Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Jefferson County, Missouri
Jefferson County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,349 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $979 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.94 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,349
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% more than in Missouri
- Typical rent
- $979
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in Missouri
- Wage needed
- $25.94
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $53,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 39%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 13% less than in Missouri
Only here
Renting in Jefferson County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Washington County has the lowest typical rent ($684), 30% below the $979 in Jefferson County.
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Jefferson County has the 8th highest typical household income of the 115 counties in Missouri ($82,851).
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Jefferson County has the 12th highest homeownership rate of the 115 counties in Missouri (82%).
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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County was $1,582 a month in September 2026: 5.3% 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 | $1,064 | $20.46 | $42,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,104 | $21.23 | $44,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,349 | $25.94 | $53,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,731 | $33.29 | $69,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,997 | $38.40 | $79,880 |
HUD area: St. Louis, MO-IL 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 21 ZIP codes in Jefferson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 63020 to $1,650 in 63048. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,349).
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)
| 63010 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,030 | $1,070 | $1,310 | $1,680 | $1,940 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63012 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,290 | $1,340 | $1,640 | $2,100 | $2,430 |
| 63016 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $940 | $970 | $1,190 | $1,530 | $1,760 |
| 63019 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $940 | $970 | $1,190 | $1,530 | $1,760 |
| 63020 | St. Francois County, MO | $840 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,570 |
| 63020 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $840 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,570 |
| 63020 | Washington County, MO | $840 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,570 |
| 63023 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $920 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,500 | $1,750 |
| 63023 | Washington County, MO | $920 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,500 | $1,750 |
| 63026 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,090 | $1,130 | $1,380 | $1,770 | $2,040 |
| 63028 | St. Francois County, MO | $910 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,720 |
| 63028 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $910 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,720 |
| 63028 | Ste. Genevieve County, MO | $910 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,720 |
| 63047 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $950 | $980 | $1,200 | $1,540 | $1,780 |
| 63048 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,300 | $1,350 | $1,650 | $2,130 | $2,450 |
| 63049 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $910 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,720 |
| 63050 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $940 | $970 | $1,190 | $1,530 | $1,760 |
| 63051 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $1,040 | $1,080 | $1,320 | $1,690 | $1,950 |
| 63052 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $910 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,720 |
| 63053 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $910 | $950 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,720 |
| 63070 | St. Louis, MO-IL | $840 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,570 |
- 63010 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,310$1,680
- 63012 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,640$2,100
- 63016 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,190$1,530
- 63019 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,190$1,530
- 63020 · St. Francois County, MO $1,060$1,360
- 63020 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,060$1,360
- 63020 · Washington County, MO $1,060$1,360
- 63023 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,180$1,500
- 63023 · Washington County, MO $1,180$1,500
- 63026 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,380$1,770
- 63028 · St. Francois County, MO $1,160$1,490
- 63028 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,160$1,490
- 63028 · Ste. Genevieve County, MO $1,160$1,490
- 63047 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,200$1,540
- 63048 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,650$2,130
- 63049 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,160$1,490
- 63050 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,190$1,530
- 63051 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,320$1,690
- 63052 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,160$1,490
- 63053 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,160$1,490
- 63070 · St. Louis, MO-IL $1,060$1,360
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 Jefferson County, 39% 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.
39%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
15,692 households rent in Jefferson County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 61%
Compared with the state and the country
- Jefferson 39%
- Missouri 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Jefferson County
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Jefferson 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)
- 24
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 1
2,319 homes in all; 2,281 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Lakewood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5207 Lakewood Ter, Imperial 63052 312 low-income homes · 2 bd: 240 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2003
- Pevely Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Pevely Pointe Dr, Pevely 63070 256 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 136 · 3 bd: 84 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Walden Pond Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 409 Thoreau Trl, High Ridge 63049 238 low-income homes · 2 bd: 172 · 3 bd: 66 · In service since 2001
- Festus Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Briar Rdg, Festus 63028 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Festus Gardens Apts. HUD-assisted 511 Timberwyck St, Festus 63028 160 low-income homes · For families · (636) 931-4121
- Pevely Square Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1 Pevely Square Dr, Pevely 63070 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2003 · For families · (636) 475-4927
- Riverview Bend Apartments HUD-assisted 200 Flagship Dr, Crystal City 63019 94 low-income homes · For families · (636) 931-4069
- Riverview Bend Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2011 Cruiser Cv, Crystal City 63019 94 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2000
- Cedar Valley Apts. HUD-assisted 1115 Cedar Valley Ct, De Soto 63020 88 low-income homes · For older adults · (314) 586-8780
- Sunset Point Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2007 Missouri Ave, Crystal City 63019 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2001
- Festus Public housing 1556 Robert Thompson Dr, Festus 63028 57 homes, 56 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Festus · Average payment: $763 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (636) 937-0044
- Water Crest Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 1803 Big Bill Rd, Arnold 63010 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 50 · In service since 2012 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- House Springs Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 6830 Spring Creek Rd, House Springs 63051 48 low-income homes · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (636) 375-3727
- Oak Knoll Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Oak Knoll Dr, Festus 63028 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1998
- Oak Knoll Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Oak Knoll Dr, Festus 63028 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 1998
- Richardson Ridge Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 3509 Saint Johns Church Rd, Arnold 63010 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Sand Hills Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 313 White Sands Dr, Festus 63028 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Wildwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2025 Sierra Pkwy, Arnold 63010 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
- Desoto Central Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 S 3rd St, De Soto 63020 43 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Desoto I Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 506 W Saint Louis St, De Soto 63020 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (636) 586-7811
- Bluff View Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Brandon Wallace Way, Festus 63028 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Highland House Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2903 Highland House Villas Ct, Arnold 63010 40 low-income homes · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1991
- Twin City Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Twin City Dr, Festus 63028 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 1995
- Woodcrest Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1999 Woodcrest Pl, De Soto 63020 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002
- Hunter's Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 197 Hunters Ridge Dr, Hillsboro 63050 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999
- Hunters Ridge Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 196 Hunters Ridge Dr, Hillsboro 63050 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2002
- Meadowbrook Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2111 Cedar Grove DR, De Soto 63020 10 low-income homes · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1998
- Oak Knoll Phase II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 87 Oak View Dr, Festus 63028 37 homes
3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 2 people | $27,250 | $45,400 | $72,650 |
| 3 people | $30,650 | $51,100 | $81,750 |
| 4 people | $34,050 | $56,750 | $90,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,300 | $98,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $65,850 | $105,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,400 | $112,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $74,950 | $119,900 |
Area median income: $113,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: St. Louis, MO-IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $958 – $1,170
- 1 bedroom $994 – $1,214
- 2 bedrooms $1,214 – $1,484
- 3 bedrooms $1,558 – $1,904
- 4 bedrooms $1,797 – $2,197
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
- Franklin County Public Housing Agency Section 8 vouchers · 1,211 vouchers (636) 789-2686 Franklin County Public Housing Agency: communityaction@jfcac.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Festus Public housing · 56 public housing units (636) 937-0044 Housing Authority of the City of Festus: festus1@phamail.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 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 Jefferson County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Better Family Life, Inc.
5415 Page Blvd, Saint Louis · 32 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, Inc.
1408 N Kingshighway Blvd, Saint Louis · 32 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Jefferson 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
$2,698
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,349
- Security deposit
- $1,349
- Total
- $2,698
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 Jefferson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,064; 1 bedroom: $1,104; 2 bedrooms: $1,349; 3 bedrooms: $1,731; 4 bedrooms: $1,997. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Jefferson County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,349) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.94 an hour full time, or $53,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Jefferson County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,750 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 Jefferson 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 $1,214 and $1,484 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Jefferson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 63020 to $1,650 in 63048. 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 Jefferson County?
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Jefferson County, 39% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).