Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Darke County, Ohio
Darke County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,003 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $779 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,003
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $779
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 25% less than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $19.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,120 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Darke County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Darke County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $779, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Preble County ($794).
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 Darke 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 | $827 | $15.90 | $33,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $832 | $16.00 | $33,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,003 | $19.29 | $40,120 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,350 | $25.96 | $54,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,352 | $26.00 | $54,080 |
HUD area: Darke County, OH. 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 Darke County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 45303 to $1,370 in 45348. 17 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,003).
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)
| 45303 | Darke County, OH | $830 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,350 | $1,350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45304 | Darke County, OH | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,420 | $1,430 |
| 45304 | Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,420 | $1,430 |
| 45304 | Preble County, OH | $870 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,420 | $1,430 |
| 45308 | Darke County, OH | $870 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 45308 | Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $870 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 45328 | Darke County, OH | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,210 | $1,630 | $1,630 |
| 45331 | Darke County, OH | $830 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,350 | $1,350 |
| 45332 | Darke County, OH | $820 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,380 | $1,400 |
| 45346 | Darke County, OH | $890 | $900 | $1,080 | $1,450 | $1,460 |
| 45348 | Darke County, OH | $1,130 | $1,140 | $1,370 | $1,840 | $1,850 |
| 45348 | Mercer County, OH | $1,130 | $1,140 | $1,370 | $1,840 | $1,850 |
| 45350 | Darke County, OH | $940 | $940 | $1,130 | $1,520 | $1,530 |
| 45351 | Darke County, OH | $910 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,480 | $1,480 |
| 45352 | Darke County, OH | $830 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,350 | $1,350 |
| 45358 | Darke County, OH | $920 | $920 | $1,110 | $1,490 | $1,500 |
| 45362 | Darke County, OH | $830 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,350 | $1,350 |
| 45380 | Darke County, OH | $830 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,350 | $1,350 |
| 45380 | Shelby County, OH | $830 | $830 | $1,000 | $1,350 | $1,350 |
| 45388 | Darke County, OH | $850 | $860 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,440 |
| 45388 | Mercer County, OH | $850 | $860 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,440 |
| 45388 | Shelby County, OH | $850 | $860 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,440 |
| 45390 | Darke County, OH | $870 | $870 | $1,050 | $1,410 | $1,420 |
- 45303 · Darke County, OH $1,000$1,350
- 45304 · Darke County, OH $1,060$1,420
- 45304 · Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH $1,060$1,420
- 45304 · Preble County, OH $1,060$1,420
- 45308 · Darke County, OH $1,100$1,470
- 45308 · Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH $1,100$1,470
- 45328 · Darke County, OH $1,210$1,630
- 45331 · Darke County, OH $1,000$1,350
- 45332 · Darke County, OH $1,040$1,380
- 45346 · Darke County, OH $1,080$1,450
- 45348 · Darke County, OH $1,370$1,840
- 45348 · Mercer County, OH $1,370$1,840
- 45350 · Darke County, OH $1,130$1,520
- 45351 · Darke County, OH $1,100$1,480
- 45352 · Darke County, OH $1,000$1,350
- 45358 · Darke County, OH $1,110$1,490
- 45362 · Darke County, OH $1,000$1,350
- 45380 · Darke County, OH $1,000$1,350
- 45380 · Shelby County, OH $1,000$1,350
- 45388 · Darke County, OH $1,060$1,410
- 45388 · Mercer County, OH $1,060$1,410
- 45388 · Shelby County, OH $1,060$1,410
- 45390 · Darke County, OH $1,050$1,410
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 Darke County, 41% 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.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,884 households rent in Darke County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Darke 41%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Darke County
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Darke County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 6
- HUD-assisted
- 5
538 homes in all; 538 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Treaty City Manor HUD-assisted 650 Wagner Ave, Greenville 45331 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (937) 548-0932
- Hunter's Oak Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1199 E Russ Rd, Greenville 45331 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Peppermint Village HUD-assisted 118 E Spearmint St, Union City 45390 68 low-income homes · For families · (937) 968-4208
- Fox Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 1230 Adrien Ave, Greenville 45331 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Greenville Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1350 Benden Way, Greenville 45331 60 low-income homes · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Wayne Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 894 E Russ Rd, Greenville 45331 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2010
- Fleur-de-Lis Court HUD-assisted 110 Marker Rd, Versailles 45380 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (937) 526-5555
- Surrey Lane Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Oxford Dr, Greenville 45331 36 low-income homes · In service since 1989
- Knollwood Commons HUD-assisted 413 N Division St, Union City 45390 30 low-income homes · For families · (937) 968-5877
- Oxford Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Oxford Dr, Greenville 45331 24 low-income homes · In service since 1989
- Birchwood Gardens Apartments HUD-assisted 565 Franklin St, Versailles 45380 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (937) 526-5110
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 Darke 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 Darke 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 | $30,750 | $49,200 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,150 | $56,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,550 | $63,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,900 | $70,250 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,450 | $75,900 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,950 | $81,500 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,450 | $87,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $57,950 | $92,750 |
Area median income: $87,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Darke County, OH. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $744 – $910
- 1 bedroom $749 – $915
- 2 bedrooms $903 – $1,103
- 3 bedrooms $1,215 – $1,485
- 4 bedrooms $1,217 – $1,487
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
- Darke County Metropolitian Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 318 vouchers (937) 548-5380 Darke County Metropolitian Housing Authority: megan.campbell@mvcap.com
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 Darke County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Nid-Hca Trotwood
4000 Lake Center Dr, Trotwood · 27 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
-
Nid-Hca Dayton
4403 N Main St, 1st FL, Dayton · 31 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
-
Greenpath Financial Wellness
2465 Executive Park Blvd, Fairborn · 38 miles away · Spanish
- 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 Darke 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
$2,006
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,003
- Security deposit
- $1,003
- Total
- $2,006
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 Darke County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $827; 1 bedroom: $832; 2 bedrooms: $1,003; 3 bedrooms: $1,350; 4 bedrooms: $1,352. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Darke County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,003) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.29 an hour full time, or $40,120 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Darke County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,900 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 Darke 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 $903 and $1,103 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Darke County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 45303 to $1,370 in 45348. 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 Darke County?
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Darke 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 Darke County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Darke County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).