internet at home, against 11% in Louisiana.
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 Bienville Parish. 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $12.38 | $25,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $682 | $13.12 | $27,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $892 | $17.15 | $35,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,235 | $23.75 | $49,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,491 | $28.67 | $59,640 |
HUD area: Bienville Parish, LA. 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 11 ZIP codes in Bienville Parish (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $890 in 71008 to $940 in 71001. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($892).
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)
| 71001 | Bienville Parish, LA | $680 | $730 | $940 | $1,280 | $1,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71001 | Claiborne Parish, LA | $680 | $730 | $940 | $1,280 | $1,550 |
| 71001 | Lincoln Parish, LA | $680 | $730 | $940 | $1,280 | $1,550 |
| 71008 | Bienville Parish, LA | $640 | $680 | $890 | $1,240 | $1,490 |
| 71016 | Bienville Parish, LA | $640 | $690 | $890 | $1,200 | $1,470 |
| 71016 | Natchitoches Parish, LA | $640 | $690 | $890 | $1,200 | $1,470 |
| 71028 | Bienville Parish, LA | $640 | $680 | $890 | $1,240 | $1,490 |
| 71028 | Claiborne Parish, LA | $640 | $680 | $890 | $1,240 | $1,490 |
| 71045 | Bienville Parish, LA | $650 | $700 | $910 | $1,250 | $1,500 |
| 71068 | Bienville Parish, LA | $640 | $680 | $890 | $1,220 | $1,480 |
| 71068 | Red River Parish, LA | $640 | $680 | $890 | $1,220 | $1,480 |
- 71001 · Bienville Parish, LA $940$1,280
- 71001 · Claiborne Parish, LA $940$1,280
- 71001 · Lincoln Parish, LA $940$1,280
- 71008 · Bienville Parish, LA $890$1,240
- 71016 · Bienville Parish, LA $890$1,200
- 71016 · Natchitoches Parish, LA $890$1,200
- 71028 · Bienville Parish, LA $890$1,240
- 71028 · Claiborne Parish, LA $890$1,240
- 71045 · Bienville Parish, LA $910$1,250
- 71068 · Bienville Parish, LA $890$1,220
- 71068 · Red River Parish, LA $890$1,220
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 Bienville Parish, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Louisiana, 55%, 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,655 households rent in Bienville Parish
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Bienville 54%
- Louisiana 55%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Bienville Parish
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Bienville Parish: 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)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 2
530 homes in all; 272 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Rich Circle Public housing 2542 4th St, Arcadia 71001 120 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Arcadia · Average payment: $330 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (318) 263-8471
- Timberview Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1210 Crawford St, Arcadia 71001 48 low-income homes · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1999 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Bienville Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2000 Military Rd, Ringgold 71068 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001
- Gibsland Public housing 2152 Cedar St, Gibsland 71028 22 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Gibsland · Homes at several sites · (318) 251-3644
- Arcadia Haven HUD-assisted 1666 Daniel St, Arcadia 71001 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (318) 263-9824
- Arcadia Place HUD-assisted 1518 Daniel St, Arcadia 71001 13 low-income homes · For older adults · (318) 263-9216
- Bienville Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) Highway 7, South, Ringgold 71068 32 homes, 8 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Bienville Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2000 Military Rd, Ringgold 71068 32 homes, 8 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
- Arcadia East II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1226 1st St, Arcadia 71001 32 homes, 7 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Meadows at Arcadia Tax credit (LIHTC) 1210 Crawford St, Arcadia 71001 78 homes · 2 bd: 2
- Alexander Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1516 Marsailes Dr, Arcadia 71001 40 homes · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 1996
- Arcadia Village Subdivision Single Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 160 Madden Rd, Arcadia 71001 34 homes · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Gibsland Seniors Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1934 Pearl St, Gibsland 71028 32 homes · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 2010
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 Bienville Parish
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 Bienville Parish. 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 | $15,960 | $23,700 | $37,950 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $27,100 | $43,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $30,500 | $48,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $33,850 | $54,150 |
| 5 people | $36,600 | $36,600 | $58,500 |
| 6 people | $39,300 | $39,300 | $62,850 |
| 7 people | $42,000 | $42,000 | $67,150 |
| 8 people | $44,700 | $44,700 | $71,500 |
Area median income: $58,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Bienville Parish, LA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $580 – $708
- 1 bedroom $614 – $750
- 2 bedrooms $803 – $981
- 3 bedrooms $1,112 – $1,359
- 4 bedrooms $1,342 – $1,640
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 the Town of Arcadia Public housing · 120 public housing units (318) 263-8471 Housing Authority of the Town of Arcadia: kathy.arceneaux@yahoo.com
- Housing Authority of Gibsland Public housing · 22 public housing units (318) 251-3644 Housing Authority of Gibsland: wwhittington@rustonhousing.org
Housing agencies in Louisiana Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Louisiana
What Louisiana 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?
- 5 days
- La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 10 calendar days
- La. Civ. Code art. 2728(2)
- Repair and deduct from the rentLa. Civ. Code art. 2694
Help
Where to get help with rent in Bienville Parish
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Catholic Charities of North Louisiana
902 Olive St, Shreveport · 43 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
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Mount Pleasant Community Development Corp. Inc
105 Bernice Drive, Monroe · 55 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Bienville Parish. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Louisiana, the average home bill was $141 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
$1,784
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $892
- Security deposit
- $892
- Total
- $1,784
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 Bienville Parish?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $644; 1 bedroom: $682; 2 bedrooms: $892; 3 bedrooms: $1,235; 4 bedrooms: $1,491. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Bienville Parish?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($892) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.15 an hour full time, or $35,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Bienville Parish?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $33,850 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 Bienville Parish?
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 $803 and $981 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Bienville Parish?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $890 in 71008 to $940 in 71001. 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 Bienville Parish?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Bienville Parish: 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 Bienville Parish?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bienville Parish, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Louisiana, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).