Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana
Jefferson Davis Parish has a HUD fair market rent of $921 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $848 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.71 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $921
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in Louisiana
- Typical rent
- $848
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 20% less than in Louisiana
- Wage needed
- $17.71
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $36,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 16% less than in Louisiana
Only here
Renting in Jefferson Davis Parish: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Acadia Parish, the typical rent is $681: 20% less than in Jefferson Davis Parish ($848).
-
18% of households in Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis 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 | $641 | $12.33 | $25,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $704 | $13.54 | $28,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,217 | $23.40 | $48,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,315 | $25.29 | $52,600 |
HUD area: Jefferson Davis Parish, LA 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 11 ZIP codes in Jefferson Davis Parish (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $890 in 70532 to $1,100 in 70549. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($921).
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)
| 70532 | Allen Parish, LA | $630 | $730 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,320 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70532 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $630 | $730 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,320 |
| 70546 | Acadia Parish, LA | $700 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,320 | $1,380 |
| 70546 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $700 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,320 | $1,380 |
| 70549 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,450 |
| 70549 | Lake Charles, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,450 |
| 70581 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $660 | $730 | $950 | $1,260 | $1,330 |
| 70591 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $620 | $680 | $890 | $1,180 | $1,320 |
| 70640 | Allen Parish, LA | $640 | $750 | $910 | $1,180 | $1,320 |
| 70640 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $640 | $750 | $910 | $1,180 | $1,320 |
| 70650 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $780 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,490 |
- 70532 · Allen Parish, LA $890$1,170
- 70532 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $890$1,170
- 70546 · Acadia Parish, LA $1,000$1,320
- 70546 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $1,000$1,320
- 70549 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70549 · Lake Charles, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70581 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $950$1,260
- 70591 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $890$1,180
- 70640 · Allen Parish, LA $910$1,180
- 70640 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $910$1,180
- 70650 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $1,080$1,370
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 Jefferson Davis Parish, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,766 households rent in Jefferson Davis Parish
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Jefferson Davis 46%
- Louisiana 55%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Jefferson Davis Parish
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Jefferson Davis 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 6
626 homes in all; 450 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Unnamed Public housing 301A Bangle Dr, Jennings 70546 164 homes, 163 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Jennings · Average payment: $356 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (337) 824-5642
- Unnamed Public housing 608 Iowa Ave, Lake Arthur 70549 49 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Lake Arthur · Average payment: $344 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (337) 774-3692
- Westminster Homes HUD-assisted 1810 Cary Ave, Jennings 70546 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (337) 824-9835
- Housing Authority of the Town of Welsh Public housing 403 S Simmons St, Welsh 70591 36 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Welsh · Average payment: $400 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (337) 734-2647
- Willowood Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 813 Willowood Cir, Welsh 70591 32 low-income homes · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2011
- Cory Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 891 Shankland Ave, Jennings 70546 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1989
- Unnamed Public housing 505 Elton Lemonia St, Fenton 70640 25 low-income homes · Run by Village of Fenton Housing Authority · Average payment: $407 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (337) 756-2664
- Bayou Villa Apartments HUD-assisted 607 Naebers St, Welsh 70591 20 homes, 19 low-income · For older adults · (337) 734-3747
- Elton Housing Authority Public housing 305 Washington St, Elton 70532 18 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Kinder · Average payment: $385 a month · Average wait: 8 months · Homes at several sites · (337) 738-2077
- Elton House HUD-assisted 350 Raymond Church Rd, Elton 70532 14 low-income homes · For older adults · (337) 584-2510
- Westminster Homes II HUD-assisted 609 S Craig St, Jennings 70546 14 low-income homes · For older adults · (337) 824-3003
- Acadian Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 916 Florence St, Jennings 70546 42 homes, 8 low-income · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Unnamed Public housing 1412A Guillot Dr, Jennings 70546 2 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Jennings · Homes at several sites · (337) 824-5642
- Westfield Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 815 E Russell Ave, Welsh 70591 40 homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1998
- Southwind Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1711 Airport Rd, Jennings 70546 36 homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1996
- Cyrus Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 939 McKinley St, Jennings 70546 32 homes · 3 bd: 2
- Evangeline Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 809 Eighth St, Lake Arthur 70549 32 homes · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
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 Jefferson Davis Parish
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 5 agencies serve in Jefferson Davis Parish. 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)
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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
-
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 | $16,700 | $27,800 | $44,450 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,750 | $50,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,700 | $57,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,650 | $63,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $42,850 | $68,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,000 | $73,650 |
| 7 people | $49,200 | $49,200 | $78,700 |
| 8 people | $52,350 | $52,350 | $83,800 |
Area median income: $79,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Jefferson Davis Parish, LA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $577 – $705
- 1 bedroom $634 – $774
- 2 bedrooms $829 – $1,013
- 3 bedrooms $1,095 – $1,339
- 4 bedrooms $1,184 – $1,447
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 City of Jennings Public housing · 165 public housing units (337) 824-5642 Housing Authority of the City of Jennings: jenningsha@protonmail.com
- Jefferson Davis Parish Section 8 Section 8 vouchers · 132 vouchers (337) 824-7353 Jefferson Davis Parish Section 8: dian@jdppj.net
- Housing Authority of the Town of Lake Arthur Public housing · 49 public housing units (337) 774-3692 Housing Authority of the Town of Lake Arthur: lahousing041@gmail.com
- Housing Authority of the Town of Welsh Public housing · 36 public housing units (337) 734-2647 Housing Authority of the Town of Welsh: amandabenoit.wha@gmail.com
- Village of Fenton Housing Authority Public housing · 25 public housing units (337) 756-2664 Village of Fenton Housing Authority: fentonhousingauthority03@yahoo.com
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 Jefferson Davis Parish
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Jefferson Davis Parish. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Assist Agency - Jeff Davis Parish
107 E. Nezpique St., Jennings · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Jefferson Davis 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
$1,842
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $921
- Security deposit
- $921
- Total
- $1,842
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 Jefferson Davis Parish?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $641; 1 bedroom: $704; 2 bedrooms: $921; 3 bedrooms: $1,217; 4 bedrooms: $1,315. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Jefferson Davis Parish?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($921) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.71 an hour full time, or $36,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Jefferson Davis Parish?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,650 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 Jefferson Davis 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 $829 and $1,013 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Jefferson Davis Parish?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $890 in 70532 to $1,100 in 70549. 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 Jefferson Davis Parish?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis Parish?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Jefferson Davis Parish, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Louisiana, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).