Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lawrence County, Ohio
Lawrence County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,006 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $848 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.35 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,006
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $848
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% less than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $19.35
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Lawrence County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
13% of households in Lawrence County have no internet at home, against 7% in Ohio.
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 Lawrence 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 | $858 | $16.50 | $34,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $864 | $16.62 | $34,560 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,006 | $19.35 | $40,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,287 | $24.75 | $51,480 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,393 | $26.79 | $55,720 |
HUD area: Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-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 13 ZIP codes in Lawrence County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 45619 to $1,050 in 45645. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,006).
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)
| 45619 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $860 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45638 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $850 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,390 |
| 45638 | Scioto County, OH | $850 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,390 |
| 45645 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $900 | $900 | $1,050 | $1,340 | $1,450 |
| 45659 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $860 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
| 45659 | Scioto County, OH | $860 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
| 45669 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $860 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
| 45678 | Gallia County, OH | $830 | $890 | $1,020 | $1,320 | $1,550 |
| 45678 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $830 | $890 | $1,020 | $1,320 | $1,550 |
| 45680 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $860 | $860 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
| 45688 | Gallia County, OH | $830 | $840 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,470 |
| 45688 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $830 | $840 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,470 |
| 45696 | Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $880 | $880 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,430 |
- 45619 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,000$1,280
- 45638 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,000$1,290
- 45638 · Scioto County, OH $1,000$1,290
- 45645 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,050$1,340
- 45659 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,000$1,280
- 45659 · Scioto County, OH $1,000$1,280
- 45669 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,000$1,280
- 45678 · Gallia County, OH $1,020$1,320
- 45678 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,020$1,320
- 45680 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,000$1,280
- 45688 · Gallia County, OH $1,000$1,280
- 45688 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,000$1,280
- 45696 · Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH $1,030$1,320
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 Lawrence County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,276 households rent in Lawrence County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lawrence 44%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lawrence County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Lawrence 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)
- 6
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 2
830 homes in all; 687 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Sherman Thompson Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 275 N 3rd St, Ironton 45638 151 low-income homes · In service since 2017 · For older adults · (740) 532-0694
- River Hills Apartments Public housing 720 Washington St, Ironton 45638 142 homes, 131 low-income · Run by Ironton Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $364 a month · Average wait: 10 months · Homes at several sites · (740) 532-8658
- River Hills Apartments Public housing 703 S 9th St, Ironton 45638 118 low-income homes · Run by Ironton Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $331 a month · Average wait: 11 months · Homes at several sites · (740) 532-8658
- Lawrence Village HUD-assisted 1097 County Road 1, South Point 45680 70 low-income homes · For families
- Storms Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1505 Lawrence St, Ironton 45638 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Cooper Crossing HUD-assisted 223 Township Road 1186, South Point 45680 44 homes, 43 low-income · For families · (740) 377-9327
- Riverview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 21602 State Route 243, Proctorville 45669 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1996
- Park Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Park Ave, Ironton 45638 50 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Tenth Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Park Ave, Ironton 45638 31 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Proctors Landing HUD-assisted 7894 County Road 107, Proctorville 45669 56 homes, 6 low-income · (740) 886-1300
- Park Avenue Apartments HUD-assisted 202 Park Ave, Ironton 45638 45 homes, 5 low-income · (740) 534-0375
- 10th Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 321 S 5th St, Ironton 45638 31 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 | $17,500 | $29,200 | $46,700 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,350 | $53,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,500 | $60,000 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $41,650 | $66,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,000 | $72,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $48,350 | $77,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $51,650 | $82,650 |
| 8 people | $55,000 | $55,000 | $88,000 |
Area median income: $83,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $772 – $944
- 1 bedroom $778 – $950
- 2 bedrooms $905 – $1,107
- 3 bedrooms $1,158 – $1,416
- 4 bedrooms $1,254 – $1,532
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
- Ironton Metropolitan Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 88 vouchers · 249 public housing units (740) 532-8658 Ironton Metropolitan Housing Authority: kjones@irontonmha.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 Lawrence County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Lawrence County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lawrence 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
$2,012
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,006
- Security deposit
- $1,006
- Total
- $2,012
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 Lawrence County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $858; 1 bedroom: $864; 2 bedrooms: $1,006; 3 bedrooms: $1,287; 4 bedrooms: $1,393. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lawrence County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,006) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.35 an hour full time, or $40,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lawrence County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $41,650 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 Lawrence 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 $905 and $1,107 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lawrence County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 45619 to $1,050 in 45645. 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 Lawrence County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lawrence County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).