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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Stone County, Missouri

Stone County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,032 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $896 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.85 an hour, full time.

Four numbers to start with

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,032
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
17% less than in Missouri
Typical rent
$896
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
13% less than in Missouri
Wage needed
$19.85
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $41,280 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

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Stone County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. At 83%, Stone County ranks 5th among the 115 counties in Missouri for the highest homeownership rate.

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 Stone 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)

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size Fair rent per month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $719 $13.83 $28,760
1 bedroom $789 $15.17 $31,560
2 bedrooms $1,032 $19.85 $41,280
3 bedrooms $1,429 $27.48 $57,160
4 bedrooms $1,725 $33.17 $69,000

HUD area: Stone 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 17 ZIP codes in Stone County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $980 in 65611 to $1,140 in 65686. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,032).

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)

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 Stone 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.

2,261 households rent in Stone County

  • Spend half or more of their income 21%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
  • Spend less than 30% 56%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Stone 44%
  • Missouri 46%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Stone County

HUD lists 3 properties with homes for low-income households in Stone County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC)
2
HUD-assisted
1

96 homes in all; 96 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Cottage Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 6 Cottage Hill Rd, Kimberling City 65686 36 low-income homes · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
  • Valleyview Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 117 Estate Ln, Branson West 65737 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
  • Hickory Grove HUD-assisted 104 Bel Aire Ct, Crane 65633 28 low-income homes · For families · (417) 723-8334

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 Stone County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Stone County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. 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

  2. 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)

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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

  6. 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Stone County, MO.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
1 person $17,100 $28,500 $45,550
2 people $21,640 $32,550 $52,050
3 people $27,320 $36,600 $58,550
4 people $33,000 $40,650 $65,050
5 people $38,680 $43,950 $70,300
6 people $44,360 $47,200 $75,500
7 people $50,040 $50,450 $80,700
8 people $53,700 $53,700 $85,900

Area median income: $81,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Stone County, MO. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $647 – $791
  • 1 bedroom $710 – $868
  • 2 bedrooms $929 – $1,135
  • 3 bedrooms $1,286 – $1,572
  • 4 bedrooms $1,553 – $1,898

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

HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Stone County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD

Housing agencies in Missouri HUD list of housing agencies

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 rule

Compare 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 Stone 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 Stone 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
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,064

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$1,032
Security deposit
$1,032
Total
$2,064

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Stone County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $719; 1 bedroom: $789; 2 bedrooms: $1,032; 3 bedrooms: $1,429; 4 bedrooms: $1,725. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Stone County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,032) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.85 an hour full time, or $41,280 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Stone County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,650 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 Stone 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 $929 and $1,135 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Stone County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $980 in 65611 to $1,140 in 65686. 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 Stone County?

HUD lists 3 properties with homes for low-income households in Stone County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Stone County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Stone County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Missouri, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).