Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Callaway County, Missouri
Callaway County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,123 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $887 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.60 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,123
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% less than in Missouri
- Typical rent
- $887
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 14% less than in Missouri
- Wage needed
- $21.60
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 37%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 18% less than in Missouri
Only here
Renting in Callaway County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Osage County, the typical rent is $639: 28% less than in Callaway County ($887).
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 Callaway 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 Callaway County was $1,095 a month in September 2026: 9.6% 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 | $853 | $16.40 | $34,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $858 | $16.50 | $34,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,123 | $21.60 | $44,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,338 | $25.73 | $53,520 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,570 | $30.19 | $62,800 |
HUD area: Callaway County, 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 11 ZIP codes in Callaway County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 65231 to $1,220 in 65043. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,123).
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)
| 63388 | Callaway County, MO | $760 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,270 | $1,430 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65043 | Callaway County, MO | $930 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $1,710 |
| 65059 | Callaway County, MO | $880 | $890 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,620 |
| 65063 | Callaway County, MO | $800 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,250 | $1,470 |
| 65067 | Callaway County, MO | $810 | $810 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,540 |
| 65077 | Callaway County, MO | $860 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,340 | $1,580 |
| 65080 | Callaway County, MO | $840 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,360 | $1,600 |
| 65231 | Audrain County, MO | $730 | $740 | $960 | $1,150 | $1,350 |
| 65231 | Callaway County, MO | $730 | $740 | $960 | $1,150 | $1,350 |
| 65251 | Callaway County, MO | $840 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,310 | $1,540 |
| 65262 | Callaway County, MO | $790 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,250 | $1,470 |
- 63388 · Callaway County, MO $1,000$1,270
- 65043 · Callaway County, MO $1,220$1,450
- 65059 · Callaway County, MO $1,160$1,380
- 65063 · Callaway County, MO $1,050$1,250
- 65067 · Callaway County, MO $1,070$1,330
- 65077 · Callaway County, MO $1,130$1,340
- 65080 · Callaway County, MO $1,110$1,360
- 65231 · Audrain County, MO $960$1,150
- 65231 · Callaway County, MO $960$1,150
- 65251 · Callaway County, MO $1,100$1,310
- 65262 · Callaway County, MO $1,040$1,250
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 Callaway County, 37% 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.
37%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,035 households rent in Callaway County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 14%
- Spend less than 30% 63%
Compared with the state and the country
- Callaway 37%
- Missouri 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Callaway County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Callaway 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)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 1
703 homes in all; 647 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- HSG Auth of Fulton Public housing 337 Sycamore St, Fulton 65251 200 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Fulton · Average payment: $300 a month · Average wait: 15 months · Homes at several sites · (573) 642-7611
- Rocktree Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2089 Manor Dr, Fulton 65251 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 64 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Rocktree Apartments HUD-assisted 2089 Manor Dr, Fulton 65251 64 low-income homes · For older adults · (573) 642-8862
- Rocktree Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2089 Manor Dr, Fulton 65251 64 homes, 57 low-income · 1 bd: 57 · In service since 2001
- Callaway Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 211 W Simon Blvd, Holts Summit 65043 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 1995
- Callaway Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 549 Amerihost Dr, Fulton 65251 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001
- Missouri Assn. of the Deaf Apts. HUD-assisted 1001 Merklin Dr, Fulton 65251 40 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 642-0620
- Fulton Seniors Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 451 E Saint Eunice Rd, Fulton 65251 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 1998
- Fulton Apartments HUD-assisted 312 Christopher Ln, Fulton 65251 26 low-income homes · For older adults · (573) 301-6086
- Fulton I Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 Christopher Ln, Fulton 65251 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2004
- Brady Independent Living Center HUD-assisted 606 W Chestnut St, Fulton 65251 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (573) 642-9112
- Liberty Apartments HUD-assisted 110 Spruce Dr, Fulton 65251 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (573) 592-7999
- Red Bud Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 10340 State Road C, Mokane 65059 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Callaway Village Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 543 Airway Dr, Fulton 65251 47 homes
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 Callaway 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 Callaway 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)
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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 | $19,850 | $33,050 | $52,850 |
| 2 people | $22,650 | $37,800 | $60,400 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,500 | $67,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,200 | $75,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,000 | $81,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $54,800 | $87,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,550 | $93,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,350 | $99,700 |
Area median income: $94,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Callaway County, MO HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $768 – $938
- 1 bedroom $772 – $944
- 2 bedrooms $1,011 – $1,235
- 3 bedrooms $1,204 – $1,472
- 4 bedrooms $1,413 – $1,727
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 Fulton Public housing · 200 public housing units (573) 642-7611 Housing Authority of the City of Fulton: director@fhamo.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 Callaway County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Love Columbia
1209 E Walnut St, Columbia · 23 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 4 more
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North East Community Action Corporation
16 N Court St, Bowling Green · 52 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 Callaway 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
$2,246
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,123
- Security deposit
- $1,123
- Total
- $2,246
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 Callaway County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $853; 1 bedroom: $858; 2 bedrooms: $1,123; 3 bedrooms: $1,338; 4 bedrooms: $1,570. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Callaway County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,123) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.60 an hour full time, or $44,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Callaway County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,200 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 Callaway 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 $1,011 and $1,235 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Callaway County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 65231 to $1,220 in 65043. 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 Callaway County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Callaway 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 Callaway County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Callaway County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).