Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Boone County, Missouri
Boone County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,076 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,088 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.69 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,076
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% less than in Missouri
- Typical rent
- $1,088
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% more than in Missouri
- Wage needed
- $20.69
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,040 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% more than in Missouri
Only here
Renting in Boone County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Boone County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,088, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Callaway County ($887).
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Boone County has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 115 counties in Missouri (58%).
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Boone County has the 8th highest typical rent of the 115 counties in Missouri ($1,088).
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 Boone 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 Boone County was $1,463 a month in September 2026: 5.5% 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 | $749 | $14.40 | $29,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $959 | $18.44 | $38,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,076 | $20.69 | $43,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,459 | $28.06 | $58,360 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,676 | $32.23 | $67,040 |
HUD area: Columbia, MO 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 17 ZIP codes in Boone County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,050 in 65255 to $1,200 in 65010. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,076).
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)
| 65010 | Columbia, MO | $840 | $1,070 | $1,200 | $1,630 | $1,870 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65039 | Callaway County, MO | $820 | $910 | $1,110 | $1,480 | $1,720 |
| 65039 | Columbia, MO | $820 | $910 | $1,110 | $1,480 | $1,720 |
| 65201 | Callaway County, MO | $770 | $980 | $1,100 | $1,490 | $1,710 |
| 65201 | Columbia, MO | $770 | $980 | $1,100 | $1,490 | $1,710 |
| 65202 | Callaway County, MO | $770 | $990 | $1,110 | $1,510 | $1,730 |
| 65202 | Columbia, MO | $770 | $990 | $1,110 | $1,510 | $1,730 |
| 65203 | Columbia, MO | $790 | $1,010 | $1,130 | $1,530 | $1,760 |
| 65215 | Columbia, MO | $770 | $980 | $1,100 | $1,490 | $1,710 |
| 65216 | Columbia, MO | $770 | $980 | $1,100 | $1,490 | $1,710 |
| 65255 | Columbia, MO | $730 | $940 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 65256 | Columbia, MO | $720 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 65256 | Howard County, MO | $720 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 65279 | Columbia, MO | $810 | $1,010 | $1,170 | $1,550 | $1,820 |
| 65279 | Howard County, MO | $810 | $1,010 | $1,170 | $1,550 | $1,820 |
| 65284 | Audrain County, MO | $720 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 65284 | Columbia, MO | $720 | $910 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,680 |
- 65010 · Columbia, MO $1,200$1,630
- 65039 · Callaway County, MO $1,110$1,480
- 65039 · Columbia, MO $1,110$1,480
- 65201 · Callaway County, MO $1,100$1,490
- 65201 · Columbia, MO $1,100$1,490
- 65202 · Callaway County, MO $1,110$1,510
- 65202 · Columbia, MO $1,110$1,510
- 65203 · Columbia, MO $1,130$1,530
- 65215 · Columbia, MO $1,100$1,490
- 65216 · Columbia, MO $1,100$1,490
- 65255 · Columbia, MO $1,050$1,420
- 65256 · Columbia, MO $1,050$1,420
- 65256 · Howard County, MO $1,050$1,420
- 65279 · Columbia, MO $1,170$1,550
- 65279 · Howard County, MO $1,170$1,550
- 65284 · Audrain County, MO $1,050$1,420
- 65284 · Columbia, MO $1,050$1,420
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 Boone County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
32,384 households rent in Boone County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Boone 49%
- Missouri 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Boone County
HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Boone 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)
- 26
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 1
1,641 homes in all; 1,501 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Stuart Parker Apartments With Paquin Tow Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Unity Dr, Columbia 65203 284 low-income homes · Studio: 141 · 1 bd: 89 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Oak Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 N Garth Ave, Columbia 65203 147 low-income homes · Studio: 77 · 1 bd: 70 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Columbia Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1016 Claudell Ln, Columbia 65203 128 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2003
- Columbia Square Apartments HUD-assisted 1801 W Worley St, Columbia 65203 128 homes, 121 low-income · For families · (573) 445-1721
- Lakewood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 Old 63 N, Columbia 65201 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Lakewood Apartments HUD-assisted 203 Anita Ct, Columbia 65201 100 homes, 91 low-income · For families · (573) 442-2720
- Kensington Tiger Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 23 S 8th St, Columbia 65201 88 homes, 79 low-income · In service since 1988
- Bear Creek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Unity Dr, Columbia 65203 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Bryant Walkway Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Bryant St, Columbia 65203 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Jessie Wrench Public housing 213 Boone Dr, Columbia 65203 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, MO · Average payment: $401 a month · (573) 443-2556
- Hanover Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1601 Hanover Blvd, Columbia 65202 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 1997
- Gentry Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 4150 Bethel St, Columbia 65203 42 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Sinclair Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1985 W Southampton Dr, Columbia 65203 40 homes, 36 low-income · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- North Hampton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 7000 N Buckingham Sq, Columbia 65202 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 1996
- Boone County Special Needs Affordable Ho Tax credit (LIHTC) 306 Saint Joseph St, Columbia 65201 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Claudell Lane Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Claudell Ln, Columbia 65203 27 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Edenton Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5305 Edenton Blvd, Columbia 65202 24 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities
- Claudell Lane Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 603 Claudell Ln, Columbia 65203 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Hanover Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Glenover Ct, Columbia 65202 18 low-income homes · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2000
- Columbia Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 611 N Columbia St, Centralia 65240 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1998
- Harambee House HUD-assisted 703 N 8th St, Columbia 65201 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 443-6972
- Freedom House HUD-assisted 107 N William St, Columbia 65201 13 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 214-4157
- Freedom House II HUD-assisted 107 N William St, Columbia 65201 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 875-6644
- Hanover Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1601 Hanover Blvd, Columbia 65202 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 1997
- Halsville Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Elaine Ave, Hallsville 65255 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Waterbrook Place HUD-assisted 415 N Garth Ave, Columbia 65203 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 875-8687
- Hanover Estates II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1608 Cocoa Ct, Columbia 65202 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1997
- Hanover Estates III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Cocoa Ct, Columbia 65202 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1999
- Bethel Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3801 Santiago DR, Columbia 65203 41 homes
- Hanover Village LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Hanover Blvd, Columbia 65202 24 homes
- Bethel Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 3711 Santiago Dr, Columbia 65203 23 homes
- North Hampton Village LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 7000 N Buckingham Sq, Columbia 65202 23 homes
- Mid-Missouri Veterans Campus Tax credit (LIHTC) 2112 E Business Loop 70, Columbia 65201 1 bd: 25 · In service since 2016
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 Boone 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 Boone 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 | $24,450 | $40,750 | $65,150 |
| 2 people | $27,950 | $46,550 | $74,450 |
| 3 people | $31,450 | $52,350 | $83,750 |
| 4 people | $34,900 | $58,150 | $93,050 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $62,850 | $100,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $67,500 | $107,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $72,150 | $115,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $76,800 | $122,850 |
Area median income: $119,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Columbia, MO HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $674 – $824
- 1 bedroom $863 – $1,055
- 2 bedrooms $968 – $1,184
- 3 bedrooms $1,313 – $1,605
- 4 bedrooms $1,508 – $1,844
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 Columbia, MO Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,902 vouchers · 50 public housing units (573) 443-2556 Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, MO: rcole@columbiaha.com
- Boone County Public Housing Agency Section 8 vouchers · 599 vouchers (573) 443-8706 Boone County Public Housing Agency: twilliams@cmca.us
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 Boone County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Boone County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Love Columbia
1209 E Walnut St, Columbia
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Boone 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
$2,152
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,076
- Security deposit
- $1,076
- Total
- $2,152
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 Boone County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $749; 1 bedroom: $959; 2 bedrooms: $1,076; 3 bedrooms: $1,459; 4 bedrooms: $1,676. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Boone County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,076) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.69 an hour full time, or $43,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Boone County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,150 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 Boone 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 $968 and $1,184 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Boone County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,050 in 65255 to $1,200 in 65010. 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 Boone County?
HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Boone 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 Boone County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Boone County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).