Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Sussex County, New Jersey
Sussex County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,233 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,585 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $42.94 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,233
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 2% less than in New Jersey
- Typical rent
- $1,585
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 8% less than in New Jersey
- Wage needed
- $42.94
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $89,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in New Jersey
Only here
Renting in Sussex County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Sussex County has the 2nd highest homeownership rate of the 21 counties in New Jersey (84%).
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 Sussex 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 Sussex County was $2,291 a month in September 2026: 3.4% 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 | $1,637 | $31.48 | $65,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,850 | $35.58 | $74,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,233 | $42.94 | $89,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,785 | $53.56 | $111,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,188 | $61.31 | $127,520 |
HUD area: Newark, 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 23 ZIP codes in Sussex County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,990 in 07416 to $2,900 in 07460. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,233).
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)
| 07416 | Newark, NJ | $1,460 | $1,640 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,830 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07418 | Newark, NJ | $1,510 | $1,700 | $2,060 | $2,570 | $2,930 |
| 07419 | Newark, NJ | $1,720 | $1,940 | $2,340 | $2,920 | $3,340 |
| 07422 | Newark, NJ | $1,750 | $1,980 | $2,350 | $2,900 | $3,430 |
| 07439 | Newark, NJ | $1,470 | $1,660 | $2,000 | $2,490 | $2,860 |
| 07460 | Bergen-Passaic, NJ | $2,130 | $2,400 | $2,900 | $3,620 | $4,140 |
| 07460 | Newark, NJ | $2,130 | $2,400 | $2,900 | $3,620 | $4,140 |
| 07461 | Newark, NJ | $1,460 | $1,640 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,830 |
| 07462 | Newark, NJ | $1,580 | $1,790 | $2,160 | $2,690 | $3,080 |
| 07821 | Newark, NJ | $1,620 | $1,820 | $2,200 | $2,740 | $3,150 |
| 07821 | Warren County, NJ | $1,620 | $1,820 | $2,200 | $2,740 | $3,150 |
| 07822 | Newark, NJ | $1,570 | $1,770 | $2,140 | $2,670 | $3,060 |
| 07826 | Newark, NJ | $1,700 | $1,920 | $2,320 | $2,890 | $3,310 |
| 07827 | Newark, NJ | $1,460 | $1,640 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,830 |
| 07843 | Newark, NJ | $1,720 | $1,950 | $2,350 | $2,930 | $3,350 |
| 07848 | Newark, NJ | $1,460 | $1,640 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,830 |
| 07851 | Newark, NJ | $1,460 | $1,640 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,830 |
| 07860 | Newark, NJ | $1,480 | $1,670 | $2,010 | $2,510 | $2,870 |
| 07860 | Warren County, NJ | $1,480 | $1,670 | $2,010 | $2,510 | $2,870 |
| 07871 | Newark, NJ | $1,880 | $2,120 | $2,560 | $3,190 | $3,650 |
| 07874 | Newark, NJ | $1,770 | $2,000 | $2,410 | $3,010 | $3,440 |
| 07874 | Warren County, NJ | $1,770 | $2,000 | $2,410 | $3,010 | $3,440 |
| 07881 | Newark, NJ | $1,460 | $1,640 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,890 |
- 07416 · Newark, NJ $1,990$2,490
- 07418 · Newark, NJ $2,060$2,570
- 07419 · Newark, NJ $2,340$2,920
- 07422 · Newark, NJ $2,350$2,900
- 07439 · Newark, NJ $2,000$2,490
- 07460 · Bergen-Passaic, NJ $2,900$3,620
- 07460 · Newark, NJ $2,900$3,620
- 07461 · Newark, NJ $1,990$2,490
- 07462 · Newark, NJ $2,160$2,690
- 07821 · Newark, NJ $2,200$2,740
- 07821 · Warren County, NJ $2,200$2,740
- 07822 · Newark, NJ $2,140$2,670
- 07826 · Newark, NJ $2,320$2,890
- 07827 · Newark, NJ $1,990$2,490
- 07843 · Newark, NJ $2,350$2,930
- 07848 · Newark, NJ $1,990$2,490
- 07851 · Newark, NJ $1,990$2,490
- 07860 · Newark, NJ $2,010$2,510
- 07860 · Warren County, NJ $2,010$2,510
- 07871 · Newark, NJ $2,560$3,190
- 07874 · Newark, NJ $2,410$3,010
- 07874 · Warren County, NJ $2,410$3,010
- 07881 · Newark, NJ $1,990$2,490
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 Sussex County, 55% 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.
55%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,401 households rent in Sussex County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 29%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Sussex 55%
- New Jersey 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Sussex County
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Sussex 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)
- 3
- HUD-assisted
- 7
- public housing
- 1
773 homes in all; 575 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Knoll Heights Village HUD-assisted 38 Trapasso DR, Sparta 07871 150 low-income homes · For older adults
- Brookside Terrace HUD-assisted 33 Mill St, Newton 07860 222 homes, 119 low-income · For families
- Franklin Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Mill St, Franklin 94 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Liberty TWS Public housing 32 Liberty St, Newton 07860 80 low-income homes · Run by Newton Housing Authority · Average payment: $542 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (973) 383-5191
- Newton Town Centre Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Union Pl, Newton 64 low-income homes · In service since 2018
- Concetta Towers HUD-assisted 75 Catlin Rd, Franklin 07416 40 low-income homes · For older adults
- Advance Housing 2009 HUD-assisted 10 State Highway Route 94, Lafayette 07848 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- SCARC Residential Expansion Project HUD-assisted 919 Deer Run Rd, Newton 07860 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Community Hope VII Consumer Ho HUD-assisted 13 Overlook Dr, Sussex 07461 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Community Hope VIII Consumer Home HUD-assisted 43 Butler St, Franklin 07416 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Litc#0755 Franklin Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Mill St, Franklin 07416 95 homes · In service since 2009
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 Sussex County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Sussex 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)
-
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 | $29,050 | $48,450 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $33,200 | $55,400 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $37,350 | $62,300 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $41,500 | $69,200 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $44,850 | $74,750 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $48,150 | $80,300 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $51,500 | $85,850 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $91,350 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $138,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Newark, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,473 – $1,801
- 1 bedroom $1,665 – $2,035
- 2 bedrooms $2,010 – $2,456
- 3 bedrooms $2,507 – $3,064
- 4 bedrooms $2,869 – $3,507
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
- Newton Housing Authority Public housing · 80 public housing units (973) 383-5191 Newton Housing Authority: billsnyder1952@gmail.com
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 Sussex County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Housing Partnership for Morris County
2 E Blackwell St Ste 12, Dover · 19 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
-
Credit.org - New Jersey Branch
101 Eisenhower Pkwy, Roseland · 29 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
-
Paterson Task Force for Community Action, Inc
191 Market St, Paterson · 31 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Sussex 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 Sussex 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
$4,466
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,233
- Security deposit
- $2,233
- Total
- $4,466
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 Sussex County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,637; 1 bedroom: $1,850; 2 bedrooms: $2,233; 3 bedrooms: $2,785; 4 bedrooms: $3,188. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Sussex County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,233) without spending more than 30% of income takes $42.94 an hour full time, or $89,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Sussex County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $69,200 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 Sussex 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 $2,010 and $2,456 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Sussex County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,990 in 07416 to $2,900 in 07460. 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 Sussex County?
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Sussex 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 Sussex County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Sussex County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in New Jersey, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).