Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cole County, Missouri
Cole 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 $834 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
- $834
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 19% 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
- 35%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 24% less than in Missouri
Only here
Renting in Cole County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Maries County has the lowest typical rent ($590), 29% below the $834 in Cole County.
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 Cole 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 Cole County was $1,005 a month in September 2026: 6.2% 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 | $731 | $14.06 | $29,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $735 | $14.13 | $29,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $962 | $18.50 | $38,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,332 | $25.62 | $53,280 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,548 | $29.77 | $61,920 |
HUD area: Jefferson City, 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 9 ZIP codes in Cole County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 65053 to $1,330 in 65076. 6 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)
| 65023 | Jefferson City, MO | $850 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,790 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65023 | Moniteau County, MO | $850 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,790 |
| 65040 | Jefferson City, MO | $780 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,410 | $1,590 |
| 65040 | Miller County, MO | $780 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,410 | $1,590 |
| 65053 | Jefferson City, MO | $730 | $740 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,550 |
| 65076 | Jefferson City, MO | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,330 | $1,840 | $2,140 |
| 65101 | Callaway County, MO | $730 | $740 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,550 |
| 65101 | Jefferson City, MO | $730 | $740 | $960 | $1,330 | $1,550 |
| 65109 | Jefferson City, MO | $770 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,410 | $1,640 |
- 65023 · Jefferson City, MO $1,120$1,550
- 65023 · Moniteau County, MO $1,120$1,550
- 65040 · Jefferson City, MO $1,030$1,410
- 65040 · Miller County, MO $1,030$1,410
- 65053 · Jefferson City, MO $960$1,330
- 65076 · Jefferson City, MO $1,330$1,840
- 65101 · Callaway County, MO $960$1,330
- 65101 · Jefferson City, MO $960$1,330
- 65109 · Jefferson City, MO $1,020$1,410
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 Cole County, 35% 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.
35%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,988 households rent in Cole County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
- Spend less than 30% 65%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cole 35%
- Missouri 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cole County
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Cole 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)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 3
1,178 homes in all; 1,109 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Housing Authority of Jefferson City Public housing 800 E Elm St, Jefferson City 65101 199 homes, 198 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Jefferson · Average payment: $274 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (573) 635-6163
- Hamilton Towers HUD-assisted 12 Jackson St, Jefferson City 65101 120 low-income homes · For older adults · (573) 635-6163
- Hyder Elderly Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1310 Linden Dr, Jefferson City 65109 116 low-income homes · 1 bd: 116 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (573) 634-3058
- Dulle Towers Apartments Public housing 10 Jackson St, Jefferson City 65101 100 homes, 82 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Jefferson · Average payment: $255 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (573) 635-6163
- Linden Campus Apartments HUD-assisted 1010 Linden Way, Jefferson City 65109 91 homes, 67 low-income · For older adults · (573) 635-6163
- Chapel Hill Commons III Tax credit (LIHTC) 3521 Chapel Hill Rd, Jefferson City 65109 52 low-income homes · 2 bd: 52 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Capital City Elderly Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1302 Edmonds St, Jefferson City 65109 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Cedar Ridge Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 4912 Charm Ridge Dr, Jefferson City 65109 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
- Capital City Apartments HUD-assisted 522 E Elm St, Jefferson City 65101 45 low-income homes · For families · (573) 635-6163
- Capital City Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 518 E Elm St, Jefferson City 65101 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2000
- Chapel Hill Commons I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3561 Chapel Hill Rd, Jefferson City 65109 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Chapel Hill Commons II Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Rock Beacon Rd, Jefferson City 65109 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Weathered Rock Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 835 Weathered Rock Rd, Jefferson City 65101 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003
- Housing Authority of Jefferson City Public housing 1113 Linden Ct, Jefferson City 65109 35 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Jefferson · Average payment: $407 a month · (573) 635-6163
- Capital City Elderly HUD-assisted 1303 Edmonds St, Jefferson City 65109 50 homes, 25 low-income · For older adults · (573) 636-0194
- Cedar Ridge Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 4820 Charm Ridge Dr, Jefferson City 65109 24 low-income homes · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1999
- Lewella Estes HUD-assisted 343 Eastwood Dr, Jefferson City 65101 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 635-6163
- Russellville Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 4819 Marion St, Russellville 65074 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1990
- Warren Scott Apartments HUD-assisted 2017 William St, Jefferson City 65109 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (573) 635-3044
- Freeburg Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 7027 Saint Martins Blvd, Saint Martins 65109 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 1987
- Richard Walz Apartments HUD-assisted 1313 Southwest Blvd, Jefferson City 65109 10 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (573) 636-8108
- Eugene Godlen Acres Tax credit (LIHTC) 10404 High St, Eugene 65032 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1996
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 Cole 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 Cole 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 | $22,200 | $36,950 | $59,100 |
| 2 people | $25,350 | $42,200 | $67,550 |
| 3 people | $28,500 | $47,500 | $76,000 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,750 | $84,400 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,000 | $91,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,200 | $97,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,450 | $104,700 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,650 | $111,450 |
Area median income: $105,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Jefferson City, MO HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $658 – $804
- 1 bedroom $662 – $809
- 2 bedrooms $866 – $1,058
- 3 bedrooms $1,199 – $1,465
- 4 bedrooms $1,393 – $1,703
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 Jefferson Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 235 vouchers · 315 public housing units (573) 635-6163 Housing Authority of the City of Jefferson: information@jchamo.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 Cole County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. 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
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Cole 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 Cole County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $731; 1 bedroom: $735; 2 bedrooms: $962; 3 bedrooms: $1,332; 4 bedrooms: $1,548. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cole 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 Cole County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,750 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 Cole 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 Cole County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 65053 to $1,330 in 65076. 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 Cole County?
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Cole 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 Cole County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cole County, 35% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).