Renting in Buchanan County, Missouri: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,101; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 12% less than in Missouri
Typical rent: $902; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 13% less than in Missouri
Wage needed: $21.17; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $44,040 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 50%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 11% more than in Missouri

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Buchanan County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Nearby, in Holt County, the typical rent is $650: 28% less than in Buchanan County ($902).
Buchanan County has the 10th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 114 counties in Missouri with this figure (50%).

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 Buchanan 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 Buchanan County was $1,002 a month in September 2026: 3.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$850	$16.35	$34,000
1 bedroom	$857	$16.48	$34,280
2 bedrooms	$1,101	$21.17	$44,040
3 bedrooms	$1,406	$27.04	$56,240
4 bedrooms	$1,629	$31.33	$65,160

HUD area: St. Joseph, MO-KS MSA. 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 Buchanan County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 64440 to $1,150 in 64503. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,101).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

64401	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$820	$830	$1,060	$1,350	$1,570
64440	Kansas City, MO-KS	$800	$810	$1,030	$1,320	$1,520
64440	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$800	$810	$1,030	$1,320	$1,520
64443	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$830	$840	$1,080	$1,380	$1,600
64448	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$830	$840	$1,070	$1,370	$1,590
64484	Kansas City, MO-KS	$820	$840	$1,050	$1,350	$1,570
64484	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$820	$840	$1,050	$1,350	$1,570
64501	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$830	$840	$1,080	$1,380	$1,600
64503	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$890	$900	$1,150	$1,470	$1,700
64504	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$870	$880	$1,130	$1,440	$1,670
64506	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$850	$860	$1,100	$1,410	$1,630
64507	St. Joseph, MO-KS	$860	$860	$1,110	$1,420	$1,640

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
64401 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,060$1,350
64440 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,030$1,320
64440 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,030$1,320
64443 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,080$1,380
64448 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,070$1,370
64484 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,050$1,350
64484 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,050$1,350
64501 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,080$1,380
64503 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,150$1,470
64504 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,130$1,440
64506 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,100$1,410
64507 · St. Joseph, MO-KS $1,110$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 Buchanan County, 50% 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.

50%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

11,255 households rent in Buchanan County

Spend half or more of their income 27%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
Spend less than 30% 50%

Compared with the state and the country

Buchanan 50%
Missouri 46%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Buchanan County

HUD lists 44 properties with homes for low-income households in Buchanan 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): 33
HUD-assisted: 12
public housing: 1

1,873 homes in all; 1,764 of them low-income, according to HUD.

ST. Francis Apts HUD-assisted 1701 S 38th St, Saint Joseph 64507 157 homes, 156 low-income · For older adults · (816) 233-5304
36th and Pickett Public housing 2906 S 36th Pl, Saint Joseph 64503 157 homes, 155 low-income · Run by St. Joseph Housing Authority · Average payment: $424 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (816) 236-8200
Wesley Senior Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1002 Francis St, Saint Joseph 64501 110 low-income homes · 1 bd: 110 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (816) 233-4255
Village East Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1218 Village Dr, Saint Joseph 64506 108 homes, 107 low-income · In service since 2012 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (816) 364-5593
Museum Hill HUD-assisted 1205 Angelique St, Saint Joseph 64501 98 low-income homes · For families · (816) 279-2784
Oakridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1202 Angelique St, Saint Joseph 64501 98 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2002
Northwood Terrace HUD-assisted 1203 Northwood Dr, Saint Joseph 64505 128 homes, 94 low-income · For families · (816) 232-3921
Hillcrest Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3515 Gene Field Rd, Saint Joseph 64506 107 homes, 92 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 39 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 1998
East Ridge Manor HUD-assisted 1501 Village Dr, Saint Joseph 64506 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (816) 233-3460
Peach Tree Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 3301 S 35th St, Saint Joseph 64503 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · In service since 1995
Robidoux School Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 S 10th St, Saint Joseph 64501 60 low-income homes · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 1990
Westchester Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2302 Village Dr, Saint Joseph 64506 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 42 · In service since 1993
Chilton Place HUD-assisted 415 N 10th St, Saint Joseph 64501 57 low-income homes · For older adults · (816) 233-8852
ST Joseph Estates LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 3811 Beck Rd, Saint Joseph 64506 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 1998
Windwood Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1316 N Woodbine Rd, Saint Joseph 64506 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2000
Townsend & Wall Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 602 Francis St, Saint Joseph 64501 47 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 27 · In service since 2003
Woodbine Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 S Woodbine Rd, Saint Joseph 64506 48 homes, 46 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
Lofts at Landmark Tax credit (LIHTC) 212 N 4th St, Saint Joseph 64501 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
Whittington Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1502 Buckingham St, Saint Joseph 64506 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2004
Saint Charles Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 3300 Pear St, Saint Joseph 64503 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
Pickett Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3601 Cedar St, Saint Joseph 64503 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Sheltering Arms Apartments HUD-assisted 1901 Mulberry St, Saint Joseph 64501 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (816) 232-2874
Fourth Street Lofts, LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 216 N 4th St, Saint Joseph 64501 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
King Hill Addition HUD-assisted 6010 King Hill Ave, Saint Joseph 64504 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (816) 238-9301
Alexandria Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 716 Faraon St, Saint Joseph 64501 16 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1991
Meadow Creek HUD-assisted 3502 Messanie St, Saint Joseph 64507 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (816) 233-4250
Eugene Field Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 425 N 11th St, Saint Joseph 64501 15 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1988
Keystone Place HUD-assisted 3812 Pickett Rd, Saint Joseph 64503 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (816) 390-5265
The Maples Apartments HUD-assisted 3721 Charles St, Saint Joseph 64506 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (816) 233-6122
Patee Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 1105 S 13th St, Saint Joseph 64503 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2001
11th ST Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 S 11th St, Saint Joseph 64501 5 low-income homes · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 1992
Museum Hill Rehab Project 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 S 15th St, Saint Joseph 64501 5 low-income homes · 3 bd: 4 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 1997
Louis Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 509 E Louis St, Saint Joseph 64501 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991
Museum Hill Rehab Project 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 S 14th St, Saint Joseph 64501 4 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1996
ST Joseph Historic Partners I Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 S 17th St, Saint Joseph 64507 4 low-income homes · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1991
1324-26 Buchanan ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 1324 Buchanan Ave, Saint Joseph 64501 3 low-income homes · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1987
Chapel Ridge of ST Joseph Tax credit (LIHTC) 2121 S Riverside Rd, Saint Joseph 64507 33 homes
San Regis Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1015 Faraon St, Saint Joseph 64501 31 homes
617 S 14th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 617 S 14th St, Saint Joseph 64501 In service since 1989
718 S 14th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 718 S 14th St, Saint Joseph 64501 In service since 1989
719 S 14th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 719 S 14th St, Saint Joseph 64501 In service since 1989
725 S 14th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 725 S 14th St, Saint Joseph 64501 In service since 1990
Brookdale East Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3414 Messanie St, Saint Joseph 64501 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2016 · For families
ST. Francis/King Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 1601 S 38th St, Saint Joseph 64507 Studio: 12 · 1 bd: 139 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2016 · For older adults

2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Buchanan 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 Buchanan 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: St. Joseph, MO-KS MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$19,250	$32,100	$51,350
2 people	$22,000	$36,700	$58,700
3 people	$27,320	$41,300	$66,050
4 people	$33,000	$45,850	$73,350
5 people	$38,680	$49,550	$79,250
6 people	$44,360	$53,200	$85,100
7 people	$50,040	$56,900	$91,000
8 people	$55,720	$60,550	$96,850

Area median income: $91,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: St. Joseph, MO-KS MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $765 – $935
1 bedroom $771 – $943
2 bedrooms $991 – $1,211
3 bedrooms $1,265 – $1,547
4 bedrooms $1,466 – $1,792

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

St. Joseph Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,031 vouchers · 155 public housing units (816) 236-8200 St. Joseph Housing Authority: JPENLAND@SJHA1.COM

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 rule

Compare 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 Buchanan County

These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.

CH
Credit & Homeownership Empowerment Services, Inc.

3115 Gillham Plz, Kansas City · 43 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
(816) 533-7417
CS
Community Services League

404 N Noland Rd, Independence · 44 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 4 more
(816) 254-4100

See every agency in Missouri Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Buchanan 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Buchanan County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,101. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,202

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,101
Security deposit: $1,101
Total: $2,202

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Buchanan County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $850; 1 bedroom: $857; 2 bedrooms: $1,101; 3 bedrooms: $1,406; 4 bedrooms: $1,629. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Buchanan County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,101) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.17 an hour full time, or $44,040 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Buchanan County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,850 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 Buchanan 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 $991 and $1,211 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Buchanan County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 64440 to $1,150 in 64503. 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 Buchanan County?

HUD lists 44 properties with homes for low-income households in Buchanan 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 Buchanan County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Buchanan County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Buchanan County, Missouri

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Buchanan County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Buchanan County

The Section 8 voucher in Buchanan County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Missouri

Where to get help with rent in Buchanan County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Buchanan County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Buchanan County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Buchanan County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Buchanan County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Buchanan County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Buchanan County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Buchanan County?