Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Brown County, Ohio
Brown County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,030 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $817 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.81 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,030
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 19% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $817
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 21% less than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $19.81
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Brown County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Brown County has the 8th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 87 counties in Ohio with this figure (49%).
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 Brown 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $844 | $16.23 | $33,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $849 | $16.33 | $33,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,030 | $19.81 | $41,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,425 | $27.40 | $57,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,722 | $33.12 | $68,880 |
HUD area: Brown County, OH 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 18 ZIP codes in Brown County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 45101 to $1,370 in 45118. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,030).
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)
| 45101 | Adams County, OH | $820 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,380 | $1,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45101 | Brown County, OH | $820 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,380 | $1,680 |
| 45115 | Brown County, OH | $860 | $890 | $1,070 | $1,450 | $1,710 |
| 45118 | Brown County, OH | $1,110 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,890 | $2,270 |
| 45118 | Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $1,110 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,890 | $2,270 |
| 45118 | Highland County, OH | $1,110 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,890 | $2,270 |
| 45119 | Brown County, OH | $840 | $860 | $1,060 | $1,440 | $1,710 |
| 45121 | Brown County, OH | $830 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 45121 | Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $830 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 45130 | Brown County, OH | $840 | $860 | $1,060 | $1,440 | $1,710 |
| 45130 | Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $840 | $860 | $1,060 | $1,440 | $1,710 |
| 45131 | Brown County, OH | $830 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,690 |
| 45154 | Brown County, OH | $850 | $870 | $1,050 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 45154 | Highland County, OH | $850 | $870 | $1,050 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 45167 | Brown County, OH | $820 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,390 | $1,690 |
| 45168 | Brown County, OH | $930 | $940 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 45171 | Brown County, OH | $930 | $1,000 | $1,190 | $1,580 | $1,940 |
| 45171 | Highland County, OH | $930 | $1,000 | $1,190 | $1,580 | $1,940 |
- 45101 · Adams County, OH $1,000$1,380
- 45101 · Brown County, OH $1,000$1,380
- 45115 · Brown County, OH $1,070$1,450
- 45118 · Brown County, OH $1,370$1,890
- 45118 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,370$1,890
- 45118 · Highland County, OH $1,370$1,890
- 45119 · Brown County, OH $1,060$1,440
- 45121 · Brown County, OH $1,010$1,410
- 45121 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,010$1,410
- 45130 · Brown County, OH $1,060$1,440
- 45130 · Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,060$1,440
- 45131 · Brown County, OH $1,010$1,400
- 45154 · Brown County, OH $1,050$1,430
- 45154 · Highland County, OH $1,050$1,430
- 45167 · Brown County, OH $1,000$1,390
- 45168 · Brown County, OH $1,140$1,580
- 45171 · Brown County, OH $1,190$1,580
- 45171 · Highland County, OH $1,190$1,580
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 Brown County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, 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.
3,911 households rent in Brown County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Brown 49%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Brown County
HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Brown 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)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 11
- public housing
- 1
931 homes in all; 812 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Forest Glade Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 9001 Airport Rd, Georgetown 45121 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For families · (937) 378-4565
- Abcap Housing Renovations Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 132 Banting Drive Georgetown, Georgetown 45121 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 58 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Riverbend Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1890 Vista Cir, Aberdeen 45101 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1996
- Hyde Park West HUD-assisted 2 Hyde Park Dr, Mount Orab 45154 48 low-income homes · For families · (937) 444-3509
- Hyde Park West Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Hyde Park Dr, Mount Orab 45154 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2004
- Lake Grant Apartments HUD-assisted 455 W Main St, Mount Orab 45154 47 low-income homes · For families · (937) 444-4213
- Markley Square Apartments HUD-assisted 610 Markley Ave, Georgetown 45121 45 homes, 44 low-income · For families · (937) 378-6460
- Ashley Grove Senior Residence Tax credit (LIHTC) North Side of Grieshop Street, Mount Orab 45154 43 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Springwood Commons HUD-assisted 205 S High St, Mount Orab 45154 43 homes, 42 low-income · For older adults · (937) 444-3880
- Fair Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 133 Maple Ave, Sardinia 45171 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Fair Park Apartments HUD-assisted 133 Maple Ave, Sardinia 45171 40 low-income homes · For families · (937) 446-3494
- Riverbend Apts II (ABERDEEN) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1890 Vista Cir, Aberdeen 45101 40 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Riverview Apartments HUD-assisted 101A Governor St, Ripley 45167 33 low-income homes · For families · (937) 392-4780
- Riverview Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Governor St, Ripley 45167 33 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2003
- Morrison Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 620 E State St, Georgetown 45121 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Lafayette Place Apartments HUD-assisted 190 Lindsey Dr, Fayetteville 45118 30 homes, 29 low-income · For older adults · (937) 378-6041
- Country Place Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 41 Sunset Blvd, Georgetown 45121 24 low-income homes · In service since 1987
- Country Place Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 41 Sunset Blvd, Georgetown 45121 24 low-income homes · In service since 1992
- Ripley Schoolhouse Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 N 2nd St, Ripley 45167 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Scattered Sites Public housing 601 Creekview Dr, Ripley 45167 19 low-income homes · Run by Brown Metropolitian Housing Authority · Average payment: $429 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (937) 378-6041
- Victoria Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 132 Banting Dr, Georgetown 45121 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (937) 378-6041
- Montgomery Manor HUD-assisted 109 Dewey Dr, Sardinia 45171 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (937) 378-6041
- Brown County Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Banting Dr, Georgetown 45121 13 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (937) 378-6041
- Fair Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 133 Maple Ave, Sardinia 45171 76 homes
- Riverbend II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Vista Cir, Aberdeen 45101 39 homes
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 Brown 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 Brown 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 | $18,450 | $30,700 | $49,150 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,100 | $56,150 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,500 | $63,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,850 | $70,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,400 | $75,800 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,900 | $81,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,400 | $87,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $57,900 | $92,600 |
Area median income: $85,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Brown County, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $760 – $928
- 1 bedroom $764 – $934
- 2 bedrooms $927 – $1,133
- 3 bedrooms $1,283 – $1,568
- 4 bedrooms $1,550 – $1,894
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
- Brown Metropolitian Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 47 vouchers · 19 public housing units (937) 378-6041 Brown Metropolitian Housing Authority: spatterson@abcap.net
Housing agencies in Ohio Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Ohio
What Ohio 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.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(B)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §1923.04(A)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §5321.17(B)
- Only a court order can remove youOhio Rev. Code §5321.15(A)
- Protection from retaliationOhio Rev. Code §5321.02(A)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Brown County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Home Ownership Center of Greater Cincinnati
2820 Vernon Pl, Cincinnati · 37 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Brown 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 Ohio, the average home bill was $135 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
$2,060
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,030
- Security deposit
- $1,030
- Total
- $2,060
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 Brown County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $844; 1 bedroom: $849; 2 bedrooms: $1,030; 3 bedrooms: $1,425; 4 bedrooms: $1,722. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Brown County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,030) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.81 an hour full time, or $41,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Brown County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,850 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 Brown 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 $927 and $1,133 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Brown County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 45101 to $1,370 in 45118. 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 Brown County?
HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Brown 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 Brown County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Brown County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).