Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Oswego County, New York
Oswego County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,493 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $967 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.71 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,493
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 38% less than in New York
- Typical rent
- $967
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 40% less than in New York
- Wage needed
- $28.71
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $59,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in New York
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 Oswego 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 Oswego County was $1,384 a month in September 2026: 16.9% 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 | $1,050 | $20.19 | $42,000 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,196 | $23.00 | $47,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,493 | $28.71 | $59,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,808 | $34.77 | $72,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,962 | $37.73 | $78,480 |
HUD area: Syracuse, NY 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 29 ZIP codes in Oswego County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 13114 to $1,680 in 13167. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,493).
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)
| 13028 | Syracuse, NY | $920 | $1,030 | $1,290 | $1,560 | $1,720 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13036 | Syracuse, NY | $1,000 | $1,140 | $1,420 | $1,720 | $1,870 |
| 13044 | Syracuse, NY | $940 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,610 | $1,750 |
| 13069 | Syracuse, NY | $900 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,550 | $1,680 |
| 13074 | Cayuga County, NY | $1,100 | $1,250 | $1,560 | $1,890 | $2,050 |
| 13074 | Syracuse, NY | $1,100 | $1,250 | $1,560 | $1,890 | $2,050 |
| 13076 | Syracuse, NY | $1,010 | $1,160 | $1,440 | $1,740 | $1,900 |
| 13083 | Syracuse, NY | $940 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,720 | $2,110 |
| 13083 | Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $940 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,720 | $2,110 |
| 13103 | Syracuse, NY | $1,170 | $1,310 | $1,620 | $1,970 | $2,220 |
| 13114 | Syracuse, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 13115 | Syracuse, NY | $1,170 | $1,340 | $1,670 | $2,020 | $2,190 |
| 13121 | Syracuse, NY | $950 | $1,080 | $1,350 | $1,640 | $1,770 |
| 13126 | Cayuga County, NY | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,440 | $1,740 | $1,890 |
| 13126 | Syracuse, NY | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,440 | $1,740 | $1,890 |
| 13131 | Syracuse, NY | $1,040 | $1,190 | $1,480 | $1,790 | $1,950 |
| 13132 | Syracuse, NY | $1,140 | $1,300 | $1,620 | $1,960 | $2,130 |
| 13135 | Syracuse, NY | $950 | $1,080 | $1,350 | $1,640 | $1,770 |
| 13142 | Syracuse, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 13144 | Syracuse, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 13145 | Syracuse, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,720 | $2,110 |
| 13145 | Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,720 | $2,110 |
| 13167 | Syracuse, NY | $1,180 | $1,350 | $1,680 | $2,030 | $2,210 |
| 13302 | Syracuse, NY | $980 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,680 | $1,830 |
| 13437 | Lewis County, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 13437 | Syracuse, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 13493 | Lewis County, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 13493 | Syracuse, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 13493 | Utica-Rome, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
- 13028 · Syracuse, NY $1,290$1,560
- 13036 · Syracuse, NY $1,420$1,720
- 13044 · Syracuse, NY $1,330$1,610
- 13069 · Syracuse, NY $1,280$1,550
- 13074 · Cayuga County, NY $1,560$1,890
- 13074 · Syracuse, NY $1,560$1,890
- 13076 · Syracuse, NY $1,440$1,740
- 13083 · Syracuse, NY $1,330$1,720
- 13083 · Watertown-Fort Drum, NY $1,330$1,720
- 13103 · Syracuse, NY $1,620$1,970
- 13114 · Syracuse, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13115 · Syracuse, NY $1,670$2,020
- 13121 · Syracuse, NY $1,350$1,640
- 13126 · Cayuga County, NY $1,440$1,740
- 13126 · Syracuse, NY $1,440$1,740
- 13131 · Syracuse, NY $1,480$1,790
- 13132 · Syracuse, NY $1,620$1,960
- 13135 · Syracuse, NY $1,350$1,640
- 13142 · Syracuse, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13144 · Syracuse, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13145 · Syracuse, NY $1,270$1,720
- 13145 · Watertown-Fort Drum, NY $1,270$1,720
- 13167 · Syracuse, NY $1,680$2,030
- 13302 · Syracuse, NY $1,390$1,680
- 13437 · Lewis County, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13437 · Syracuse, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13493 · Lewis County, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13493 · Syracuse, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13493 · Utica-Rome, NY $1,260$1,530
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 Oswego County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in New York, 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.
12,559 households rent in Oswego County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Oswego 51%
- New York 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Oswego County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Oswego County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 4
928 homes in all; 923 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Pathfinder Courts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Emery St, Fulton 13069 136 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Fulton Mill Apts HUD-assisted 265 W 1st St S, Fulton 13069 108 homes, 107 low-income · For older adults · (315) 593-2738
- ST. Lukes Elderly Housing HUD-assisted 131 W 1st St, Oswego 13126 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (315) 343-0821
- Pontiac Terrace Apts HUD-assisted 225 W 1st St, Oswego 13126 70 low-income homes · For older adults · (315) 342-1101
- Meadowview Apartments HUD-assisted 800 Meadowview Dr, Central Square 13036 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (315) 668-8086
- Oswego Hamilton Homes Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 91 Hamilton St, Oswego 13126 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- Oswego Hamilton Homes Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) 96 Hamilton St, Oswego 13126 57 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 19 · In service since 2011
- Champlain Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Samuel Way, Scriba 13126 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2019 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Oswego Hamilton Homes Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 92 Hamilton St, Oswego 13126 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Christopher Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 22 Maplehurst Dr, Phoenix 13135 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Minetto Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2785 State Route 48, Minetto 13115 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Waterworks Landing Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2231 County Route 12, Central Square 13036 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- John Warren Wight Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 169 Ames St, Mexico 13114 31 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Seaway Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 472 W 1st St, Oswego 13126 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2013
- Austin Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 42 Maplehurst Dr, Phoenix 13135 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Patrick Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 32 Maplehurst Dr, Phoenix 13135 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Oak Street Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Oak St, Fulton 13069 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Wilbur Fay Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Emery St, Fulton 13069 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 31 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Oswego County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Oswego 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 | $22,450 | $37,400 | $59,850 |
| 2 people | $25,650 | $42,750 | $68,400 |
| 3 people | $28,850 | $48,100 | $76,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,400 | $85,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,700 | $92,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,950 | $99,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,250 | $106,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,500 | $112,800 |
Area median income: $106,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Syracuse, NY MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $945 – $1,155
- 1 bedroom $1,076 – $1,316
- 2 bedrooms $1,344 – $1,642
- 3 bedrooms $1,627 – $1,989
- 4 bedrooms $1,766 – $2,158
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
- City of Oswego, Office of Community Dev. Section 8 vouchers · 489 vouchers (315) 908-7465 City of Oswego, Office of Community Dev.: jgallagher@oswegony.org
- City of Fulton Section 8 vouchers · 485 vouchers (315) 593-7166 City of Fulton: fultonhousing@fultoncda.com
Housing agencies in New York Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in New York
What New York law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108(1-a)(a)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 14 days
- N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108(1-a)(e)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- N.Y. Real Prop. Acts. Law §711(2)
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the case
- N.Y. Real Prop. Law §226-c(1)(a), (2)
- Only a court order can remove youN.Y. Real Prop. Acts. Law §768(1)(a)
- Protection from retaliationN.Y. Real Prop. Law §223-b(1)
- Protection related to immigration statusN.Y. Exec. Law §296(5)(a)(3)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Oswego County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Oswego County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
City of Fulton Community Development Agency
125 W Broadway, Fulton
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Oswego 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 York, the average home bill was $140 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
$2,986
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,493
- Security deposit
- $1,493
- Total
- $2,986
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 Oswego County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,050; 1 bedroom: $1,196; 2 bedrooms: $1,493; 3 bedrooms: $1,808; 4 bedrooms: $1,962. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Oswego County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,493) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.71 an hour full time, or $59,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Oswego County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,400 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 Oswego County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,344 and $1,642 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Oswego County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 13114 to $1,680 in 13167. 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 Oswego County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Oswego County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Oswego County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Oswego County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in New York, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).