Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Strafford County, New Hampshire
Strafford County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,093 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,488 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $40.25 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,093
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 4% more than in New Hampshire
- Typical rent
- $1,488
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in New Hampshire
- Wage needed
- $40.25
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $83,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in New Hampshire
Only here
Renting in Strafford County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Strafford County has the lowest homeownership rate of the 10 counties in New Hampshire: 67%.
-
Nearby, in Belknap County, the typical rent is $1,167: 22% less than in Strafford County ($1,488).
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 Strafford 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 Strafford County was $2,155 a month in September 2026: 2% 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 | $1,489 | $28.63 | $59,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,600 | $30.77 | $64,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,093 | $40.25 | $83,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,494 | $47.96 | $99,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,813 | $54.10 | $112,520 |
HUD area: Portsmouth-Rochester, NH 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 20 ZIP codes in Strafford County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,980 in 03824 to $2,310 in 03825. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,093).
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)
| 03820 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,560 | $2,040 | $2,430 | $2,740 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03823 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,490 | $1,610 | $2,100 | $2,500 | $2,820 |
| 03824 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03825 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,670 | $1,770 | $2,310 | $2,800 | $3,100 |
| 03825 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,670 | $1,770 | $2,310 | $2,800 | $3,100 |
| 03835 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03839 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03851 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03852 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03855 | Carroll County, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03855 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03861 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03867 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03868 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03869 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,560 | $2,040 | $2,430 | $2,740 |
| 03878 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03884 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,580 | $1,700 | $2,220 | $2,770 | $2,980 |
| 03884 | Western Rockingham County, NH | $1,580 | $1,700 | $2,220 | $2,770 | $2,980 |
| 03887 | Carroll County, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
| 03887 | Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,430 | $2,650 |
- 03820 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,040$2,430
- 03823 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,100$2,500
- 03824 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03825 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,310$2,800
- 03825 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,310$2,800
- 03835 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03839 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03851 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03852 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03855 · Carroll County, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03855 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03861 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03867 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03868 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03869 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,040$2,430
- 03878 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03884 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $2,220$2,770
- 03884 · Western Rockingham County, NH $2,220$2,770
- 03887 · Carroll County, NH $1,980$2,430
- 03887 · Portsmouth-Rochester, NH $1,980$2,430
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 Strafford County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in New Hampshire, 48%, 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
17,130 households rent in Strafford County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Strafford 50%
- New Hampshire 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Strafford County
HUD lists 43 properties with homes for low-income households in Strafford 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)
- 23
- HUD-assisted
- 17
- public housing
- 3
2,245 homes in all; 2,103 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Wellsweep Acres Public housing 11 Wyandotte Fls, Rochester 03867 232 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Rochester NH · Average payment: $526 a month · Average wait: 23 months · Homes at several sites · (603) 332-4126
- Amp 3-Ct,wt,sj Public housing 3 Green St, Dover 03820 184 low-income homes · Run by Dover Housing Authority · Average payment: $550 a month · Average wait: 25 months · Homes at several sites · (603) 742-5804
- Whittier Falls Tax credit (LIHTC) Whittier Street, Dover 184 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 70 · 3 bd: 80 · 4 bd: 22 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Redden Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 24 Adelle Dr, Dover 150 homes, 113 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 114 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2000
- Westgate Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Marthas Way, Dover 130 homes, 91 low-income · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 95 · In service since 1995
- Amp 2- Np,uc,ebt Public housing 3A Edgar Bois Ter, Dover 03820 90 low-income homes · Run by Dover Housing Authority · Average payment: $505 a month · Average wait: 87 months · Homes at several sites · (603) 742-5804
- Punch Brook/Brookside Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 6 Punch Brook Way, Rochester 89 low-income homes · 2 bd: 89 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Cocheco Park HUD-assisted 40 Chestnut St, Dover 03820 78 low-income homes · For older adults
- Cocheco Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 Chestnut St, Dover 78 low-income homes · 1 bd: 78 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Encore Liuscott Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Columbus Ave, Rochester 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Laurel Terrace HUD-assisted 21 McKinley St, Rochester 03867 55 low-income homes · For older adults
- Rutland Manor HUD-assisted 1 Abbey Ln, Dover 03820 50 low-income homes · For families
- Rochester East Tax credit (LIHTC) 33 Highland St, Rochester 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Rochester East HUD-assisted 33 Highland St, Rochester 03868 48 low-income homes · For older adults
- Crocketts Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 7 Wildflower Cir, Somersworth 46 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 1999
- Addison Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 65 Whittier St, Dover 45 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1998
- Mayor Roland Roberge Manor HUD-assisted 45 Mayor Roland Roberge Mnr, Rochester 03867 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (603) 330-3217
- Chaplin Adrien Chasse Village HUD-assisted 11 Adrien Cir, Rochester 03867 42 low-income homes · For older adults
- Woodbury Mills Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Dover St, Dover 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Bagdad Wood HUD-assisted 38 Madbury Rd, Durham 03824 40 low-income homes · For older adults
- Bradley Commons I Tax credit (LIHTC) 577 Central Ave, Dover 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Maple Street Somersworth Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Maple St, Somersworth 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 37 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Apple Ridge Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 114 Rochester Hill Rd, Rochester 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Bellamy Mills Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Mill St, Dover 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Mast Landing Unit A Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 Mast Rd, Dover 32 homes, 26 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Covered Bridge Manor HUD-assisted 280 County Farm Rd, Dover 03820 26 low-income homes · For older adults
- Mast Landing Unit B Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 Mast Rd, Dover 26 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 25 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Preservation Park HUD-assisted 185 Main St, Somersworth 03878 26 low-income homes · For older adults
- Arthur H. Nickless JR. Housing for the Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) 19 Glenwood Ave, Rochester 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Central Block HUD-assisted 11 Central St, Farmington 03835 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Queensbury Mill Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Market St, Somersworth 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1996
- Queensbury Mill HUD-assisted 1 Market St, Somersworth 03878 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Parkview Terrace HUD-assisted 1 Parkview Ter, Somersworth 03878 20 low-income homes · For older adults
- Mod River - Mad River Tax credit (LIHTC) 29 Spring St, Farmington 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002
- Smokey Hollow Commons HUD-assisted 225 Main St, Somersworth 03878 16 low-income homes · For families
- Cold Spring Manor II Tax credit (LIHTC) 31 Emerson Ave, Rochester 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2002
- New Hope Tax credit (LIHTC) 488 Beccaris Dr, Rollinsford 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1998
- 13 Central Street LLC HUD-assisted 19 Central St, Farmington 03835 11 low-income homes · For families
- Bradley Commons Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 577 Central Ave, Dover 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Church Hill Apartments HUD-assisted Church Hill RD, Durham 03824 36 homes, 6 low-income · For older adults
- Strafford Scattered Sites HUD-assisted 488 Beccaris Dr, Rollinsford 03869 12 homes, 2 low-income · (603) 516-0590
- Bradley Commons 2 HUD-assisted 577 Central Ave, Dover 03820 9 homes, 1 low-income · (603) 516-0590
- Marsh View Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 194 Brock St, Rochester 12 homes · In service since 2013 · For older adults
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 Strafford County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Strafford County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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
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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 | $29,600 | $49,350 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $33,800 | $56,400 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $38,050 | $63,450 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $42,250 | $70,450 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $45,650 | $76,100 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $49,050 | $81,750 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $52,400 | $87,400 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $55,800 | $93,000 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $140,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,340 – $1,638
- 1 bedroom $1,440 – $1,760
- 2 bedrooms $1,884 – $2,302
- 3 bedrooms $2,245 – $2,743
- 4 bedrooms $2,532 – $3,094
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
- Dover Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 550 vouchers · 274 public housing units (603) 742-5804 Dover Housing Authority: dian@doverhousingauthority.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Rochester NH Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 190 vouchers · 232 public housing units (603) 332-4126 Housing Authority of the City of Rochester NH: staceyp@rhanh.org
- Somersworth Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 356 vouchers (603) 692-2864 Somersworth Housing Authority: dievans@somersworthhousing.org
Housing agencies in New Hampshire Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in New Hampshire
What New Hampshire 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
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540-A:6, I(a)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540-A:7, I
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 7 days
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540:3, II; §540:2, II(a)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540:3, II
- Only a court order can remove youN.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540-A:3, II
- Protection from retaliationN.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §540:13-a
Help
Where to get help with rent in Strafford County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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The Housing Partnership
222 International Dr Ste 165, Portsmouth · 19 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
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Neighborworks of Southern New Hampshire
801 Elm St, Manchester · 30 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
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New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority
32 Constitution Dr, Bedford · 33 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Strafford 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 New Hampshire, the average home bill was $145 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
$4,186
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,093
- Security deposit
- $2,093
- Total
- $4,186
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 Strafford County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,489; 1 bedroom: $1,600; 2 bedrooms: $2,093; 3 bedrooms: $2,494; 4 bedrooms: $2,813. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Strafford County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,093) without spending more than 30% of income takes $40.25 an hour full time, or $83,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Strafford County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $70,450 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 Strafford 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 $1,884 and $2,302 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Strafford County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,980 in 03824 to $2,310 in 03825. 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 Strafford County?
HUD lists 43 properties with homes for low-income households in Strafford 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 Strafford County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Strafford County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in New Hampshire, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).