Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Madison County, Nebraska
Madison County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,082 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $881 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.81 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,082
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% less than in Nebraska
- Typical rent
- $881
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% less than in Nebraska
- Wage needed
- $20.81
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 38%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% less than in Nebraska
Only here
Renting in Madison County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Antelope County has the lowest typical rent ($692), 21% below the $881 in Madison County.
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 Madison 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 Madison County was $1,230 a month in September 2026: 2.8% 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 | $753 | $14.48 | $30,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $866 | $16.65 | $34,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,082 | $20.81 | $43,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,400 | $26.92 | $56,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,665 | $32.02 | $66,600 |
HUD area: Madison County, NE. 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 13 ZIP codes in Madison County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 68758 to $1,110 in 68715. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,082).
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)
| 68701 | Madison County, NE | $780 | $880 | $1,110 | $1,430 | $1,690 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68701 | Pierce County, NE | $780 | $880 | $1,110 | $1,430 | $1,690 |
| 68701 | Stanton County, NE | $780 | $880 | $1,110 | $1,430 | $1,690 |
| 68701 | Wayne County, NE | $780 | $880 | $1,110 | $1,430 | $1,690 |
| 68715 | Madison County, NE | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,440 | $1,710 |
| 68748 | Madison County, NE | $750 | $860 | $1,080 | $1,400 | $1,660 |
| 68748 | Platte County, NE | $750 | $860 | $1,080 | $1,400 | $1,660 |
| 68748 | Stanton County, NE | $750 | $860 | $1,080 | $1,400 | $1,660 |
| 68752 | Madison County, NE | $760 | $850 | $1,070 | $1,380 | $1,640 |
| 68752 | Pierce County, NE | $760 | $850 | $1,070 | $1,380 | $1,640 |
| 68758 | Boone County, NE | $710 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,540 |
| 68758 | Madison County, NE | $710 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,540 |
| 68758 | Platte County, NE | $710 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,540 |
- 68701 · Madison County, NE $1,110$1,430
- 68701 · Pierce County, NE $1,110$1,430
- 68701 · Stanton County, NE $1,110$1,430
- 68701 · Wayne County, NE $1,110$1,430
- 68715 · Madison County, NE $1,110$1,440
- 68748 · Madison County, NE $1,080$1,400
- 68748 · Platte County, NE $1,080$1,400
- 68748 · Stanton County, NE $1,080$1,400
- 68752 · Madison County, NE $1,070$1,380
- 68752 · Pierce County, NE $1,070$1,380
- 68758 · Boone County, NE $1,010$1,320
- 68758 · Madison County, NE $1,010$1,320
- 68758 · Platte County, NE $1,010$1,320
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 Madison County, 38% 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.
38%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,997 households rent in Madison County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 62%
Compared with the state and the country
- Madison 38%
- Nebraska 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Madison County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Madison 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
716 homes in all; 708 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Odd Fellow Rebekah Manor HUD-assisted 1700 W Pasewalk Ave, Norfolk 68701 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 371-1480
- Skyline Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1204 W Norfolk Ave, Norfolk 68701 92 low-income homes · Studio: 17 · 1 bd: 75 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Skyline Apartments HUD-assisted 1204 Norfolk Ave, Norfolk 68701 91 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 371-4337
- Boulevard Village HUD-assisted 1701 Riverside Blvd, Norfolk 68701 81 low-income homes · For older adults · (402) 371-1480
- Westside Plaza Apartments HUD-assisted 2600 Westside Plaza Dr, Norfolk 68701 66 homes, 64 low-income · For older adults · (402) 371-6363
- Woodwinds Apartments HUD-assisted 123 N 25th St, Norfolk 68701 50 low-income homes · For families · (402) 371-0684
- Madison Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered, Norfolk 68701 48 low-income homes · 3 bd: 38 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2020
- Westport Norfolk Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2616 Westside Plaza Dr, Norfolk 68701 42 homes, 41 low-income · In service since 1996
- North Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 916 Woodhurst Ave, Norfolk 68701 40 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Meadow Ridge Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1131 McIntosh Rd, Norfolk 68701 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Golden Age Apartments Public housing 107 S 4th St, Newman Grove 68758 20 homes, 17 low-income · Run by Newman Grove Housing Authority · Average payment: $485 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (402) 447-6141
- Willow Park Apartments HUD-assisted 200 S Chestnut St, Norfolk 68701 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (402) 371-4935
- Chestnut Park Apartments I HUD-assisted 900 E Norfolk Ave, Norfolk 68701 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (402) 370-3503
- Chestnut Park Apartments II HUD-assisted 203 S Chestnut St, Norfolk 68701 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (402) 370-3503
- Willow Park Apartments II HUD-assisted 202 S Chestnut St, Norfolk 68701 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (402) 371-4935
- Madison Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 N Main St, Madison 68748 8 low-income homes · In service since 1992
- Tilden Housing I Tax credit (LIHTC) 702 Horseshoe Ln, Tilden 68781 8 homes, 7 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2000
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 Madison 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 Madison 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
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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
-
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 | $19,800 | $32,950 | $52,750 |
| 2 people | $22,600 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,350 | $67,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,050 | $75,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $54,600 | $87,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,350 | $93,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,150 | $99,400 |
Area median income: $90,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Madison County, NE. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $678 – $828
- 1 bedroom $779 – $953
- 2 bedrooms $974 – $1,190
- 3 bedrooms $1,260 – $1,540
- 4 bedrooms $1,499 – $1,832
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
- Norfolk Housing Agency Section 8 vouchers · 258 vouchers (402) 844-2080 Norfolk Housing Agency: rheinemann@norfolkne.gov
- Newman Grove Housing Authority Public housing · 17 public housing units (402) 447-6141 Newman Grove Housing Authority: lisa@newmangroveha.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 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 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 Madison County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Madison County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Madison 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
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
$2,164
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,082
- Security deposit
- $1,082
- Total
- $2,164
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 Madison County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $753; 1 bedroom: $866; 2 bedrooms: $1,082; 3 bedrooms: $1,400; 4 bedrooms: $1,665. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Madison County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,082) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.81 an hour full time, or $43,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Madison County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,050 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 Madison 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 $974 and $1,190 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Madison County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 68758 to $1,110 in 68715. 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 Madison County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Madison 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 Madison County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Madison County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in Nebraska, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).