Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Audrain County, Missouri
Audrain County has a HUD fair market rent of $962 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $693 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $962
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 23% less than in Missouri
- Typical rent
- $693
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 33% less than in Missouri
- Wage needed
- $18.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $38,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% more than in Missouri
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 Audrain 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $709 | $13.63 | $28,360 |
| 1 bedroom | $775 | $14.90 | $31,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $962 | $18.50 | $38,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,283 | $24.67 | $51,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,501 | $28.87 | $60,040 |
HUD area: Audrain County, MO. 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 19 ZIP codes in Audrain County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 63345 to $1,050 in 65240. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($962).
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)
| 63345 | Audrain County, MO | $710 | $780 | $960 | $1,280 | $1,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63352 | Audrain County, MO | $720 | $780 | $970 | $1,300 | $1,500 |
| 63352 | Ralls County, MO | $720 | $780 | $970 | $1,300 | $1,500 |
| 63382 | Audrain County, MO | $740 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,570 |
| 63382 | Pike County, MO | $740 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,570 |
| 63382 | Ralls County, MO | $740 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,570 |
| 65232 | Audrain County, MO | $710 | $780 | $960 | $1,280 | $1,500 |
| 65240 | Audrain County, MO | $720 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 65240 | Callaway County, MO | $720 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 65240 | Columbia, MO | $720 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 65240 | Monroe County, MO | $720 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 65264 | Audrain County, MO | $730 | $750 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,410 |
| 65264 | Callaway County, MO | $730 | $750 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,410 |
| 65264 | Montgomery County, MO | $730 | $750 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,410 |
| 65265 | Audrain County, MO | $720 | $780 | $960 | $1,280 | $1,500 |
| 65265 | Callaway County, MO | $720 | $780 | $960 | $1,280 | $1,500 |
| 65265 | Monroe County, MO | $720 | $780 | $960 | $1,280 | $1,500 |
| 65280 | Audrain County, MO | $710 | $780 | $960 | $1,280 | $1,500 |
| 65285 | Audrain County, MO | $700 | $820 | $970 | $1,290 | $1,500 |
- 63345 · Audrain County, MO $960$1,280
- 63352 · Audrain County, MO $970$1,300
- 63352 · Ralls County, MO $970$1,300
- 63382 · Audrain County, MO $1,010$1,340
- 63382 · Pike County, MO $1,010$1,340
- 63382 · Ralls County, MO $1,010$1,340
- 65232 · Audrain County, MO $960$1,280
- 65240 · Audrain County, MO $1,050$1,420
- 65240 · Callaway County, MO $1,050$1,420
- 65240 · Columbia, MO $1,050$1,420
- 65240 · Monroe County, MO $1,050$1,420
- 65264 · Audrain County, MO $960$1,260
- 65264 · Callaway County, MO $960$1,260
- 65264 · Montgomery County, MO $960$1,260
- 65265 · Audrain County, MO $960$1,280
- 65265 · Callaway County, MO $960$1,280
- 65265 · Monroe County, MO $960$1,280
- 65280 · Audrain County, MO $960$1,280
- 65285 · Audrain County, MO $970$1,290
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 Audrain County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,600 households rent in Audrain County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Audrain 48%
- Missouri 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Audrain County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Audrain 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 2
500 homes in all; 462 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mexico Public housing 505 E Central St, Mexico 65265 206 homes, 202 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Mexico · Average payment: $356 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (573) 581-2294
- Vandalia Public housing 1001 S Maple St, Vandalia 63382 78 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Vandalia · Average payment: $496 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (573) 594-3712
- Mexico Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 2152 Jubel Dr, Mexico 65265 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · In service since 1996
- Mexico Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2717 S Clark St, Mexico 65265 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (573) 581-8805
- Teal Lake Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2501 Amelia St, Mexico 65265 40 homes, 31 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Windwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Gaslight Rd, Vandalia 63382 32 homes, 22 low-income · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 1997
- Country Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1928 Country Place Ct, Mexico 65265 17 low-income homes · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2004
- Mexico I Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2705 S Clark St, Mexico 65265 15 homes
- Berkshire Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Mars St, Mexico 65265 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
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 Audrain County
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 Audrain 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 | $16,850 | $28,050 | $44,900 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,050 | $51,300 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,050 | $57,700 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $40,050 | $64,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,300 | $69,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,500 | $74,400 |
| 7 people | $49,700 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 8 people | $52,900 | $52,900 | $84,650 |
Area median income: $80,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Audrain County, MO. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $638 – $780
- 1 bedroom $698 – $853
- 2 bedrooms $866 – $1,058
- 3 bedrooms $1,155 – $1,411
- 4 bedrooms $1,351 – $1,651
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 Mexico Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 154 vouchers · 202 public housing units (573) 581-2294 Housing Authority of the City of Mexico: frontdesk@mexicoha.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Vandalia Public housing · 78 public housing units (573) 594-3712 Housing Authority of the City of Vandalia: housing@bgvha.org
Housing agencies in Missouri Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Missouri
What Missouri 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.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Mo. Rev. Stat. §535.300.1
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Mo. Rev. Stat. §535.300.3
- Only a court order can remove youMo. Rev. Stat. §441.233.1
- Repair and deduct from the rentMo. Rev. Stat. §441.234.1-.2
Help
Where to get help with rent in Audrain County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Love Columbia
1209 E Walnut St, Columbia · 31 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 4 more
-
North East Community Action Corporation
16 N Court St, Bowling Green · 36 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 Audrain 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 Missouri, the average home bill was $129 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
$1,924
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $962
- Security deposit
- $962
- Total
- $1,924
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 Audrain County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $709; 1 bedroom: $775; 2 bedrooms: $962; 3 bedrooms: $1,283; 4 bedrooms: $1,501. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Audrain County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($962) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.50 an hour full time, or $38,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Audrain County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,050 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 Audrain 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 $866 and $1,058 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Audrain County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 63345 to $1,050 in 65240. 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 Audrain County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Audrain 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 Audrain County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Audrain County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).