Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lawrence County, Missouri
Lawrence County has a HUD fair market rent of $976 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $800 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $976
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 22% less than in Missouri
- Typical rent
- $800
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% less than in Missouri
- Wage needed
- $18.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $39,040 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Missouri
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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence County was $1,012 a month in September 2026. 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 | $719 | $13.83 | $28,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $746 | $14.35 | $29,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $976 | $18.77 | $39,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,292 | $24.85 | $51,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,505 | $28.94 | $60,200 |
HUD area: Lawrence County, MO. 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 15 ZIP codes in Lawrence County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 65664 to $1,100 in 65756. 13 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($976).
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)
| 64848 | Joplin, MO | $820 | $850 | $1,080 | $1,420 | $1,590 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64848 | Lawrence County, MO | $820 | $850 | $1,080 | $1,420 | $1,590 |
| 64873 | Joplin, MO | $830 | $850 | $1,100 | $1,450 | $1,630 |
| 64873 | Lawrence County, MO | $830 | $850 | $1,100 | $1,450 | $1,630 |
| 65654 | Lawrence County, MO | $790 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,440 | $1,600 |
| 65664 | Lawrence County, MO | $770 | $780 | $960 | $1,320 | $1,520 |
| 65705 | Lawrence County, MO | $790 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,360 | $1,590 |
| 65705 | Springfield, MO | $790 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,360 | $1,590 |
| 65705 | Stone County, MO | $790 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,360 | $1,590 |
| 65707 | Lawrence County, MO | $770 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,380 | $1,600 |
| 65712 | Lawrence County, MO | $710 | $740 | $960 | $1,270 | $1,480 |
| 65723 | Barry County, MO | $790 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,620 |
| 65723 | Joplin, MO | $790 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,620 |
| 65723 | Lawrence County, MO | $790 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,620 |
| 65756 | Lawrence County, MO | $840 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,600 |
- 64848 · Joplin, MO $1,080$1,420
- 64848 · Lawrence County, MO $1,080$1,420
- 64873 · Joplin, MO $1,100$1,450
- 64873 · Lawrence County, MO $1,100$1,450
- 65654 · Lawrence County, MO $1,060$1,440
- 65664 · Lawrence County, MO $960$1,320
- 65705 · Lawrence County, MO $1,020$1,360
- 65705 · Springfield, MO $1,020$1,360
- 65705 · Stone County, MO $1,020$1,360
- 65707 · Lawrence County, MO $1,040$1,380
- 65712 · Lawrence County, MO $960$1,270
- 65723 · Barry County, MO $1,060$1,410
- 65723 · Joplin, MO $1,060$1,410
- 65723 · Lawrence County, MO $1,060$1,410
- 65756 · Lawrence County, MO $1,100$1,440
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 Lawrence County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,817 households rent in Lawrence County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lawrence 44%
- Missouri 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lawrence County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Lawrence 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
- 3
- public housing
- 2
383 homes in all; 373 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Aloha & Oak Ridge Public housing 111 W Springfield St, Aurora 65605 66 homes, 64 low-income · Run by Aurora Housing Authority · Average payment: $452 a month · Average wait: 2 months · Homes at several sites · (417) 678-5437
- Allgeier Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 501 W Hadley St, Aurora 65605 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2014 · For older adults · (417) 678-5600
- Monett Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 1004 Old Airport Rd, Monett 65708 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 1998
- Aurora Family Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1108 E Highland St, Aurora 65605 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999
- Plymouth Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1444 E Cleveland Ave, Monett 65708 39 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Susanne Apartments HUD-assisted 1423 David Rd, Mount Vernon 65712 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (417) 466-3694
- Brookside Terrace Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 Countryside Ln, Aurora 65605 24 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- Marionville Lha Public housing 504A S Fiske, Marionville 65705 24 low-income homes · Run by Marionville Housing Authority · Average payment: $431 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (417) 258-7665
- Pierce City Seniors Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 N Elm St, Pierce City 65723 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2001
- Brookview Apts of MT Vernon HUD-assisted 1011 Fillmore St, Mount Vernon 65712 20 low-income homes · For families · (417) 461-3548
- Southwind Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 703 Gibbs Ave, Mount Vernon 65712 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2000
- 102 Martha DR Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Martha Dr, Marionville 65705 8 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1988
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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 | $17,500 | $29,100 | $46,550 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,250 | $53,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,400 | $59,850 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $41,550 | $66,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $44,900 | $71,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $48,200 | $77,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $51,550 | $82,500 |
| 8 people | $54,850 | $54,850 | $87,800 |
Area median income: $83,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lawrence County, MO. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $647 – $791
- 1 bedroom $671 – $821
- 2 bedrooms $878 – $1,074
- 3 bedrooms $1,163 – $1,421
- 4 bedrooms $1,355 – $1,656
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
- Aurora Housing Authority Public housing · 64 public housing units (417) 678-5437 Aurora Housing Authority: aha.valk@yahoo.com
- Marionville Housing Authority Public housing · 24 public housing units (417) 258-7665 Marionville Housing Authority: marhousea@sbcglobal.net
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 Lawrence County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corporation - Springfield Branch
1515 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield · 32 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Polish.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lawrence 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
$1,952
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $976
- Security deposit
- $976
- Total
- $1,952
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 Lawrence County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $719; 1 bedroom: $746; 2 bedrooms: $976; 3 bedrooms: $1,292; 4 bedrooms: $1,505. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lawrence County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($976) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.77 an hour full time, or $39,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lawrence County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $41,550 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 Lawrence 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 $878 and $1,074 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lawrence County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $960 in 65664 to $1,100 in 65756. 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 Lawrence County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lawrence County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).