Renting in Lancaster County, Nebraska: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,230; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 2% less than in Nebraska
Typical rent: $1,085; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 1% more than in Nebraska
Wage needed: $23.65; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $49,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 47%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 4% more than in Nebraska

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 Lancaster County: what sets it apart

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

At 59%, Lancaster County ranks 2nd among the 93 counties in Nebraska for the lowest homeownership rate.
At $1,085, Lancaster County ranks 3rd among the 92 counties in Nebraska with this figure for the highest typical rent.
Lancaster County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,085, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Cass County ($996).

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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County was $1,287 a month in September 2026: 1.6% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

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	$948	$18.23	$37,920
1 bedroom	$1,009	$19.40	$40,360
2 bedrooms	$1,230	$23.65	$49,200
3 bedrooms	$1,703	$32.75	$68,120
4 bedrooms	$1,915	$36.83	$76,600

HUD area: Lincoln, NE 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 49 ZIP codes in Lancaster County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 68502 to $1,820 in 68438. 25 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,230).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

68317	Lincoln, NE	$1,070	$1,140	$1,390	$1,920	$2,160
68317	Otoe County, NE	$1,070	$1,140	$1,390	$1,920	$2,160
68336	Lincoln, NE	$910	$980	$1,140	$1,540	$1,820
68339	Lincoln, NE	$940	$1,000	$1,220	$1,690	$1,900
68339	Saline County, NE	$940	$1,000	$1,220	$1,690	$1,900
68339	Seward County, NE	$940	$1,000	$1,220	$1,690	$1,900
68358	Gage County, NE	$900	$960	$1,180	$1,610	$1,840
68358	Lincoln, NE	$900	$960	$1,180	$1,610	$1,840
68368	Gage County, NE	$890	$940	$1,150	$1,590	$1,790
68368	Lincoln, NE	$890	$940	$1,150	$1,590	$1,790
68372	Lincoln, NE	$1,240	$1,320	$1,610	$2,230	$2,510
68402	Lincoln, NE	$820	$880	$1,070	$1,480	$1,670
68404	Gage County, NE	$900	$960	$1,190	$1,640	$1,850
68404	Lincoln, NE	$900	$960	$1,190	$1,640	$1,850
68419	Lincoln, NE	$990	$1,060	$1,330	$1,760	$2,070
68428	Lincoln, NE	$990	$1,120	$1,380	$1,930	$2,060
68428	Seward County, NE	$990	$1,120	$1,380	$1,930	$2,060
68430	Lincoln, NE	$800	$850	$1,040	$1,440	$1,620
68438	Lincoln, NE	$1,400	$1,490	$1,820	$2,520	$2,830
68461	Lincoln, NE	$1,180	$1,250	$1,530	$2,100	$2,350
68461	Otoe County, NE	$1,180	$1,250	$1,530	$2,100	$2,350
68462	Lincoln, NE	$930	$990	$1,210	$1,680	$1,880
68462	Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA	$930	$990	$1,210	$1,680	$1,880
68502	Lincoln, NE	$780	$840	$1,030	$1,430	$1,590
68503	Lincoln, NE	$880	$940	$1,140	$1,580	$1,770
68504	Lincoln, NE	$900	$960	$1,170	$1,620	$1,820
68505	Lincoln, NE	$1,000	$1,070	$1,300	$1,800	$2,020
68506	Lincoln, NE	$1,030	$1,090	$1,330	$1,840	$2,070
68507	Lincoln, NE	$820	$870	$1,060	$1,470	$1,650
68508	Lincoln, NE	$820	$880	$1,070	$1,480	$1,670
68510	Lincoln, NE	$790	$850	$1,030	$1,430	$1,600
68512	Lincoln, NE	$1,110	$1,180	$1,440	$1,990	$2,240
68514	Lincoln, NE	$900	$970	$1,140	$1,550	$1,810
68516	Lincoln, NE	$1,130	$1,210	$1,470	$2,040	$2,290
68517	Lincoln, NE	$900	$960	$1,160	$1,610	$1,820
68520	Lincoln, NE	$1,390	$1,480	$1,800	$2,490	$2,800
68521	Lincoln, NE	$1,130	$1,200	$1,460	$2,020	$2,270
68522	Lincoln, NE	$1,070	$1,140	$1,390	$1,920	$2,160
68523	Lincoln, NE	$1,000	$1,060	$1,300	$1,800	$2,020
68524	Lincoln, NE	$860	$920	$1,120	$1,550	$1,740
68526	Lincoln, NE	$1,170	$1,250	$1,520	$2,100	$2,370
68527	Lincoln, NE	$1,030	$1,100	$1,340	$1,840	$2,060
68527	Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA	$1,030	$1,100	$1,340	$1,840	$2,060
68528	Lincoln, NE	$1,160	$1,230	$1,500	$2,080	$2,330
68528	Seward County, NE	$1,160	$1,230	$1,500	$2,080	$2,330
68531	Lincoln, NE	$1,010	$1,080	$1,310	$1,820	$2,040
68532	Lincoln, NE	$1,040	$1,100	$1,350	$1,870	$2,100
68532	Seward County, NE	$1,040	$1,100	$1,350	$1,870	$2,100
68588	Lincoln, NE	$950	$1,010	$1,230	$1,700	$1,910

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
68317 · Lincoln, NE $1,390$1,920
68317 · Otoe County, NE $1,390$1,920
68336 · Lincoln, NE $1,140$1,540
68339 · Lincoln, NE $1,220$1,690
68339 · Saline County, NE $1,220$1,690
68339 · Seward County, NE $1,220$1,690
68358 · Gage County, NE $1,180$1,610
68358 · Lincoln, NE $1,180$1,610
68368 · Gage County, NE $1,150$1,590
68368 · Lincoln, NE $1,150$1,590
68372 · Lincoln, NE $1,610$2,230
68402 · Lincoln, NE $1,070$1,480
68404 · Gage County, NE $1,190$1,640
68404 · Lincoln, NE $1,190$1,640
68419 · Lincoln, NE $1,330$1,760
68428 · Lincoln, NE $1,380$1,930
68428 · Seward County, NE $1,380$1,930
68430 · Lincoln, NE $1,040$1,440
68438 · Lincoln, NE $1,820$2,520
68461 · Lincoln, NE $1,530$2,100
68461 · Otoe County, NE $1,530$2,100
68462 · Lincoln, NE $1,210$1,680
68462 · Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA $1,210$1,680
68502 · Lincoln, NE $1,030$1,430
68503 · Lincoln, NE $1,140$1,580
68504 · Lincoln, NE $1,170$1,620
68505 · Lincoln, NE $1,300$1,800
68506 · Lincoln, NE $1,330$1,840
68507 · Lincoln, NE $1,060$1,470
68508 · Lincoln, NE $1,070$1,480
68510 · Lincoln, NE $1,030$1,430
68512 · Lincoln, NE $1,440$1,990
68514 · Lincoln, NE $1,140$1,550
68516 · Lincoln, NE $1,470$2,040
68517 · Lincoln, NE $1,160$1,610
68520 · Lincoln, NE $1,800$2,490
68521 · Lincoln, NE $1,460$2,020
68522 · Lincoln, NE $1,390$1,920
68523 · Lincoln, NE $1,300$1,800
68524 · Lincoln, NE $1,120$1,550
68526 · Lincoln, NE $1,520$2,100
68527 · Lincoln, NE $1,340$1,840
68527 · Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA $1,340$1,840
68528 · Lincoln, NE $1,500$2,080
68528 · Seward County, NE $1,500$2,080
68531 · Lincoln, NE $1,310$1,820
68532 · Lincoln, NE $1,350$1,870
68532 · Seward County, NE $1,350$1,870
68588 · Lincoln, NE $1,230$1,700

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 Lancaster County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Nebraska, 45%, 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.

47%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

55,061 households rent in Lancaster County

Spend half or more of their income 22%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
Spend less than 30% 53%

Compared with the state and the country

Lancaster 47%
Nebraska 45%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Lancaster County

HUD lists 59 properties with homes for low-income households in Lancaster 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): 37
HUD-assisted: 21
public housing: 2

3,399 homes in all; 2,928 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Bridgeport Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4800 N 15th St, Lincoln 68521 182 low-income homes · 2 bd: 98 · 3 bd: 84 · In service since 1997
Waterbrook Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3141 N Hill Rd, Lincoln 68504 246 homes, 170 low-income · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 150 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1999
Hansen Scattered Sites Public housing 5012 W Loring St, Lincoln 68524 149 low-income homes · Run by Lincoln Housing Authority · Average payment: $700 a month · Homes at several sites · (402) 434-5500
The Lodge Tax credit (LIHTC) 4600 Briarpark Dr, Lincoln 68516 324 homes, 130 low-income · In service since 2006
Lincoln Square Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 841 S 47th St, Lincoln 68510 128 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 486-8595
Capitol View Tower Apts (l-E-W) HUD-assisted 1700 J St, Lincoln 68508 105 homes, 101 low-income · For older adults · (402) 474-4403
The Walter HUD-assisted 5501 Sea Mountain Rd, Lincoln 68521 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 435-3632
Glenbrook Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1600 Knox St, Lincoln 68521 90 low-income homes · 2 bd: 45 · In service since 2014 · For families · (402) 476-9120
Burke Plaza HUD-assisted 6721 L St, Lincoln 68510 91 homes, 89 low-income · For older adults · (402) 483-5166
Appleton Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2445 N 87th St, Lincoln 68507 84 low-income homes · In service since 2011
Western Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 2210 W Q St, Lincoln 68528 82 low-income homes · In service since 2010
Regency Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7310 Candletree Ln, Lincoln 68506 106 homes, 81 low-income · In service since 2003
Mercy Western Manor HUD-assisted 2200 W Q St, Lincoln 68528 82 homes, 78 low-income · For families · (402) 477-3512
A & P II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1330 Lincoln Mall, Lincoln 68508 71 low-income homes · Studio: 30 · 1 bd: 41 · In service since 2015
Creekside Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 911 Court St, Lincoln 68508 71 low-income homes · In service since 2011
Victory Park Veterans Residence Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 S 70th St, Lincoln 68510 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 70 · In service since 2017 · For people experiencing homelessness
LHD Housing Project HUD-assisted 1020 Garber Ave, Lincoln 68521 66 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (402) 441-6340
Curtis Center Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 Q St, Lincoln 68508 60 low-income homes · In service since 2008
Mercy Northglen Apartments HUD-assisted 3301 Portia St, Lincoln 68521 60 low-income homes · For families · (402) 477-3512
Northglen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1503 Knox St, Lincoln 68521 60 low-income homes · In service since 2010
Crossroads House Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 O St, Lincoln 68508 58 low-income homes · In service since 1995
Union Manor HUD-assisted 5211 Calvert St, Lincoln 68506 56 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 483-4604
Lexington Assisted Living Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 5550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln 68506 98 homes, 52 low-income · 1 bd: 94 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2001
Arnold Heights - F39 Public housing 5001 W Vale St, Lincoln 68524 51 low-income homes · Run by Lincoln Housing Authority · Average payment: $636 a month · Homes at several sites · (402) 434-5500
Fairfield West Townhouses HUD-assisted 3621 N 3rd St, Lincoln 68521 50 low-income homes · For families · (402) 476-9120
Malone Manor HUD-assisted 737 N 22nd St, Lincoln 68503 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 476-8895
Wood Bridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7121 Helen Witt Dr, Lincoln 68512 96 homes, 48 low-income · 2 bd: 96 · In service since 1997
Indian Center HUD-assisted 2000 N 28th St, Lincoln 68503 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 333-7373
Appleton Apartments Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2501 N 87th St, Lincoln 68507 56 homes, 44 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2014 · For families
Prairie Crossing Apts & Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 8360 S 33rd St, Lincoln 68516 76 homes, 43 low-income · In service since 2008
Huntington Park HUD-assisted 4000 Huntington Ave, Lincoln 68504 42 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 477-9300
Hurt Plaza V HUD-assisted 705 S 18th St, Lincoln 68508 35 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 890-5455
New 32 HUD-assisted 925 Knox St, Lincoln 68521 32 low-income homes · For families · (402) 467-2371
Many Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2915 Merrill St, Lincoln 68503 30 low-income homes · In service since 1991
West Garfield Place (ahw)) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1641 SW 10th St, Lincoln 68522 30 low-income homes · In service since 1994
New Heights Living Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 4420 Valley Rd, Lincoln 68510 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1997
Paul Vi Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 1821 Montini Dr, Lincoln 68521 28 low-income homes · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 1997
Capitol Corner Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 858 Darren Ave, Lincoln 68522 25 low-income homes · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 1999
Liberty Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 11233 N 146th Cir, Waverly 68462 24 low-income homes · In service since 2010
Progress for People II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1730 Montini DR, Lincoln 68521 24 homes, 21 low-income · In service since 2011
Summer Hill I Tax credit (LIHTC) 7620 Bayberry Pl, Lincoln 68516 40 homes, 20 low-income · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2001
Arc Capitol Housing HUD-assisted 6720 Cleveland Ave, Lincoln 68507 24 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (402) 476-2000, ext. 202
Jack Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered Addresses, Waverly 68462 15 low-income homes · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2018
Reese Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 11510 N 142nd St, Waverly 68462 15 low-income homes · In service since 2011
City Impact Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3230 Overland Trl, Lincoln 68503 14 low-income homes · 3 bd: 1 · 4 bd: 13 · In service since 2013 · For families
Fencerock Elderly Housing I HUD-assisted 100 Fencerock Ct, Hickman 68372 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 489-2333
Old Mill Crown Tax credit (LIHTC) 2515 SW Soukup Dr, Lincoln 68522 12 low-income homes · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2006 · For families
YWCA Courtyard Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln 68508 12 low-income homes · In service since 1996
Lha Scattered Site IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 3016 W St, Lincoln 68503 11 low-income homes · 3 bd: 7 · 4 bd: 11 · In service since 1997
Fencerock Elderly Housing II HUD-assisted 100 Fencerock Ct, Hickman 68372 10 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 489-2333
Mosaic Housing Corporation Xii HUD-assisted 6300 Y St, Lincoln 68505 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (402) 896-3884
Overland Trail Apts (center Pointe Housing) HUD-assisted 1300 D St, Lincoln 68502 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (402) 475-8717
Scotts Creek Crown Tax credit (LIHTC) 1007 Ridge Rd, Hickman 68372 10 low-income homes · In service since 2011
Woodside Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2900 Merrill St, Lincoln 68503 10 low-income homes · In service since 1991
Cyrilla Crown Tax credit (LIHTC) 134 Irving St, Lincoln 68521 8 low-income homes · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
Jonna Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 1242 Jonna Ct, Lincoln 68522 8 low-income homes · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999
Madonna Assisted Living I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2120 S 52nd St, Lincoln 68506 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 2000
Lincoln - Arc Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1014 N 35th St, Lincoln 68503 6 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1998
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority HUD-assisted 1248 O St, Lincoln 68508 (402) 434-3900

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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)

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: Lincoln, NE HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$22,400	$37,350	$59,750
2 people	$25,600	$42,650	$68,250
3 people	$28,800	$48,000	$76,800
4 people	$33,000	$53,300	$85,300
5 people	$38,680	$57,600	$92,150
6 people	$44,360	$61,850	$98,950
7 people	$50,040	$66,100	$105,800
8 people	$55,720	$70,400	$112,600

Area median income: $106,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lincoln, NE HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $853 – $1,043
1 bedroom $908 – $1,110
2 bedrooms $1,107 – $1,353
3 bedrooms $1,533 – $1,873
4 bedrooms $1,724 – $2,107

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

Lincoln Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 3,388 vouchers · 200 public housing units (402) 434-5500 Lincoln Housing Authority: info@L-housing.com

Housing agencies in Nebraska Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Nebraska

What Nebraska 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 1 month of rent; Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1416(1)
When must they return my deposit?: 14 days; Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1416(2)
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 7 calendar days; Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1431(2)
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?: 30 days; Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1437(1)-(2)

Only a court order can remove youNeb. Rev. Stat. §76-1436
Protection from retaliationNeb. Rev. Stat. §76-1439(1)-(2)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Lancaster County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Lancaster County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

NI
Neighborhoods, Inc. DBA Neighborworks Lincoln

2530 Q St, Lincoln
- Workshops for new owners
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
(402) 477-7181

See every agency in Nebraska Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lancaster 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 Nebraska, the average home bill was $110 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Lancaster County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,230. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,460

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,230
Security deposit: $1,230
Total: $2,460

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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 Lancaster County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $948; 1 bedroom: $1,009; 2 bedrooms: $1,230; 3 bedrooms: $1,703; 4 bedrooms: $1,915. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,230) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.65 an hour full time, or $49,200 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lancaster County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,300 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 Lancaster 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 $1,107 and $1,353 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 68502 to $1,820 in 68438. 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 Lancaster County?

HUD lists 59 properties with homes for low-income households in Lancaster 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 Lancaster County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lancaster County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Nebraska, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Lancaster County, Nebraska

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Lancaster County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Lancaster County

The Section 8 voucher in Lancaster County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Nebraska

Where to get help with rent in Lancaster County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Lancaster County?

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

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lancaster County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Lancaster County?

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

How many low-income apartments are there in Lancaster County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Lancaster County?