Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Merrick County, Nebraska
Merrick County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $750 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% less than in Nebraska
- Typical rent
- $750
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 30% less than in Nebraska
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 36%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 20% less than in Nebraska
Only here
Renting in Merrick County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 82%, Merrick County ranks 9th among the 93 counties in Nebraska 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 Merrick 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 | $754 | $14.50 | $30,160 |
| 1 bedroom | $775 | $14.90 | $31,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,404 | $27.00 | $56,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,655 | $31.83 | $66,200 |
HUD area: Merrick County, 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 15 ZIP codes in Merrick County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 68826 to $1,470 in 68827. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
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)
| 68628 | Hamilton County, NE | $860 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68628 | Merrick County, NE | $860 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 68628 | Nance County, NE | $860 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 68628 | Polk County, NE | $860 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 68663 | Merrick County, NE | $830 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,500 | $1,840 |
| 68663 | Nance County, NE | $830 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,500 | $1,840 |
| 68663 | Platte County, NE | $830 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,500 | $1,840 |
| 68663 | Polk County, NE | $830 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,500 | $1,840 |
| 68816 | Howard County, NE | $870 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,610 | $1,920 |
| 68816 | Merrick County, NE | $870 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,610 | $1,920 |
| 68826 | Merrick County, NE | $750 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,660 |
| 68827 | Merrick County, NE | $1,090 | $1,120 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,400 |
| 68864 | Howard County, NE | $930 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,690 | $2,030 |
| 68864 | Merrick County, NE | $930 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,690 | $2,030 |
| 68864 | Nance County, NE | $930 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,690 | $2,030 |
- 68628 · Hamilton County, NE $1,170$1,580
- 68628 · Merrick County, NE $1,170$1,580
- 68628 · Nance County, NE $1,170$1,580
- 68628 · Polk County, NE $1,170$1,580
- 68663 · Merrick County, NE $1,130$1,500
- 68663 · Nance County, NE $1,130$1,500
- 68663 · Platte County, NE $1,130$1,500
- 68663 · Polk County, NE $1,130$1,500
- 68816 · Howard County, NE $1,180$1,610
- 68816 · Merrick County, NE $1,180$1,610
- 68826 · Merrick County, NE $1,010$1,410
- 68827 · Merrick County, NE $1,470$2,040
- 68864 · Howard County, NE $1,260$1,690
- 68864 · Merrick County, NE $1,260$1,690
- 68864 · Nance County, NE $1,260$1,690
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 Merrick County, 36% 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.
36%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
571 households rent in Merrick County
- spend 30% or more of income on rent 36%
- Spend less than 30% 64%
Compared with the state and the country
- Merrick 36%
- Nebraska 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Merrick County
HUD lists 6 properties with homes for low-income households in Merrick County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 3
- HUD-assisted
- 3
100 homes in all; 100 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bader Westside Villa HUD-assisted 2525 28th St, Central City 68826 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (308) 946-3981
- Emerson Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered Addresses, Hastings 68826 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Bader North Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2609 Bader Dr, Central City 68826 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
- Park Place Apartments HUD-assisted 606 1st St, Silver Creek 68663 12 low-income homes · For families · (308) 773-2597
- Southeast Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 2717 25th Ave, Central City 68826 12 low-income homes · In service since 2007
- West View Apartments HUD-assisted 105 S George St, Silver Creek 68663 4 low-income homes · For families · (308) 773-2597
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 Merrick 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 Merrick County; the state's agencies can help you. 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)
-
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 | $20,300 | $33,800 | $54,050 |
| 2 people | $23,200 | $38,600 | $61,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,450 | $69,500 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,250 | $77,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,150 | $83,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,000 | $89,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,850 | $95,750 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $63,700 | $101,950 |
Area median income: $96,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Merrick County, NE HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $679 – $829
- 1 bedroom $698 – $853
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,264 – $1,544
- 4 bedrooms $1,490 – $1,821
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 Merrick County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Merrick County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Merrick 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 Merrick 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
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
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 Merrick County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $754; 1 bedroom: $775; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,404; 4 bedrooms: $1,655. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Merrick County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Merrick County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,250 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 Merrick 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 $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Merrick County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 68826 to $1,470 in 68827. 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 Merrick County?
HUD lists 6 properties with homes for low-income households in Merrick 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 Merrick County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Merrick County, 36% of renter households are in that position; in Nebraska, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).