Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cherokee County, Oklahoma
Cherokee County has a HUD fair market rent of $943 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $831 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.13 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $943
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 16% less than in Oklahoma
- Typical rent
- $831
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% less than in Oklahoma
- Wage needed
- $18.13
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% less than in Oklahoma
Only here
Renting in Cherokee County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Adair County has the lowest typical rent ($667), 20% below the $831 in Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee County was $1,105 a month in September 2026: 0.7% 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 | $746 | $14.35 | $29,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $750 | $14.42 | $30,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $943 | $18.13 | $37,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,187 | $22.83 | $47,480 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,239 | $23.83 | $49,560 |
HUD area: Cherokee County, OK. 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 11 ZIP codes in Cherokee County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 74427 to $1,110 in 74451. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($943).
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)
| 74427 | Cherokee County, OK | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74441 | Cherokee County, OK | $800 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,330 |
| 74441 | Mayes County, OK | $800 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,330 |
| 74441 | Tulsa, OK | $800 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,330 |
| 74451 | Cherokee County, OK | $880 | $880 | $1,110 | $1,400 | $1,460 |
| 74452 | Cherokee County, OK | $780 | $780 | $990 | $1,290 | $1,320 |
| 74452 | Mayes County, OK | $780 | $780 | $990 | $1,290 | $1,320 |
| 74457 | Adair County, OK | $760 | $780 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,340 |
| 74457 | Cherokee County, OK | $760 | $780 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,340 |
| 74464 | Cherokee County, OK | $770 | $770 | $970 | $1,220 | $1,270 |
| 74471 | Cherokee County, OK | $720 | $730 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,200 |
- 74427 · Cherokee County, OK $920$1,150
- 74441 · Cherokee County, OK $1,010$1,270
- 74441 · Mayes County, OK $1,010$1,270
- 74441 · Tulsa, OK $1,010$1,270
- 74451 · Cherokee County, OK $1,110$1,400
- 74452 · Cherokee County, OK $990$1,290
- 74452 · Mayes County, OK $990$1,290
- 74457 · Adair County, OK $990$1,240
- 74457 · Cherokee County, OK $990$1,240
- 74464 · Cherokee County, OK $970$1,220
- 74471 · Cherokee County, OK $920$1,150
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 Cherokee County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Oklahoma, 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,407 households rent in Cherokee County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cherokee 42%
- Oklahoma 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cherokee County
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Cherokee County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 7
647 homes in all; 520 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Garden Walk of Tahlequah HUD-assisted 18165 W 798 Rd, Tahlequah 74464 174 homes, 127 low-income · For families · (918) 456-0561
- Tahlequah Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 608 Pamela St, Tahlequah 74464 118 homes, 117 low-income · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 55 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2003 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Ozark Ridge Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1371 W Ozark, Tahlequah 74464 32 low-income homes · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Stonebrook Park of Tahlequah Tax credit (LIHTC) 650 Stonebrook Dr, Tahlequah 74464 32 homes, 31 low-income · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 2011 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Ozark Ridge Affordable Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1390 W Red Oak St, Tahlequah 74464 26 low-income homes · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Sequoyah Heights HUD-assisted 903 W Fox St, Tahlequah 74464 25 homes, 24 low-income · For older adults · (918) 458-5478
- Redbud Housing HUD-assisted 1030 Highway 82A, Tahlequah 74464 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (918) 868-6080
- Savannah Park of Tahlequah Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 S Sandstone Ave, Tahlequah 74464 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2001
- Autumn Heights HUD-assisted 1500 Hensley Dr, Tahlequah 74464 23 low-income homes · For older adults · (918) 456-5572
- Cookson Hills Community Action Foundation HUD-assisted 1350 N Jones Ave, Tahlequah 74464 23 homes, 22 low-income · For older adults · (918) 718-1618
- Wood Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 W 4th St, Tahlequah 74464 53 homes, 21 low-income · In service since 1994
- Mission Village of Tahlequah Tax credit (LIHTC) 659 S Village Dr, Tahlequah 74464 24 homes, 21 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Cookson Hills Hulbert Homes HUD-assisted 403 E Main St, Hulbert 74441 15 homes, 14 low-income · For older adults · (918) 316-7141
- New Seasons HUD-assisted 1021 S Campbell Rd, Tahlequah 74464 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (918) 458-3000
- Wisdom Keepers Tax credit (LIHTC) 1286 W 4th St, Tahlequah 74464 39 homes · In service since 2004
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 Cherokee County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Cherokee County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $15,960 | $26,600 | $42,500 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,400 | $48,600 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,200 | $54,650 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $37,950 | $60,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $41,000 | $65,600 |
| 6 people | $44,050 | $44,050 | $70,450 |
| 7 people | $47,100 | $47,100 | $75,300 |
| 8 people | $50,100 | $50,100 | $80,150 |
Area median income: $71,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cherokee County, OK. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $671 – $821
- 1 bedroom $675 – $825
- 2 bedrooms $849 – $1,037
- 3 bedrooms $1,068 – $1,306
- 4 bedrooms $1,115 – $1,363
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Cherokee County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in Oklahoma
What Oklahoma 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?
- 45 days
- Okla. Stat. tit. 41, §115(B)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 5 days
- Okla. Stat. tit. 41, §131(B)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Okla. Stat. tit. 41, §111(A)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Cherokee County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Quickcert, Inc.
7122 S Sheridan Rd Ste 2, Tulsa · 52 miles away · Spanish
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Rental counseling
- and 1 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Cherokee 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 Oklahoma, the average home bill was $132 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
$1,886
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $943
- Security deposit
- $943
- Total
- $1,886
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 Cherokee County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $746; 1 bedroom: $750; 2 bedrooms: $943; 3 bedrooms: $1,187; 4 bedrooms: $1,239. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cherokee County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($943) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.13 an hour full time, or $37,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cherokee County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $37,950 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 Cherokee 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 $849 and $1,037 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Cherokee County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $920 in 74427 to $1,110 in 74451. 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 Cherokee County?
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Cherokee 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 Cherokee County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cherokee County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Oklahoma, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).