Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Mercer County, New Jersey
Mercer County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,242 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,623 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $43.12 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,242
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 1% less than in New Jersey
- Typical rent
- $1,623
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% less than in New Jersey
- Wage needed
- $43.12
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $89,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in New Jersey
Only here
Renting in Mercer County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Mercer County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,623, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Hunterdon County ($1,687).
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 Mercer 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 Mercer County was $2,523 a month in September 2026: 2.4% 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 | $1,561 | $30.02 | $62,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,764 | $33.92 | $70,560 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,242 | $43.12 | $89,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,741 | $52.71 | $109,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,081 | $59.25 | $123,240 |
HUD area: Trenton-Princeton, NJ MSA. 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 31 ZIP codes in Mercer County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,760 in 08608 to $3,360 in 08550. 18 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,242).
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)
| 08520 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,560 | $1,760 | $2,240 | $2,740 | $3,080 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08520 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,560 | $1,760 | $2,240 | $2,740 | $3,080 |
| 08520 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,560 | $1,760 | $2,240 | $2,740 | $3,080 |
| 08525 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,720 | $1,930 | $2,450 | $2,980 | $3,350 |
| 08525 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,720 | $1,930 | $2,450 | $2,980 | $3,350 |
| 08534 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,940 | $2,200 | $2,790 | $3,410 | $3,830 |
| 08540 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,050 | $2,280 | $2,890 | $3,500 | $3,940 |
| 08540 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $2,050 | $2,280 | $2,890 | $3,500 | $3,940 |
| 08542 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $2,340 | $2,640 | $3,360 | $4,110 | $4,620 |
| 08544 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $2,120 | $2,370 | $3,000 | $3,640 | $4,100 |
| 08550 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $2,340 | $2,640 | $3,360 | $4,110 | $4,620 |
| 08560 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,850 | $2,090 | $2,640 | $3,160 | $3,610 |
| 08560 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,850 | $2,090 | $2,640 | $3,160 | $3,610 |
| 08561 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,750 | $1,980 | $2,510 | $3,070 | $3,450 |
| 08608 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,210 | $1,400 | $1,760 | $2,110 | $2,410 |
| 08609 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,270 | $1,440 | $1,830 | $2,240 | $2,510 |
| 08610 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,460 | $1,640 | $2,090 | $2,550 | $2,870 |
| 08610 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,460 | $1,640 | $2,090 | $2,550 | $2,870 |
| 08611 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,410 | $1,600 | $2,030 | $2,480 | $2,790 |
| 08618 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,220 | $1,400 | $1,760 | $2,140 | $2,410 |
| 08619 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,650 | $1,860 | $2,370 | $2,900 | $3,260 |
| 08620 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,470 | $1,650 | $2,070 | $2,520 | $2,830 |
| 08620 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,470 | $1,650 | $2,070 | $2,520 | $2,830 |
| 08620 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,470 | $1,650 | $2,070 | $2,520 | $2,830 |
| 08628 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,610 | $1,820 | $2,310 | $2,820 | $3,170 |
| 08629 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,270 | $1,430 | $1,820 | $2,230 | $2,500 |
| 08638 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,570 | $1,770 | $2,250 | $2,750 | $3,090 |
| 08648 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,940 | $2,200 | $2,790 | $3,410 | $3,830 |
| 08690 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,660 | $1,870 | $2,380 | $2,910 | $3,270 |
| 08691 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,960 | $2,220 | $2,820 | $3,450 | $3,870 |
| 08691 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,960 | $2,220 | $2,820 | $3,450 | $3,870 |
- 08520 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,240$2,740
- 08520 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,240$2,740
- 08520 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,240$2,740
- 08525 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,450$2,980
- 08525 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,450$2,980
- 08534 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,790$3,410
- 08540 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,890$3,500
- 08540 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,890$3,500
- 08542 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $3,360$4,110
- 08544 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $3,000$3,640
- 08550 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $3,360$4,110
- 08560 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,640$3,160
- 08560 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,640$3,160
- 08561 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,510$3,070
- 08608 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $1,760$2,110
- 08609 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $1,830$2,240
- 08610 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,090$2,550
- 08610 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,090$2,550
- 08611 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,030$2,480
- 08618 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $1,760$2,140
- 08619 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,370$2,900
- 08620 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,070$2,520
- 08620 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,070$2,520
- 08620 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,070$2,520
- 08628 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,310$2,820
- 08629 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $1,820$2,230
- 08638 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,250$2,750
- 08648 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,790$3,410
- 08690 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,380$2,910
- 08691 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,820$3,450
- 08691 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,820$3,450
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 Mercer County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in New Jersey, 52%, 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.
54,545 households rent in Mercer County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Mercer 50%
- New Jersey 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Mercer County
HUD lists 131 properties with homes for low-income households in Mercer 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)
- 79
- HUD-assisted
- 47
- public housing
- 6
11,523 homes in all; 9,015 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Josephson Apts Public housing 237 Oakland St, Trenton 08618 411 homes, 409 low-income · Run by Trenton Housing Authority · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 32 months · (609) 278-5042
- Donnelly Homes Public housing 826 Southard St, Trenton 08638 376 homes, 375 low-income · Run by Trenton Housing Authority · Average payment: $512 a month · (609) 278-5042
- South Village I and II Tax credit (LIHTC) 312 Lalor St, Trenton 335 low-income homes · In service since 2015
- South Village I & II HUD-assisted 312 Lalor St, Trenton 08611 334 low-income homes · For older adults
- Wilson HMS Public housing 101 Coolidge Ave, Trenton 08618 331 low-income homes · Run by Trenton Housing Authority · Average payment: $479 a month · Average wait: 64 months · (609) 278-5042
- Prospect Village Public housing 193 Old Rose St, Trenton 08618 319 homes, 305 low-income · Run by Trenton Housing Authority · Average payment: $493 a month · Average wait: 51 months · (609) 278-5042
- Oakland Park Apartments HUD-assisted 513 Hoffman Ave, Trenton 08618 270 homes, 269 low-income · For families
- Trent Center West Tax credit (LIHTC) 465 Greenwood Ave, Trenton 246 low-income homes · In service since 2016
- North 25 HUD-assisted 260 N Willow St, Trenton 08618 233 homes, 232 low-income · For families
- North 25 Tax credit (LIHTC) 260 N Willow St, Trenton 232 low-income homes · In service since 2016
- Trent Center East Tax credit (LIHTC) 511 Greenwood Ave, Trenton 228 low-income homes · In service since 2016
- Carl Miller Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Rider Ave, Trenton 203 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Trent Center East HUD-assisted 511 Greenwood Ave, Trenton 08609 228 homes, 201 low-income · For older adults
- Redding Circle HUD-assisted 1 Redding Cir, Princeton 08540 197 low-income homes · For families · (609) 924-3448
- Rowan Towers HUD-assisted 620 W State St, Trenton 08618 195 low-income homes · For families
- Alvin E. Gershen Apts a/k/a POND RUN II HUD-assisted 1655 Klockner Rd, Trenton 08619 161 homes, 160 low-income · For older adults
- Alvin E. Gershen Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1655 Klockner Rd, Hamilton Twp 160 low-income homes · In service since 1995
- Lawrence Plaza HUD-assisted 2350 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville 08648 160 low-income homes · For older adults
- Lawrence Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 2350 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville 161 homes, 158 low-income · In service since 1995
- Hopewell Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 725 Denow Rd, Pennington 150 low-income homes · In service since 2006
- Luther Arms HUD-assisted 323 S Broad St, Trenton 08608 150 homes, 149 low-income · For older adults
- Red Oak Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 S Broad St, Hamilton Twp 173 homes, 140 low-income · In service since 2012
- Cityside Apts I HUD-assisted 179 Brunswick Ave, Trenton 08618 126 low-income homes · For families
- Park Place HUD-assisted 1460 Parkside Ave, Ewing 08638 125 low-income homes · For older adults
- Architects Housing HUD-assisted 215 E Front St, Trenton 08611 123 homes, 122 low-income · For older adults
- Brookshire Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Forrest Ridge Dr, Lawrence Twp 117 low-income homes · In service since 2004
- Brookshire/Bramblewood Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Forrest Ridge Dr, Lawrenceville 117 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 100 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Trenton Prospect House Tax credit (LIHTC) 70 Independence Way, Trenton 110 low-income homes · In service since 2007
- St. James Village HUD-assisted 719 Saint James Pl, East Windsor 08520 110 homes, 109 low-income · For older adults
- Cityside Apts II HUD-assisted 366 N Clinton Ave, Trenton 08638 105 low-income homes · For families
- Luther Towers HUD-assisted 489 W State St, Trenton 08618 205 homes, 101 low-income · For families
- Escher Street Sro Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Escher St, Trenton 100 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Escher Street Sro #304 Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 50 Escher St, Trenton 08609 100 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · For families
- Hightstown Homes Public housing 215 S Academy St, Hightstown 08520 100 low-income homes · Run by Hightstown Housing Authority · Average payment: $653 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (609) 448-2268
- Cathedral Square Housing HUD-assisted 26 E Hanover St, Trenton 08608 100 homes, 99 low-income · For older adults
- Elm Court HUD-assisted 300 Elm Rd, Princeton 08540 89 homes, 88 low-income · For older adults
- The Gables at West Windsor HUD-assisted 996 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction 08550 85 homes, 84 low-income · For older adults · (609) 799-8885
- Wheaton Pointe HUD-assisted 20 Lanning Blvd, East Windsor 08520 84 low-income homes · For older adults · (609) 987-8900
- Page Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Rossell Ave, Trenton 77 low-income homes
- Turner Pointe HUD-assisted 150 Rossell Ave, Trenton 08638 77 low-income homes · For families
- Bellevue Plaza Apartments HUD-assisted 447 Bellevue Ave, Trenton 08618 90 homes, 75 low-income · For families
- Rush Crossing Public housing 1 Anchor Ct, Trenton 08609 204 homes, 73 low-income · Run by Trenton Housing Authority · Average payment: $887 a month · Average wait: 34 months · (609) 278-5042
- Brunswick Village Limited Partnership HUD-assisted 833 Brunswick Ave, Trenton 08638 110 homes, 72 low-income · For families
- Ewing Independent Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 1015 Whitehead Road Ext, Ewing 72 low-income homes · In service since 2009
- Freedom Village at Hopewell Tax credit (LIHTC) 770 Denow Road (in Site Evaluator As Pennington NJ 08534), Hopewell 72 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Freedom Village at West Windsor Tax credit (LIHTC) Old Bear Road, West Windsor 72 low-income homes
- Freedom Village at West Windsor Tax credit (LIHTC) Old Bear Brook Road, West Windsor 72 low-income homes · In service since 2020
- Mccorristin Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 Leonard Ave, Hamilton Twp 69 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Pellettieri Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 615 S Clinton Ave, Trenton 68 low-income homes · In service since 1998
- Elm Court II HUD-assisted 310 Elm Rd, Princeton 08540 67 low-income homes · For older adults
- POND RUN I /aka/ Hamilton Senior Citizens HUD-assisted 9 Lamont Ave, Trenton 08619 160 homes, 64 low-income · For older adults
- Stepping Stones Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 27 N Clinton Ave, Trenton 64 low-income homes · In service since 1998
- Heritage Village at Lawrence Tax credit (LIHTC) 1930 Brunswick Ave, Lawrence Twp 64 homes, 63 low-income · In service since 2008
- Project Freedom at Hamilton Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) Whitehorse-Mercerville Road and Justice Samuel Alito Way, Hamilton Twp 72 homes, 61 low-income
- The Hamlet at Bear Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Rousillon Ct, West Windsor 61 homes, 60 low-income · In service since 2002
- Patriot Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 461 Brunswick Ave, Ewing 72 homes, 58 low-income
- Project Freedom at Lawrence Ur LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Freedom Blvd, Lawrence Twp 54 low-income homes · In service since 2003
- Project Freedom at Trent Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 547 Greenwood Ave, Trenton 52 low-income homes · In service since 2008
- Ujima Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Pennington Rd, Ewing 52 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Project Freedom at Hamilton Tax credit (LIHTC) 715 Kuser Rd, Hamilton Twp 48 low-income homes · In service since 2001
- Project Freedom at Hamilton Township Tax credit (LIHTC) 715 Kuser Rd, Trenton 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Gardens at Birmingham Tax credit (LIHTC) 1460 Parkway Ave, Ewing 47 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Wood Street Housing (esperanza Apartments) Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Wood St, Trenton 46 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Freedom Village at Robbinsville Tax credit (LIHTC) Commerce Square South and Route 33, Robbinsville Twp 72 homes, 42 low-income
- Academy Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 125A Olive St, Trenton 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2013
- MT Zion Urban Renewal Tax credit (LIHTC) 131 Perry St, Trenton 40 low-income homes · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 1996
- Patriot Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 350 Pennington Avenue, Trenton City 36 low-income homes · In service since 2007
- Artisans Mill Rental Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Artisan St, Trenton 31 low-income homes · In service since 1999
- Warren Street Apartments - Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 N Warren St, Trenton 31 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Project Freedom Inc. Tax credit (LIHTC) 223 Hutchinson Rd, Robbinsville 30 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Clinton Court Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 70 N Clinton Ave, Trenton 26 low-income homes · In service since 1996
- Lamberton Street Redevelopment Tax credit (LIHTC) 39 3rd St, Trenton 26 low-income homes · In service since 1996
- Broad Street Bank Tax credit (LIHTC) 143 E State St, Trenton 124 homes, 25 low-income · In service since 2005
- Amani House Tax credit (LIHTC) 518 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Trenton 25 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- East Hanover Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 125A Olive St, Trenton 22 low-income homes · In service since 2001
- Capstone Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1056 Stuyvesant Ave, Trenton 21 low-income homes · In service since 2008
- Hanover Street Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 148 W Hanover St, Trenton 17 low-income homes · In service since 1999
- Karin Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Clay St, Princeton 16 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Chestnut Monmouth Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 326 Chestnut Ave, Trenton 13 low-income homes · In service since 2001
- Leonard Building HUD-assisted 341 Bellevue Ave, Trenton 08618 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (609) 394-2506
- Karin Court HUD-assisted 16 Karin Ct, Princeton 08540 11 low-income homes · For families
- Warren Street Apartments - Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 227 S Warren St, Trenton 11 low-income homes · In service since 1997
- Warren Street III Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 N Warren St, Trenton 9 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Community Options HUD-assisted 272 Dutch Neck Rd, East Windsor 08520 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Humboldt Sweets Tax credit (LIHTC) 63 Sweets Ave, Trenton 8 low-income homes · In service since 1995
- Stockton Street Rehab #1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 E Hanover St, Trenton 8 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Hamilton Group Home HUD-assisted 1330 Cedar Ln, Hamilton Township 08610 8 homes, 7 low-income · For older adults
- Trenton Group Home HUD-assisted 608 Greenwood Ave, Trenton 08609 8 homes, 7 low-income · For people with disabilities
- Ewing Supervised Apts HUD-assisted 105 Buttonwood Dr, Ewing 08638 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Hamilton Supervised Apartments HUD-assisted 196 Route 156, Hamilton Township 08620 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Princeton Senior Living HUD-assisted 500 Thanet Cir, Princeton 08540 80 homes, 5 low-income · (585) 324-0540
- Nj39rdd1320 HUD-assisted 29 Emmons Dr, Princeton 08540 75 homes, 5 low-income · (609) 989-8500
- Hillcrest Group Home HUD-assisted 99 Hillcrest Ave, Lawrenceville 08648 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Cifa Consumer Home HUD-assisted 6 Wilk Ct, Lawrenceville 08648 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Community Options Hopewell Residence2009 HUD-assisted 1619 Harbourton Rocktown Rd, Lambertville 08530 4 low-income homes · For older adults
- Ewing Consumer Home HUD-assisted 546 Parkway Ave, Ewing 08618 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Princeton Group Home HUD-assisted 16 Gulick Rd, Princeton 08540 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Lawrenceville Consumer Home HUD-assisted 13 Titus Ave, Trenton 08648 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Princeton Consumer Home HUD-assisted 76 1/2 Linden Ln, Princeton 08540 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Trenton Consumer Home HUD-assisted 935 Bellevue Ave, Trenton 08618 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Trenton II Consumer Home HUD-assisted 748 Quinton Ave, Trenton 08629 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Trent Center West HUD-assisted 465 Greenwood Ave, Trenton 08609 246 homes · For older adults
- Red Oak Apts #582 Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 S Broad St, Hamilton 08610 173 homes · In service since 2012
- Hopewell Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 725 Denow Rd, Pennington 150 homes · In service since 2006
- Hopewell Gardens #710 Tax credit (LIHTC) 725 Denow Rd, Pennington 08534 150 homes · In service since 2006
- Brookshire Senior Apartments #641 Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Forrest Ridge Dr, Lawrenceville 08648 117 homes · In service since 2004
- Eggerts Crossing Village /aka/ Lawrence Housing HUD-assisted 175 Johnson Ave, Lawrenceville 08648 100 homes · For families
- Ewing Independent Living Litc#0752 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1015 Whitehead Road Ext, Ewing 72 homes · In service since 2009
- Stepping Stones Commons #504 Tax credit (LIHTC) 27 N Clinton Ave, Trenton 08609 64 homes · In service since 1998
- Heritage Village at Lawrence #06919 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1970 Brunswick Ave, Lawrenceville 08648 63 homes · In service since 2008
- Project Freedom at Lawrence #653 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Freedom Blvd, Lawrence Township 08648 54 homes · In service since 2012
- Project Freedom at Lawrence Township Tax credit (LIHTC) 27 Freedom Blvd, Lawrence Township 54 homes · In service since 2012
- Ujima Village #652 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Pennington Rd, Ewing 08618 51 homes · In service since 2012
- Birmingham Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 4000 Birmingham Ct, Ewing 47 homes · In service since 2013
- Esperanza Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Wood St, Trenton 08618 46 homes · In service since 1994
- Academy Place #1202 Tax credit (LIHTC) 125A Olive St, Trenton 08618 40 homes · In service since 2013
- Litc#05915 Patriot Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 362 Pennington Ave, Trenton 08618 36 homes · In service since 2007
- Artisan's Mill #538 Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Artisan St, Trenton 08618 31 homes · In service since 1999
- Warren Street Apartments - Phase II #521 Tax credit (LIHTC) 227 N Warren St, Trenton 08618 31 homes · In service since 2012
- Project Freedom at Robbinsville Tax credit (LIHTC) 223 Hutchinson Rd, Robbinsville 30 homes · Studio: 4 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2012
- Project Freedom Inc. #184 Tax credit (LIHTC) 223 Hutchinson Rd, Robbinsville 08691 30 homes · In service since 2012
- Lamberton Street Redevelopment #324 Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Ferry St, Trenton 08611 26 homes · In service since 2012
- Amani House #431 Tax credit (LIHTC) 518 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Trenton 08618 25 homes · In service since 2012
- East Hanover Street #566 Tax credit (LIHTC) 140 Academy St, Trenton 22 homes · In service since 2001
- Trenton Scattered Site Tax credit (LIHTC) 132 N Warren St, Trenton 20 homes · In service since 1995
- Hanover Street Housing #530 Tax credit (LIHTC) 148 W Hanover St, Trenton 08618 17 homes · In service since 2012
- Karin Court #490 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Karin Ct, Princeton 08540 16 homes · In service since 2012
- Warren Street Apartments-Phase I #452 Tax credit (LIHTC) 227 N Warren St, Trenton 11 homes · In service since 2012
- Warren Street Apartments III #712 Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 N Warren St, Trenton 08608 9 homes · In service since 2006
- New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency HUD-assisted 637 S Clinton Ave, Trenton 08611 (609) 278-7400
- New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency HUD-assisted 637 S Clinton Ave, Trenton 08611
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
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 Mercer County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 5 agencies serve in Mercer 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)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $29,300 | $48,850 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $33,500 | $55,800 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $37,700 | $62,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $41,850 | $69,750 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $45,200 | $75,350 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $48,550 | $80,950 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $51,900 | $86,500 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $92,100 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $139,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Trenton-Princeton, NJ MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,405 – $1,717
- 1 bedroom $1,588 – $1,940
- 2 bedrooms $2,018 – $2,466
- 3 bedrooms $2,467 – $3,015
- 4 bedrooms $2,773 – $3,389
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
- State of NJ Dept. of Comm. Affairs Section 8 vouchers · 25,336 vouchers (609) 633-6204 State of NJ Dept. of Comm. Affairs: nieisha.law@dca.nj.gov
- Trenton Housing Authority Public housing · 1,624 public housing units (609) 278-5042
- Hamilton Township HA Section 8 vouchers · 227 vouchers (609) 890-3677
- Hightstown Housing Authority Public housing · 100 public housing units (609) 448-2268
- Princeton Housing Authority Public housing (609) 924-3448
Housing agencies in New Jersey Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in New Jersey
What New Jersey 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 1.5 months of rent
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
- Only a court order can remove youN.J.S.A. 2A:39-1
- Protection from retaliationN.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10
Help
Where to get help with rent in Mercer County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Mercer County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Isles, Incorporated
10 Wood St, Trenton · Spanish
Also serves in Cantonese.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 2 more
-
Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey
145 West Hanover Street, Trenton
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Mercer County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Home Energy Assistance
Run by New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
New Jersey help for very low-income residents with heating and cooling bills, and with past-due electric and gas bills
Open, per the source
See details -
Omnibus Eviction and Homelessness Prevention (OEHP) program
Run by New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Office of Eviction Prevention
New Jersey program that, through organizations in all 21 counties, helps renters with back rent, moving and free legal advice when facing eviction
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Mercer 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 Jersey, the average home bill was $128 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
$4,484
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,242
- Security deposit
- $2,242
- Total
- $4,484
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 Mercer County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,561; 1 bedroom: $1,764; 2 bedrooms: $2,242; 3 bedrooms: $2,741; 4 bedrooms: $3,081. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Mercer County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,242) without spending more than 30% of income takes $43.12 an hour full time, or $89,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Mercer County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $69,750 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 Mercer 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 $2,018 and $2,466 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Mercer County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,760 in 08608 to $3,360 in 08550. 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 Mercer County?
HUD lists 131 properties with homes for low-income households in Mercer 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 Mercer County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Mercer County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in New Jersey, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).