Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,623 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $2,033 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $50.44 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,623
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 16% more than in New Jersey
- Typical rent
- $2,033
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% more than in New Jersey
- Wage needed
- $50.44
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $104,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in New Jersey
Only here
Renting in Somerset County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Of the 21 counties in New Jersey, Somerset County has the highest typical rent: $2,033.
-
Somerset County has the highest typical rent in its area: $2,033, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Morris County ($1,904).
-
Somerset County has the 2nd highest typical household income of the 21 counties in New Jersey ($140,374).
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 Somerset 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 Somerset County was $2,618 a month in September 2026: 2.1% 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 | $1,953 | $37.56 | $78,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,103 | $40.44 | $84,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,623 | $50.44 | $104,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,125 | $60.10 | $125,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,508 | $67.46 | $140,320 |
HUD area: Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ 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 33 ZIP codes in Somerset County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,390 in 08553 to $3,400 in 07069. 24 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,623).
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)
| 07059 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,180 | $2,350 | $2,930 | $3,490 | $3,920 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07069 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,530 | $2,730 | $3,400 | $4,050 | $4,550 |
| 07920 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,520 | $2,720 | $3,390 | $4,040 | $4,540 |
| 07920 | Newark, NJ | $2,520 | $2,720 | $3,390 | $4,040 | $4,540 |
| 07921 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,320 | $2,490 | $3,110 | $3,710 | $4,160 |
| 07924 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,320 | $2,490 | $3,110 | $3,710 | $4,160 |
| 07924 | Newark, NJ | $2,320 | $2,490 | $3,110 | $3,710 | $4,160 |
| 07931 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,210 | $2,410 | $2,980 | $3,600 | $4,060 |
| 07931 | Newark, NJ | $2,210 | $2,410 | $2,980 | $3,600 | $4,060 |
| 07934 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,050 | $2,200 | $2,750 | $3,280 | $3,680 |
| 07934 | Newark, NJ | $2,050 | $2,200 | $2,750 | $3,280 | $3,680 |
| 07939 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,520 | $2,720 | $3,390 | $4,040 | $4,540 |
| 07977 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,050 | $2,200 | $2,750 | $3,280 | $3,680 |
| 08502 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,510 | $2,700 | $3,370 | $4,020 | $4,510 |
| 08528 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,050 | $2,280 | $2,890 | $3,500 | $3,940 |
| 08553 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,780 | $1,920 | $2,390 | $2,850 | $3,200 |
| 08558 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,950 | $2,100 | $2,620 | $3,120 | $3,500 |
| 08558 | Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $1,950 | $2,100 | $2,620 | $3,120 | $3,500 |
| 08805 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,940 | $2,080 | $2,600 | $3,100 | $3,480 |
| 08807 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,180 | $2,350 | $2,930 | $3,490 | $3,920 |
| 08812 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,900 | $2,040 | $2,550 | $3,040 | $3,410 |
| 08812 | Newark, NJ | $1,900 | $2,040 | $2,550 | $3,040 | $3,410 |
| 08821 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,290 | $2,470 | $3,080 | $3,670 | $4,120 |
| 08823 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,370 | $2,550 | $3,180 | $3,790 | $4,250 |
| 08835 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,890 | $2,040 | $2,540 | $3,030 | $3,400 |
| 08836 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,170 | $2,340 | $2,910 | $3,470 | $3,900 |
| 08844 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,290 | $2,470 | $3,080 | $3,670 | $4,120 |
| 08853 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,060 | $2,220 | $2,770 | $3,300 | $3,700 |
| 08869 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,040 | $2,200 | $2,740 | $3,260 | $3,660 |
| 08873 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,110 | $2,280 | $2,840 | $3,380 | $3,800 |
| 08876 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,880 | $2,030 | $2,530 | $3,010 | $3,380 |
| 08880 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,830 | $1,970 | $2,460 | $2,930 | $3,290 |
| 08890 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,010 | $2,170 | $2,700 | $3,210 | $3,610 |
- 07059 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,930$3,490
- 07069 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,400$4,050
- 07920 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,390$4,040
- 07920 · Newark, NJ $3,390$4,040
- 07921 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,110$3,710
- 07924 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,110$3,710
- 07924 · Newark, NJ $3,110$3,710
- 07931 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,980$3,600
- 07931 · Newark, NJ $2,980$3,600
- 07934 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,750$3,280
- 07934 · Newark, NJ $2,750$3,280
- 07939 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,390$4,040
- 07977 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,750$3,280
- 08502 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,370$4,020
- 08528 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,890$3,500
- 08553 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,390$2,850
- 08558 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,620$3,120
- 08558 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ $2,620$3,120
- 08805 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,600$3,100
- 08807 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,930$3,490
- 08812 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,550$3,040
- 08812 · Newark, NJ $2,550$3,040
- 08821 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,080$3,670
- 08823 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,180$3,790
- 08835 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,540$3,030
- 08836 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,910$3,470
- 08844 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $3,080$3,670
- 08853 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,770$3,300
- 08869 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,740$3,260
- 08873 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,840$3,380
- 08876 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,530$3,010
- 08880 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,460$2,930
- 08890 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,700$3,210
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 Somerset County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
33,615 households rent in Somerset County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Somerset 49%
- New Jersey 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Somerset County
HUD lists 53 properties with homes for low-income households in Somerset 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)
- 29
- HUD-assisted
- 21
- public housing
- 3
3,042 homes in all; 2,309 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Ridge Oak Senior Citizens HUD-assisted 140 Manchester Dr, Basking Ridge 07920 248 homes, 247 low-income · For older adults
- Apartments at Montgomery Tax credit (LIHTC) 9 Hartwick Dr, Montgomery 180 homes, 177 low-income
- Centerbridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 459 Shasta Dr Ofc 1, Bridgewater 169 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- somerville Senior Citizens HUD-assisted 1 Mountain Ave, Somerville 08876 153 homes, 152 low-income · For older adults
- CENTERBRIDGE/a.k.a. BRIDGEWATER SENIOR CITIZENS HO HUD-assisted 491 Shasta Dr, Bridgewater 08807 113 homes, 112 low-income · For people with disabilities
- The Lena and David T. Wilentz Senior Residence HUD-assisted 360 Demott Ln, Somerset 08873 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (845) 356-7773, ext. 127
- Berry Street Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 42 and 48 Berry Street, Franklin Twp 94 low-income homes · In service since 2009
- Presbyterian Home@franklin TWP HUD-assisted 26b Cedar Grove Lane, Franklin Township 08873 84 low-income homes · For older adults
- Somerset Square (franklin Twp) Tax credit (LIHTC) 41 Berry St, Somerset 151 homes, 83 low-income
- Concord Street Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) Concord Street, Hillsborough Twp 88 homes, 80 low-income
- Parkside Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 727 Franklin Blvd, Somerset 70 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Parkside Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 Parkside St, Franklin Twp 70 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Franklin Boulevard Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 727 Franklin Blvd, Franklin Twp 66 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Branchburg Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Old York Road, Branchburg Twp 75 homes, 64 low-income
- Independence Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 630 Franklin Blvd, Somerset 64 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Voorhees Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 853 Somerset St, Somerset 76 homes, 61 low-income · In service since 2014
- Valley Brook Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 151 Knollcroft Rd, Basking Ridge 62 homes, 61 low-income · In service since 2013
- Amwell Commons Aka Westering Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 495 Amwell Rd, Hillsborough 54 low-income homes · In service since 2018
- Pluckemin Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Pluckemin Park Ct, Bedminster 50 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- York Village East Tax credit (LIHTC) 975 Old York Rd, Branchburg 50 low-income homes
- York Village West Tax credit (LIHTC) 975 Old York Rd, Branchburg 50 low-income homes
- Valley Brook Village Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) S. West Gate, NO 2 Road, Basking Ridge 49 low-income homes
- Willows at Orchard Road Tax credit (LIHTC) 25 Orchard Rd, Montgomery 40 low-income homes · In service since 2016
- Ridge Oak II HUD-assisted 35 Lindbergh Ln, Basking Ridge 07920 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults
- Apartments at Warren Tax credit (LIHTC) 6 Lindbergh Ave, Warren 80 homes, 35 low-income
- Parkside Senior Housng Public housing 25 Parkside St, Somerset 08873 70 homes, 20 low-income · Run by Franklin Township Housing Authority · Average payment: $427 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (732) 545-9430
- Peapack and Gladstone Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Hamilton Court, Peapack Gladstone Boro 20 low-income homes · In service since 1999
- Peapack/Gladstone Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 85 Main St, Peapack 20 low-income homes · In service since 1999
- Ridge Oak III HUD-assisted 150 Manchester Dr, Basking Ridge 07920 20 low-income homes · For older adults
- Parkside Family Housing Public housing Somerset 08873 42 homes, 18 low-income · Run by Franklin Township Housing Authority · Average payment: $695 a month · Homes at several sites · (732) 545-9430
- Somerset County Supportive Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 35 Somerset St, Somerville 18 low-income homes · In service since 2004
- Parkside Family Housing Public housing 10 Parkside St, Somerset 08873 28 homes, 12 low-income · Run by Franklin Township Housing Authority · Average payment: $955 a month · Homes at several sites · (732) 545-9430
- Apartment Two HUD-assisted 18 4th Ave, Bridgewater 08807 10 low-income homes · For older adults
- Somerset Arc Apartments HUD-assisted 436 Union Ave, Bridgewater 08807 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (908) 725-8544
- Alternatives Homes 2005 Inc. HUD-assisted 293 Grove St, Bridgewater 08807 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- CPNJ Warren HUD-assisted 115 Stirling Rd, Warren 07059 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Woods at Warren HUD-assisted 6 Lindbergh Ave, Warren 07059 80 homes, 3 low-income · (609) 989-8500
- Bridgewater Consumer Home HUD-assisted 416 Route 28, Bridgewater 08807 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Bridgewater Township Consumer Home HUD-assisted 76 Brahma Ave, Bridgewater 08807 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Franklin Township Consumer Home HUD-assisted 30 Cedar Grove Ln, Somerset 08873 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Somerset 2003 Consumer Home HUD-assisted 110 Warrenville Rd, Green Brook 08812 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (908) 685-1444, ext. 275
- Somerset Consumer Home HUD-assisted 76 Summit Ave, North Plainfield 07060 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Somerville Consumer Home HUD-assisted 21 N Gaston Ave, Somerville 08876 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- South Bound Brook Consumer Home HUD-assisted 10 Von Steuben Ln, South Bound Brook 08880 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Cornerstone at Branchburg II HUD-assisted 2000 Cornerstone Dr, Branchburg 08876 75 homes, 2 low-income · (908) 769-1030
- 19-21 Chatham Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 19 Chatham St, North Plainfield 2 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Centerbridge II the Jack Stine Residence #307 Tax credit (LIHTC) 459 Shasta Dr, Bridgewater 08807 169 homes · In service since 2012
- Valley Brook Village I Tax credit (LIHTC) 151 Knollcroft Rd, Lyons 07939 62 homes · In service since 2013
- Pluckemin Park #373 Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Pluckemin Park Ct, Bedminster 07921 50 homes · In service since 2012
- Peapack/Gladstone Family Housing #543 Tax credit (LIHTC) 85 Main St, Peapack 20 homes · In service since 2012
- Somerset County Affordable #676 Tax credit (LIHTC) 35 Somerset St, Somerville 08876 18 homes · In service since 2005
- Somerset County Affordable Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 35 Somerset St, Somerville 18 homes · In service since 2005
- Burnt Hill Road Group Home HUD-assisted 148 Burnt Hill Rd, Skillman 08558
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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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 | $32,550 | $54,200 | $80,200 |
| 2 people | $37,200 | $61,950 | $91,700 |
| 3 people | $41,850 | $69,700 | $103,150 |
| 4 people | $46,450 | $77,400 | $114,600 |
| 5 people | $50,200 | $83,600 | $123,800 |
| 6 people | $53,900 | $89,800 | $132,950 |
| 7 people | $57,600 | $96,000 | $142,150 |
| 8 people | $61,350 | $102,200 | $151,300 |
Area median income: $154,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,758 – $2,148
- 1 bedroom $1,893 – $2,313
- 2 bedrooms $2,361 – $2,885
- 3 bedrooms $2,813 – $3,438
- 4 bedrooms $3,157 – $3,859
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
- Franklin Township Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 234 vouchers · 140 public housing units (732) 545-9430 Franklin Township Housing Authority: jclarke@nbnjha.org
- Somerville Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 194 vouchers (908) 725-2300 Somerville Housing Authority: toml@mandl.net
- Manville Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 106 vouchers (908) 725-8943 Manville Housing Authority: housing@manvillenj.org
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 Somerset County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Somerset County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Central Jersey Housing Resource Center, Inc.
92 E Main St, Somerville · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 7 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Somerset 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 Somerset 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
$5,246
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,623
- Security deposit
- $2,623
- Total
- $5,246
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 Somerset County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,953; 1 bedroom: $2,103; 2 bedrooms: $2,623; 3 bedrooms: $3,125; 4 bedrooms: $3,508. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Somerset County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,623) without spending more than 30% of income takes $50.44 an hour full time, or $104,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Somerset County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $77,400 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 Somerset 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 $2,361 and $2,885 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Somerset County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,390 in 08553 to $3,400 in 07069. 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 Somerset County?
HUD lists 53 properties with homes for low-income households in Somerset 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 Somerset County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Somerset County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in New Jersey, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).