Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Knox County, Ohio
Knox County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,136 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $950 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.85 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,136
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 11% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $950
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 8% less than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $21.85
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $45,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Knox County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Coshocton County has the lowest typical rent ($765), 19% below the $950 in Knox County.
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 Knox 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 Knox County was $1,344 a month in September 2026. 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 | $814 | $15.65 | $32,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $927 | $17.83 | $37,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,136 | $21.85 | $45,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,444 | $27.77 | $57,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,498 | $28.81 | $59,920 |
HUD area: Knox 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 12 ZIP codes in Knox County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,040 in 43011 to $1,410 in 43028. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,136).
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)
| 43005 | Knox County, OH | $860 | $940 | $1,120 | $1,420 | $1,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43011 | Columbus, OH | $760 | $850 | $1,040 | $1,300 | $1,380 |
| 43011 | Knox County, OH | $760 | $850 | $1,040 | $1,300 | $1,380 |
| 43014 | Knox County, OH | $790 | $900 | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| 43019 | Columbus, OH | $790 | $880 | $1,080 | $1,340 | $1,430 |
| 43019 | Knox County, OH | $790 | $880 | $1,080 | $1,340 | $1,430 |
| 43019 | Mansfield, OH | $790 | $880 | $1,080 | $1,340 | $1,430 |
| 43022 | Knox County, OH | $820 | $910 | $1,110 | $1,410 | $1,460 |
| 43028 | Knox County, OH | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,410 | $1,790 | $1,860 |
| 43037 | Knox County, OH | $920 | $1,020 | $1,230 | $1,520 | $1,640 |
| 43050 | Columbus, OH | $810 | $920 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 43050 | Knox County, OH | $810 | $920 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
- 43005 · Knox County, OH $1,120$1,420
- 43011 · Columbus, OH $1,040$1,300
- 43011 · Knox County, OH $1,040$1,300
- 43014 · Knox County, OH $1,100$1,400
- 43019 · Columbus, OH $1,080$1,340
- 43019 · Knox County, OH $1,080$1,340
- 43019 · Mansfield, OH $1,080$1,340
- 43022 · Knox County, OH $1,110$1,410
- 43028 · Knox County, OH $1,410$1,790
- 43037 · Knox County, OH $1,230$1,520
- 43050 · Columbus, OH $1,130$1,440
- 43050 · Knox County, OH $1,130$1,440
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 Knox County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,752 households rent in Knox County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Knox 46%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Knox County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Knox County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 6
492 homes in all; 485 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Vernon Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Follin Ave, Mount Vernon 43050 62 low-income homes · 2 bd: 45 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2020
- Vernon Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 713 Follin Ave, Mount Vernon 43050 62 homes, 56 low-income · For families · (740) 397-4450
- Sandusky Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Clarence Ct, Mount Vernon 43050 52 low-income homes · In service since 1987
- Beechtree Apartments HUD-assisted 1365 Yauger Rd, Mount Vernon 43050 52 homes, 51 low-income · For older adults · (740) 397-0276
- Meadow Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 715 726 Follin Avenue, Mount Vernon 43050 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Hillside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 100 McGibney Rd, Mount Vernon 43050 45 low-income homes · 3 bd: 35 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2007 · For families · (614) 485-1169
- JJ Ashburn Plaza/Obgc I HUD-assisted 55 Sychar Rd, Mount Vernon 43050 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (740) 397-3708
- Evergreen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1380 Yauger Rd, Mount Vernon 43050 40 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Mount Vernon Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 11701 Upper Gilchrist Rd, Mount Vernon 43050 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Heart of Ohio Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 64 Heart Ct, Centerburg 43011 25 low-income homes · 3 bd: 6 · 4 bd: 19 · In service since 2010
- Centerburg Place HUD-assisted 164 W Houck St, Centerburg 43011 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (740) 625-5669
- Wasmver Apartments HUD-assisted 914 N Mulberry St, Mount Vernon 43050 13 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (740) 397-3708
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 Knox 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 Knox 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 | $19,950 | $33,250 | $53,200 |
| 2 people | $22,800 | $38,000 | $60,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,750 | $68,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,500 | $76,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,300 | $82,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,100 | $88,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,900 | $94,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,700 | $100,350 |
Area median income: $95,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Knox County, OH. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $733 – $895
- 1 bedroom $834 – $1,020
- 2 bedrooms $1,022 – $1,250
- 3 bedrooms $1,300 – $1,588
- 4 bedrooms $1,348 – $1,648
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
- Knox Metropolitan Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 763 vouchers (740) 397-8787 Knox Metropolitan Housing Authority: streisch@knoxmha.org
- Morrow Metropolitan Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 138 vouchers (740) 397-8787 Morrow Metropolitan Housing Authority: streisch@knoxmha.org
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 Knox County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Apprisen - CCCS of Central Ohio, Inc.
700 Taylor Rd Ste 190, Gahanna · 36 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
-
Columbus Housing Partnership, Inc, DBA Homeport
3443 Agler Rd, Columbus · 37 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
-
Columbus Urban League
788 Mount Vernon Ave, Columbus · 42 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Knox 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
$2,272
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,136
- Security deposit
- $1,136
- Total
- $2,272
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 Knox County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $814; 1 bedroom: $927; 2 bedrooms: $1,136; 3 bedrooms: $1,444; 4 bedrooms: $1,498. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Knox County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,136) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.85 an hour full time, or $45,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Knox County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,500 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 Knox 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 $1,022 and $1,250 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Knox County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,040 in 43011 to $1,410 in 43028. 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 Knox County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Knox 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 Knox County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Knox County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).