Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Union County, New Jersey
Union 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 $1,730 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
- $1,730
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as 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
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in New Jersey
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 Union 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 Union County was $2,529 a month in September 2026: 3% 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 31 ZIP codes in Union County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,990 in 07201 to $3,130 in 07023. 24 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)
| 07016 | Newark, NJ | $2,100 | $2,380 | $2,870 | $3,580 | $4,100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07023 | Newark, NJ | $2,300 | $2,590 | $3,130 | $3,900 | $4,470 |
| 07027 | Newark, NJ | $1,650 | $1,860 | $2,250 | $2,810 | $3,210 |
| 07033 | Newark, NJ | $1,990 | $2,250 | $2,710 | $3,380 | $3,870 |
| 07036 | Newark, NJ | $1,580 | $1,790 | $2,160 | $2,690 | $3,080 |
| 07060 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,740 | $1,930 | $2,360 | $2,890 | $3,280 |
| 07060 | Newark, NJ | $1,740 | $1,930 | $2,360 | $2,890 | $3,280 |
| 07062 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,810 | $2,040 | $2,470 | $3,070 | $3,510 |
| 07062 | Newark, NJ | $1,810 | $2,040 | $2,470 | $3,070 | $3,510 |
| 07063 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,790 | $2,000 | $2,430 | $3,000 | $3,420 |
| 07063 | Newark, NJ | $1,790 | $2,000 | $2,430 | $3,000 | $3,420 |
| 07065 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $1,800 | $2,040 | $2,460 | $3,070 | $3,510 |
| 07065 | Newark, NJ | $1,800 | $2,040 | $2,460 | $3,070 | $3,510 |
| 07066 | Newark, NJ | $1,740 | $1,960 | $2,370 | $2,960 | $3,380 |
| 07076 | Newark, NJ | $1,890 | $2,140 | $2,580 | $3,220 | $3,680 |
| 07081 | Newark, NJ | $2,150 | $2,430 | $2,930 | $3,650 | $4,180 |
| 07083 | Newark, NJ | $2,000 | $2,260 | $2,730 | $3,400 | $3,900 |
| 07088 | Newark, NJ | $2,050 | $2,310 | $2,790 | $3,480 | $3,980 |
| 07090 | Newark, NJ | $2,240 | $2,540 | $3,060 | $3,820 | $4,370 |
| 07092 | Newark, NJ | $2,170 | $2,460 | $2,960 | $3,690 | $4,230 |
| 07201 | Newark, NJ | $1,460 | $1,640 | $1,990 | $2,490 | $2,830 |
| 07202 | Newark, NJ | $1,600 | $1,810 | $2,180 | $2,720 | $3,110 |
| 07203 | Newark, NJ | $1,510 | $1,710 | $2,060 | $2,570 | $2,940 |
| 07204 | Newark, NJ | $1,540 | $1,740 | $2,100 | $2,620 | $3,000 |
| 07205 | Newark, NJ | $1,680 | $1,900 | $2,290 | $2,860 | $3,270 |
| 07206 | Newark, NJ | $1,550 | $1,760 | $2,120 | $2,640 | $3,030 |
| 07208 | Newark, NJ | $1,560 | $1,760 | $2,130 | $2,660 | $3,040 |
| 07901 | Newark, NJ | $2,220 | $2,510 | $3,030 | $3,780 | $4,330 |
| 07922 | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ | $2,180 | $2,420 | $2,960 | $3,620 | $4,110 |
| 07922 | Newark, NJ | $2,180 | $2,420 | $2,960 | $3,620 | $4,110 |
| 07974 | Newark, NJ | $1,920 | $2,170 | $2,620 | $3,270 | $3,740 |
- 07016 · Newark, NJ $2,870$3,580
- 07023 · Newark, NJ $3,130$3,900
- 07027 · Newark, NJ $2,250$2,810
- 07033 · Newark, NJ $2,710$3,380
- 07036 · Newark, NJ $2,160$2,690
- 07060 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,360$2,890
- 07060 · Newark, NJ $2,360$2,890
- 07062 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,470$3,070
- 07062 · Newark, NJ $2,470$3,070
- 07063 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,430$3,000
- 07063 · Newark, NJ $2,430$3,000
- 07065 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,460$3,070
- 07065 · Newark, NJ $2,460$3,070
- 07066 · Newark, NJ $2,370$2,960
- 07076 · Newark, NJ $2,580$3,220
- 07081 · Newark, NJ $2,930$3,650
- 07083 · Newark, NJ $2,730$3,400
- 07088 · Newark, NJ $2,790$3,480
- 07090 · Newark, NJ $3,060$3,820
- 07092 · Newark, NJ $2,960$3,690
- 07201 · Newark, NJ $1,990$2,490
- 07202 · Newark, NJ $2,180$2,720
- 07203 · Newark, NJ $2,060$2,570
- 07204 · Newark, NJ $2,100$2,620
- 07205 · Newark, NJ $2,290$2,860
- 07206 · Newark, NJ $2,120$2,640
- 07208 · Newark, NJ $2,130$2,660
- 07901 · Newark, NJ $3,030$3,780
- 07922 · Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ $2,960$3,620
- 07922 · Newark, NJ $2,960$3,620
- 07974 · Newark, NJ $2,620$3,270
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 Union County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
86,672 households rent in Union County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Union 51%
- New Jersey 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Union County
HUD lists 131 properties with homes for low-income households in Union 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)
- 83
- HUD-assisted
- 39
- public housing
- 14
10,210 homes in all; 7,464 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mravlag Manor Public housing Elizabeth 07202 423 low-income homes · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · Average payment: $442 a month · Average wait: 37 months · (908) 965-2400
- J WM Farley TWS Public housing 33 Cherry St, Elizabeth 07202 374 low-income homes · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · Average payment: $374 a month · Average wait: 105 months · (908) 965-2400
- Oak Park Apartments #05411 Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1 Garden Dr, Roselle 07203 252 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For families
- Oak Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Garden Dr, Roselle 252 homes, 247 low-income · In service since 2005
- Ehrhart Gardens HUD-assisted 100 Francis Ct, Union 07083 232 homes, 231 low-income · For older adults
- Richmond TWS Public housing 520 E Front St, Plainfield 07060 225 homes, 219 low-income · Run by Plainfield Housing Authority · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (908) 769-6335
- Ann J Ferguson Towers Public housing 1601 Dill Ave, Linden 07036 201 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority City of Linden · Average payment: $388 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (908) 298-3820
- GOLDEN AGE TOWERS a/k/a Rahway Senior Citizens HUD-assisted 200 E Milton Ave, Rahway 07065 196 low-income homes · For older adults
- Leland Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1227 E Front St, Plainfield 256 homes, 180 low-income · In service since 2000
- Westfield Senior Citizens HUD-assisted 1133 Boynton Ave, Westfield 07090 173 homes, 172 low-income · For older adults
- Portside II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Pine St, Elizabeth 168 homes, 167 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 80 · 4 bd: 17 · In service since 2005
- J F Kennedy Public housing 250 W Grand Ave, Rahway 07065 165 homes, 161 low-income · Run by Rahway Housing Authority · Average payment: $543 a month · Average wait: 53 months · Homes at several sites · (732) 499-0066
- Plainfield Tower West Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 W 7th St, Plainfield 154 low-income homes · In service since 2008
- Plainfield Tower West HUD-assisted 601 W 7th St, Plainfield 07060 154 low-income homes · For older adults
- Murawski Towers HUD-assisted 1599 Dill Ave, Linden 07036 150 low-income homes · For older adults
- Rosegate Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 E Hazelwood Ave, Rahway 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 134 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2005
- Westport Homes Public housing Elizabeth 07206 180 homes, 136 low-income · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · Average payment: $797 a month · Homes at several sites · (908) 965-2400
- Springfield Senior Citizens HUD-assisted 350 Independence Way, Springfield 07081 137 homes, 136 low-income · For older adults
- EDWARD K. GILL APTS. (Cranford Sen. Citi.) HUD-assisted 40 Meeker Ave, Cranford 07016 131 low-income homes · For older adults
- Second Westfield Senior Citizen Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1129 Boynton Ave, Westfield 131 low-income homes · 1 bd: 130 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Joanne Hollis Gardens Public housing 305 Plainfield Ave, Plainfield 07060 128 homes, 125 low-income · Run by Plainfield Housing Authority · Average payment: $635 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (908) 769-6335
- Ford Leonard TWS Public housing 69 Division St, Elizabeth 07201 126 homes, 122 low-income · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · Average payment: $367 a month · Average wait: 100 months · (908) 965-2400
- Netherwood Village HUD-assisted 843 E Front St, Plainfield 07062 107 low-income homes · For families · (908) 222-1283
- Westport Homes Hope Vi Tax credit (LIHTC) 209 Port Ave, Elizabeth 107 low-income homes · In service since 2001
- Cranford Lincoln Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Lincoln Ave E, Cranford 100 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- O`donnell-Dempsey TWRS Public housing 632 Salem Ave, Elizabeth 07208 100 low-income homes · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · Average payment: $377 a month · Average wait: 104 months · (908) 965-2400
- Nora Gardens HUD-assisted 1775 Burnet Ave, Union 07083 100 homes, 99 low-income · For older adults · (908) 686-9100
- Liberty Village HUD-assisted 205 E 4th St, Plainfield 07060 96 low-income homes · For families
- Parkers Walk Tax credit (LIHTC) 300-331 and 445-522 Willow Court, Elizabeth 96 homes, 95 low-income · In service since 2017
- Parkers Walk HUD-assisted 300 Willow Ct, Elizabeth 07208 96 homes, 95 low-income · For families
- Waters Edge Homes Public housing 10 Hope Ln, Elizabeth 07206 147 homes, 91 low-income · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · (908) 965-2400
- Elizabeth Senior Building Tax credit (LIHTC) 136 Pine St, Elizabeth 86 low-income homes · In service since 2005
- Westminster Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 380 Irvington Ave, Elizabeth 84 homes, 83 low-income · In service since 2012
- The Station at Grant Avenue Tax credit (LIHTC) 738 S 2nd St, Plainfield 90 homes, 80 low-income
- John T. Gregorio Towers HUD-assisted 1425 Dill Ave, Linden 07036 78 homes, 77 low-income · For older adults
- Litc#06401 Alexian Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 122 7th St, Elizabeth 07201 75 low-income homes · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Horizons at Plainfield Tax credit (LIHTC) 13 Somerset St, Plainfield 75 homes, 74 low-income · In service since 2003
- Alexian Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 122 7th St, Elizabeth 74 low-income homes · In service since 2006
- Elizabeth Hope Vi - Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 216 Front St, Elizabeth 72 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Village at Garwood HUD-assisted 320 2nd Ave, Garwood 07027 72 homes, 71 low-income · For older adults
- Village at Garwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 320 2nd Ave, Garwood 71 low-income homes · In service since 2015
- Immaculate Conception Senior Residence Inc. HUD-assisted 59-63 Westfield Ave, Elizabeth 07208 70 low-income homes · For older adults
- Water Edge Crescent Tax credit (LIHTC) 80 Magnolia Ave, Elizabeth 70 low-income homes · In service since 2010
- Westminster Heights #1101 Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 420 Irvington Ave, Elizabeth 07208 83 homes, 60 low-income · In service since 2014 · For families · (609) 298-2229
- Morningstar Senior Citizen Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Cranford Ave, Linden 60 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Oaks at Westminster Tax credit (LIHTC) 350 Irvington Ave, Elizabeth 60 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Oaks at Westminster HUD-assisted 410 Irvington Ave, Elizabeth 07208 60 low-income homes · For families · (908) 354-0485
- Parkers View HUD-assisted 450 Irvington Ave, Elizabeth 07208 60 homes, 59 low-income · For families
- E-Port Family Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 3rd St, Elizabeth 59 low-income homes · In service since 2019
- Parker's View Tax credit (LIHTC) 230 Parker Rd, Elizabeth 59 low-income homes · In service since 2018
- Rahway Residences for the Arts Tax credit (LIHTC) 219 Central Ave, Rahway 58 low-income homes · In service since 2018
- Covenant Manor HUD-assisted 623 E Front St, Plainfield 07060 58 homes, 57 low-income · For older adults · (908) 791-9430
- Glendenning HMS Public housing 909 Leesville Ave, Rahway 07065 54 low-income homes · Run by Rahway Housing Authority · Average payment: $838 a month · (732) 499-0066
- Elizabeth Center Apartments HUD-assisted 809 Pearl St, Elizabeth 07202 260 homes, 52 low-income · For families · (908) 351-5332
- Jack & Margaret Myers Senior Residence HUD-assisted 1447 Esterbrook Ave, Rahway 07065 51 low-income homes · For older adults
- Elmwood Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 532 W 2nd St, Plainfield 58 homes, 50 low-income
- Heritage Village at Elizabeth HUD-assisted · Public housing 225 2nd St, Elizabeth 07206 87 homes, 46 low-income · For older adults · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · (609) 298-2229
- Winfield Scott Tower Tax credit (LIHTC) 323 N Broad St, Elizabeth 48 homes, 46 low-income · 1 bd: 47 · In service since 1998
- Roselle Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 Grand St, Roselle 46 low-income homes · In service since 2009
- JFK of Rahway HUD-assisted 1470 Witherspoon St, Rahway 07065 40 low-income homes · For families
- Union City Renaissance Tax credit (LIHTC) 170 1st St, Elizabeth 37 homes, 36 low-income · In service since 2012
- Marina Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 68 S Park St, Elizabeth 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2002
- Sierra Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 138 Madison Ave, Elizabeth 33 low-income homes · Studio: 19 · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2012 · For families
- 205 First Street Senior Housing Development Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 1st St, Elizabeth 31 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Portside II HUD-assisted 136 Pine St, Elizabeth 07206 169 homes, 28 low-income · For families · (609) 298-2229
- James T Kirk Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 620 1st Ave, Elizabeth 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2001
- James T. Kirk Gardens (senior Residence) Tax credit (LIHTC) 620 1st Ave, Elizabeth 24 low-income homes · In service since 2001
- Westminster Heights Public housing 440 Irvington Ave, Elizabeth 07208 84 homes, 23 low-income · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · (908) 965-2400
- Millennium Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Fulton St, Elizabeth 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2012
- Waters Edge Crescent Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 80 Magnolia Ave, Elizabeth 07206 71 homes, 22 low-income · In service since 2010 · For families · (908) 352-2900
- New Providence Affordable Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Academy St, New Providence 22 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Aamh-Elizabeth Scattered Sites Tax credit (LIHTC) 22 Jacques St, Elizabeth 21 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Urban Renewal of Elizabethport Tax credit (LIHTC) 177 1st St, Elizabeth 21 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Urban Renewal of Elizabethport, L.P. Tax credit (LIHTC) 171 1st St, Elizabeth 21 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Madison Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 441 Madison Ave, Elizabeth 17 low-income homes · In service since 2010
- Cacciola Place HUD-assisted 202 Cacciola Pl, Westfield 07090 16 low-income homes · For families
- Freeman Apts HUD-assisted 41 Hillside Ave, Springfield 07081 13 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- 205 First Street Public housing 205 1st St, Elizabeth 07206 31 homes, 12 low-income · Run by Elizabeth Housing Authority · (908) 965-2400
- 800 East Jersey Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 E Jersey St, Elizabeth 12 low-income homes · In service since 1997
- 950 East Grand Corporation Tax credit (LIHTC) 950 E Grand St, Elizabeth 12 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Broadway Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 136 1st St, Elizabeth 12 low-income homes · In service since 1995
- The Apartments at St. Elizabeths HUD-assisted 176 Hussa St, Linden 07036 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities
- East Front Street Condominiums Tax credit (LIHTC) 132 E Front St, Plainfield 10 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Mohawk/Runnymede HUD-assisted 56 Mohawk Trl, Westfield 07090 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Group Home III HUD-assisted 936 Terrill Rd, Plainfield 07062 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities
- Fanwood Group Home HUD-assisted 60 North Ave, Fanwood 07023 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Roselle Apartments HUD-assisted 141 W 1st Ave, Roselle 07203 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Union County Supported Living HUD-assisted 482 Booth Ct, Rahway 07065 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- 217-219 First Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 217 1st St, Elizabeth 5 homes, 4 low-income · In service since 1992
- 120-126 Westfield Avenue Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 Westfield Ave, Elizabeth 4 low-income homes · In service since 1990
- CPNJ Plainfield Residence 2009 HUD-assisted 1022 Field Ave, Plainfield 07060 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- CPNJ Plainfield Residence II HUD-assisted 1019 Hillside Ave, Plainfield 07060 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (973) 756-5400
- Elm Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Elm St, Elizabeth 4 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- First Avenue Project Tax credit (LIHTC) 307 W 1st Ave, Roselle 4 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- South State Street, LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 1217 S State St, Hillside 4 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Summer Street, LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 632 Summer St, Elizabeth 4 low-income homes · In service since 1996
- Elizabeth Towers HUD-assisted 315 W Grand St, Elizabeth 07202 193 homes · For older adults · (908) 355-4500
- Pinewood Hall HUD-assisted 250 W 2nd Ave, Roselle 07203 170 homes · For older adults
- Rosegate #692 Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 E Hazelwood Ave, Rahway 07065 150 homes · In service since 2005
- Cedarbrook Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1272 Park Ave, Plainfield 141 homes · In service since 2010
- Cedarbrook Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1272 Park Ave, Plainfield 07060 140 homes · In service since 2010
- Litc#0847 Cedarbrook Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1272 Park Ave, Plainfield 07060 140 homes · In service since 2009
- Second Westfield SR. Citizen Housing #362 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1129 Boynton Ave, Westfield 07090 131 homes · In service since 2012
- Westport Homes Hope Vi #600 Tax credit (LIHTC) 255 3rd St, Elizabeth 07206 107 homes · In service since 2012
- Cranford Lincoln Apartments #207 Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Lincoln Ave E, Cranford 07016 100 homes · In service since 1993
- Horizons at Plainfield #657 Tax credit (LIHTC) 130 W Front St, Plainfield 07060 74 homes · In service since 2003
- Elizabeth Hope Vi - Phase I #560 Tax credit (LIHTC) Elizabethport Hope Vi Phase I 255 Third Street, Elizabeth 72 homes · In service since 2012
- Morningstar Senior Citizen HSG. #341 Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Cranford Ave, Linden 07036 60 homes · In service since 2012
- Oaks at Westminster #1102 Tax credit (LIHTC) Urban RNWL LLC 410 Irvington Ave, Elizabeth 07208 60 homes · In service since 2013
- Cedarbrook Park Apts HUD-assisted 1272 Park Ave, Plainfield 07060 57 homes · For older adults
- Winfield Scott Tower #475 Tax credit (LIHTC) 323 N Broad St, Elizabeth 07208 48 homes · In service since 2012
- Roselle Senior Residence Facility Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 Grand St, Roselle 07203 46 homes · In service since 2009
- Marina Village #628 Tax credit (LIHTC) 147 1st St, Elizabeth 07206 34 homes · In service since 2002
- YMCA Sierra Gardens #656 Tax credit (LIHTC) 144 Madison Ave, Elizabeth 07201 33 homes · In service since 2012
- James T. Kirk Gardens #537 Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Fulton St, Elizabeth 07206 24 homes · In service since 2012
- Millennium Gardens #593 Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Fulton St, Elizabeth 07206 24 homes · In service since 2012
- New Providence Affordable SR. HSG. #403 Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Academy St, New Providence 07974 22 homes · In service since 2012
- Aamh-Elizabeth Scattered Sites #201 Tax credit (LIHTC) 715 Morris Ave, 22 Jacques ST. 501 Morris Ave, 100 Grand ST., Elizabeth 21 homes · In service since 2014
- Urban Renewal of Elizabethport, L.P. #552 Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 2nd St, Elizabeth 21 homes · In service since 2000
- 800 East Jersey Street #469 Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 E Jersey St, Elizabeth 07201 12 homes · In service since 2012
- 950 East Grand Corp Tax credit (LIHTC) 950 E Grand St, Elizabeth 12 homes · In service since 2012
- 950 East Grand Corp #315 Tax credit (LIHTC) 950 E Grand St, Elizabeth 07201 12 homes · In service since 2012
- Broadway Apartments #344 Tax credit (LIHTC) 136 1st St, Elizabeth 07206 12 homes · In service since 1995
- Magill Assoc Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 E Jersey St, Elizabeth 12 homes · In service since 2012
- East Front ST Condominiums Tax credit (LIHTC) 132 E Front St, Plainfield 10 homes · In service since 2012
- East Front ST. Condominiums #200 Tax credit (LIHTC) 132 E Front St, Plainfield 07060 10 homes · In service since 2012
- 120 Westfield Ave Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 Westfield Ave, Elizabeth 4 homes · In service since 2012
- Elm Street #407 Tax credit (LIHTC) 812 Elm St, Roselle Park 4 homes · In service since 2012
- Elm Street Development Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Elm St, Elizabeth 4 homes · In service since 2012
- South State Street, LP #369 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1217 S State St, Hillside 07205 4 homes · In service since 2012
- Summer Street, L.P. #435 Tax credit (LIHTC) 636 Summer St, Elizabeth 07202 4 homes · In service since 2012
5 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Union County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 7 agencies serve in Union 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 | $29,050 | $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
- Elizabeth Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,345 vouchers · 1,507 public housing units (908) 965-2400 Elizabeth Housing Authority: wjones@hacenj.com
- Plainfield Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 915 vouchers · 344 public housing units (908) 769-6335
- Housing Authority City of Linden Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 362 vouchers · 201 public housing units (908) 298-3820 Housing Authority City of Linden: mberghammer@lindenha.org
- Rahway Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 257 vouchers · 215 public housing units (732) 499-0066 Rahway Housing Authority: jmaier@rha165.org
- Union County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 439 vouchers (732) 382-8100 Union County Housing Authority: Robin@developmentdirectionsllc.com
- Union Township Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 167 vouchers (973) 761-0059
- Summit Housing Authority Public housing (908) 273-6413 Summit Housing Authority: kkinard@morristownha.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 Union County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Union County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Urban League of Union County
1139 E Jersey St Ste 515, Elizabeth
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Union County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,990 in 07201 to $3,130 in 07023. 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 Union County?
HUD lists 131 properties with homes for low-income households in Union 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 Union County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Union County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in New Jersey, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).