Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lafayette County, Missouri
Lafayette County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,546 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $928 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.73 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,546
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 24% more than in Missouri
- Typical rent
- $928
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% less than in Missouri
- Wage needed
- $29.73
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $61,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% less than in Missouri
Only here
Renting in Lafayette 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, Saline County has the lowest typical rent ($739), 20% below the $928 in Lafayette County.
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Lafayette County has the 10th highest typical household income of the 115 counties in Missouri ($80,612).
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 Lafayette 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,257 | $24.17 | $50,280 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,366 | $26.27 | $54,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,546 | $29.73 | $61,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,020 | $38.85 | $80,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,419 | $46.52 | $96,760 |
HUD area: Kansas City, MO-KS 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 20 ZIP codes in Lafayette County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 64011 to $1,780 in 64074. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,546).
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)
| 64001 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $880 | $950 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,690 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64011 | Johnson County, MO | $770 | $840 | $960 | $1,270 | $1,530 |
| 64011 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $770 | $840 | $960 | $1,270 | $1,530 |
| 64020 | Johnson County, MO | $840 | $910 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,620 |
| 64020 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $840 | $910 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,620 |
| 64020 | Pettis County, MO | $840 | $910 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,620 |
| 64020 | Saline County, MO | $840 | $910 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,620 |
| 64021 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $990 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,590 | $1,910 |
| 64022 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $930 | $1,010 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,780 |
| 64037 | Johnson County, MO | $880 | $950 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,690 |
| 64037 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $880 | $950 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,690 |
| 64067 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $870 | $950 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,670 |
| 64071 | Johnson County, MO | $940 | $1,020 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $1,820 |
| 64071 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $940 | $1,020 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $1,820 |
| 64074 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $1,440 | $1,570 | $1,780 | $2,320 | $2,750 |
| 64076 | Johnson County, MO | $1,010 | $1,100 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $1,960 |
| 64076 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $1,010 | $1,100 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $1,960 |
| 64096 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $880 | $950 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,690 |
| 64096 | Saline County, MO | $880 | $950 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,690 |
| 64097 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $1,100 | $1,190 | $1,350 | $1,760 | $2,110 |
- 64001 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,080$1,410
- 64011 · Johnson County, MO $960$1,270
- 64011 · Kansas City, MO-KS $960$1,270
- 64020 · Johnson County, MO $1,040$1,350
- 64020 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,040$1,350
- 64020 · Pettis County, MO $1,040$1,350
- 64020 · Saline County, MO $1,040$1,350
- 64021 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,220$1,590
- 64022 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,140$1,490
- 64037 · Johnson County, MO $1,080$1,410
- 64037 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,080$1,410
- 64067 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,070$1,400
- 64071 · Johnson County, MO $1,160$1,520
- 64071 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,160$1,520
- 64074 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,780$2,320
- 64076 · Johnson County, MO $1,250$1,640
- 64076 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,250$1,640
- 64096 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,080$1,410
- 64096 · Saline County, MO $1,080$1,410
- 64097 · Kansas City, MO-KS $1,350$1,760
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 Lafayette County, 40% 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.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,050 households rent in Lafayette County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lafayette 40%
- Missouri 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lafayette County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Lafayette 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 2
425 homes in all; 423 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Red Bud Center Public housing 419 Fairground Ave, Higginsville 64037 76 low-income homes · Run by Higginsville Housing Authority · Average payment: $420 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (660) 584-3911
- Aull Lane Apartments Public housing 2215 Aull Ln, Lexington 64067 50 low-income homes · Run by Lexington Housing Authority · Average payment: $383 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (660) 259-4232
- Lexington Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 2201 Oakdale Dr, Lexington 64067 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Lexington Gardens HUD-assisted 2217 Oakdale Dr, Lexington 64067 48 low-income homes · For families · (660) 259-2123
- Pioneer House HUD-assisted 326 Broadway St, Lexington 64067 47 low-income homes · For older adults · (660) 259-3866
- Good Shepherd II HUD-assisted 204 S Sunset Hills Dr, Concordia 64020 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (660) 463-2267
- Willow Point Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 406 N Willow Ln, Concordia 64020 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003
- Higginsville Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 Main St, Higginsville 64037 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1991
- Waverly Senior Citizens Housing HUD-assisted 302 Slusher Ln, Waverly 64096 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (816) 493-2900
- 906 S Magdalena ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 906 S Magdalena St, Concordia 64020 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1989
- Lacomo Supportive Housing HUD-assisted 2100 Aull Ln, Lexington 64067 16 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (660) 584-8688
- 106 S Lafayette ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 106 S Lafayette St, Corder 64021 4 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 1988
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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 | $23,800 | $39,700 | $63,500 |
| 2 people | $27,200 | $45,400 | $72,600 |
| 3 people | $30,600 | $51,050 | $81,650 |
| 4 people | $34,000 | $56,700 | $90,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,250 | $98,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $65,800 | $105,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,350 | $112,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $74,850 | $119,750 |
Area median income: $113,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kansas City, MO-KS HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,131 – $1,383
- 1 bedroom $1,229 – $1,503
- 2 bedrooms $1,391 – $1,701
- 3 bedrooms $1,818 – $2,222
- 4 bedrooms $2,177 – $2,661
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
- Higginsville Housing Authority Public housing · 76 public housing units (660) 584-3911 Higginsville Housing Authority: housing@ctcis.net
- Lexington Housing Authority Public housing · 50 public housing units (660) 259-4232 Lexington Housing Authority: lha64067@lexingtonha.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 Lafayette County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Services League
404 N Noland Rd, Independence · 33 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 4 more
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Credit & Homeownership Empowerment Services, Inc.
3115 Gillham Plz, Kansas City · 42 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lafayette 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
$3,092
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,546
- Security deposit
- $1,546
- Total
- $3,092
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 Lafayette County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,257; 1 bedroom: $1,366; 2 bedrooms: $1,546; 3 bedrooms: $2,020; 4 bedrooms: $2,419. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lafayette County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,546) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.73 an hour full time, or $61,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lafayette County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,700 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 Lafayette 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 $1,391 and $1,701 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lafayette County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 64011 to $1,780 in 64074. 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 Lafayette County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Lafayette 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 Lafayette County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lafayette County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).