Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Malheur County, Oregon
Malheur County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $821 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 40% less than in Oregon
- Typical rent
- $821
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 46% less than in Oregon
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 38%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 27% less than in Oregon
Only here
Renting in Malheur County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Malheur County has the lowest typical household income of the 36 counties in Oregon: $54,519.
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Nearby, in Harney County, the typical rent is $684: 17% less than in Malheur County ($821).
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At $821, Malheur County ranks 3rd among the 36 counties in Oregon for the lowest typical rent.
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 Malheur 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 | $711 | $13.67 | $28,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $931 | $17.90 | $37,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,404 | $27.00 | $56,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,695 | $32.60 | $67,800 |
HUD area: Malheur County, OR. 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 16 ZIP codes in Malheur County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 97903 to $1,500 in 97910. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
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)
| 89421 | Humboldt County, NV | $920 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,540 | $2,050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89421 | Malheur County, OR | $920 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,540 | $2,050 |
| 97901 | Malheur County, OR | $760 | $930 | $1,060 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 97902 | Malheur County, OR | $810 | $990 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,900 |
| 97903 | Malheur County, OR | $710 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 97906 | Malheur County, OR | $710 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 97908 | Malheur County, OR | $710 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 97909 | Malheur County, OR | $730 | $960 | $1,040 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 97910 | Boise City, ID | $1,060 | $1,260 | $1,500 | $2,090 | $2,510 |
| 97910 | Malheur County, OR | $1,060 | $1,260 | $1,500 | $2,090 | $2,510 |
| 97911 | Malheur County, OR | $710 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 97913 | Malheur County, OR | $710 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 97914 | Malheur County, OR | $720 | $940 | $1,020 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 97917 | Malheur County, OR | $710 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 97918 | Malheur County, OR | $730 | $960 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,740 |
| 97920 | Malheur County, OR | $710 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
- 89421 · Humboldt County, NV $1,230$1,540
- 89421 · Malheur County, OR $1,230$1,540
- 97901 · Malheur County, OR $1,060$1,460
- 97902 · Malheur County, OR $1,140$1,580
- 97903 · Malheur County, OR $1,010$1,410
- 97906 · Malheur County, OR $1,010$1,410
- 97908 · Malheur County, OR $1,010$1,410
- 97909 · Malheur County, OR $1,040$1,430
- 97910 · Boise City, ID $1,500$2,090
- 97910 · Malheur County, OR $1,500$2,090
- 97911 · Malheur County, OR $1,010$1,410
- 97913 · Malheur County, OR $1,010$1,410
- 97914 · Malheur County, OR $1,020$1,410
- 97917 · Malheur County, OR $1,010$1,410
- 97918 · Malheur County, OR $1,040$1,440
- 97920 · Malheur County, OR $1,010$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 Malheur County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in Oregon, 52%, 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.
38%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,785 households rent in Malheur County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 62%
Compared with the state and the country
- Malheur 38%
- Oregon 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Malheur County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Malheur 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 7
- public housing
- 1
417 homes in all; 369 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Parkview Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 986 NW 4th St, Ontario 97914 48 low-income homes · In service since 1997 · For families
- Sierra Vista Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 789 Sierra Dr, Ontario 97914 41 homes, 40 low-income · In service since 1997 · For families
- Housing Authority of Malheur County Public housing 630 SE 6th St, Ontario 97914 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Malheur County · Average payment: $444 a month · Homes at several sites · (541) 889-9661
- Fairview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 NW 9th St, Ontario 97914 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2010
- Rosewood Terrace HUD-assisted 625 Alameda Dr, Ontario 97914 35 low-income homes · For families · (541) 889-3657
- Idylwood Manor HUD-assisted 655 Alameda Dr, Ontario 97914 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (541) 889-7631
- West Alameda - Oregon 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 833 Alameda Dr, Ontario 97914 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families · (541) 889-3754
- Riverside Manor HUD-assisted 995 Manor Way, Ontario 97914 31 low-income homes · For older adults · (541) 889-9661
- Hillcrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 154 Sunset Dr, Ontario 97914 28 low-income homes · In service since 1995 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- River Bend Place HUD-assisted 998 Fortner St, Ontario 97914 56 homes, 10 low-income · (541) 823-5048
- Kingstone Square HUD-assisted 1007 Ehrgood Ave, Nyssa 97913 10 low-income homes · For older adults · (541) 372-5450
- Sunset Apts (ONTARIO) Tax credit (LIHTC) 82 Sunset Dr, Ontario 97914 9 low-income homes · In service since 1997 · For families
- Riley Hill Construction Tax credit (LIHTC) 1064 NW 6th Ave, Ontario 97914 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Nyssa Court HUD-assisted 1002 Bower Ave, Nyssa 97913 7 low-income homes · For families · (503) 581-1813
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 Malheur 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 Malheur County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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 | $17,600 | $29,300 | $46,850 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,450 | $53,550 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $41,800 | $66,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,150 | $72,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $48,500 | $77,650 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $51,850 | $83,000 |
| 8 people | $55,200 | $55,200 | $88,350 |
Area median income: $75,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Malheur County, OR. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $640 – $782
- 1 bedroom $838 – $1,024
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,264 – $1,544
- 4 bedrooms $1,526 – $1,865
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
- Housing Authority of Malheur County Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 391 vouchers · 40 public housing units (541) 889-9661 Housing Authority of Malheur County: kristy@hamhc.org
Housing agencies in Oregon Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Oregon
What Oregon 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?
- 31 days
- ORS 90.300(13)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- ORS 90.394(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- ORS 90.427(3)
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 7 or 90 days, depending on the case
- ORS 90.323(1)-(2)
- Only a court order can remove youORS 90.375
- Protection from retaliationORS 90.385(1)
- Protection related to immigration statusORS 90.306
Help
Where to get help with rent in Malheur County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Malheur County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community in Action
915 SW 3rd Ave, Ontario · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Malheur 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 Oregon, the average home bill was $130 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
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
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 Malheur County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $711; 1 bedroom: $931; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,404; 4 bedrooms: $1,695. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Malheur County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Malheur County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $41,800 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 Malheur 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 $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Malheur County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 97903 to $1,500 in 97910. 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 Malheur County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Malheur 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 Malheur County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Malheur County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in Oregon, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).