Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Adams County, Pennsylvania
Adams County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,354 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,115 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.04 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,354
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 11% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,115
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 8% less than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $26.04
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $54,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Adams County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Juniata County has the lowest typical rent ($756), 32% below the $1,115 in Adams 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 Adams 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 Adams County was $1,373 a month in September 2026: 2.1% 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 | $1,047 | $20.13 | $41,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,063 | $20.44 | $42,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,354 | $26.04 | $54,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,830 | $35.19 | $73,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,957 | $37.63 | $78,280 |
HUD area: Gettysburg, PA MSA. 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 18 ZIP codes in Adams County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,050 in 17307 to $1,650 in 17344. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,354).
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)
| 17301 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,080 | $1,120 | $1,430 | $1,920 | $2,040 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17301 | York-Hanover, PA | $1,080 | $1,120 | $1,430 | $1,920 | $2,040 |
| 17303 | Gettysburg, PA | $910 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,660 | $1,750 |
| 17304 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,140 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,990 | $2,120 |
| 17306 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,820 | $1,950 |
| 17307 | Gettysburg, PA | $810 | $820 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,520 |
| 17307 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $810 | $820 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,520 |
| 17316 | Gettysburg, PA | $910 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,660 | $1,750 |
| 17316 | York-Hanover, PA | $910 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,660 | $1,750 |
| 17320 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,130 | $1,150 | $1,460 | $1,970 | $2,110 |
| 17325 | Gettysburg, PA | $950 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,660 | $1,780 |
| 17340 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,110 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,950 | $2,080 |
| 17343 | Gettysburg, PA | $910 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,660 | $1,750 |
| 17344 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,280 | $1,300 | $1,650 | $2,230 | $2,390 |
| 17350 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,160 | $1,180 | $1,500 | $2,030 | $2,170 |
| 17353 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,150 | $1,260 | $1,570 | $2,090 | $2,220 |
| 17372 | Gettysburg, PA | $1,050 | $1,070 | $1,360 | $1,840 | $1,970 |
| 17372 | York-Hanover, PA | $1,050 | $1,070 | $1,360 | $1,840 | $1,970 |
- 17301 · Gettysburg, PA $1,430$1,920
- 17301 · York-Hanover, PA $1,430$1,920
- 17303 · Gettysburg, PA $1,240$1,660
- 17304 · Gettysburg, PA $1,470$1,990
- 17306 · Gettysburg, PA $1,350$1,820
- 17307 · Gettysburg, PA $1,050$1,420
- 17307 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,050$1,420
- 17316 · Gettysburg, PA $1,240$1,660
- 17316 · York-Hanover, PA $1,240$1,660
- 17320 · Gettysburg, PA $1,460$1,970
- 17325 · Gettysburg, PA $1,240$1,660
- 17340 · Gettysburg, PA $1,440$1,950
- 17343 · Gettysburg, PA $1,240$1,660
- 17344 · Gettysburg, PA $1,650$2,230
- 17350 · Gettysburg, PA $1,500$2,030
- 17353 · Gettysburg, PA $1,570$2,090
- 17372 · Gettysburg, PA $1,360$1,840
- 17372 · York-Hanover, PA $1,360$1,840
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 Adams County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, 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.
8,627 households rent in Adams County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Adams 44%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Adams County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Adams County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 5
533 homes in all; 532 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mcsherrystown Interfaith Village HUD-assisted 80 Main St, Mc Sherrystown 17344 83 low-income homes · For older adults · (717) 334-1518
- Misty Ridge Terrace Twnhms Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Misty Ridge Rd, Gettysburg 17325 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Old Friends at New Oxford Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 N Bolton St, New Oxford 17350 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Villas at Gettysburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 80 Robert Curtis Dr, Gettysburg 17325 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Cecilian Village HUD-assisted 96 Academy St, Mc Sherrystown 17344 49 low-income homes · For older adults · (717) 521-7172
- Misty Ridge Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 25 Bridge Valley Rd, Gettysburg 17325 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- ST. Josephs Village HUD-assisted 50 Academy St, Mc Sherrystown 17344 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (717) 637-4441
- Cedarfield Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 Madeline Ct, Gettysburg 17325 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Oxford Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 409 N Bolton St, New Oxford 17350 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Fahnestock House Tax credit (LIHTC) 47 Baltimore St, Gettysburg 17325 26 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 25 · In service since 2013 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Bonneauville Interfaith HUD-assisted 35 Maple St, Gettysburg 17325 20 low-income homes · For families · (717) 334-1518
- New Oxford Interfaith Gardens HUD-assisted 113 E High St, New Oxford 17350 20 low-income homes · For families · (717) 334-2911
- East Berlin Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 407 Abbottstown St, East Berlin 17316 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Gettysburg Scat Sites Tax credit (LIHTC) Gettysburg 17325 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 9 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For families
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 Adams 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 Adams 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 | $22,450 | $37,400 | $59,850 |
| 2 people | $25,650 | $42,750 | $68,400 |
| 3 people | $28,850 | $48,100 | $76,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,400 | $85,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,700 | $92,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,950 | $99,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,250 | $106,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,500 | $112,800 |
Area median income: $106,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Gettysburg, PA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $942 – $1,152
- 1 bedroom $957 – $1,169
- 2 bedrooms $1,219 – $1,489
- 3 bedrooms $1,647 – $2,013
- 4 bedrooms $1,761 – $2,153
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
- Adams County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 647 vouchers (717) 334-1518 Adams County Housing Authority: smcilwee@adamscha.org
Housing agencies in Pennsylvania Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Pennsylvania
What Pennsylvania 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.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- 68 P.S. §250.511a(a)-(b)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- 68 P.S. §250.512(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- 68 P.S. §250.501(b)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 15 days
- 68 P.S. §250.501(b)
- Only a court order can remove you68 P.S. §250.501 et seq.; 68 P.S. §399.1 et seq.
Help
Where to get help with rent in Adams County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Pathstone Corporation-Pennsylvania
450 Cleveland Ave, Chambersburg · 24 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
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Community Progress Council, Inc.
226 E College Ave, York · 27 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
211 North Front Street, Harrisburg · 32 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Adams County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Run by Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
Pennsylvania yearly rebate for owners and renters 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older, based on income
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Adams 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 Pennsylvania, the average home bill was $145 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
$2,708
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,354
- Security deposit
- $1,354
- Total
- $2,708
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 Adams County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,047; 1 bedroom: $1,063; 2 bedrooms: $1,354; 3 bedrooms: $1,830; 4 bedrooms: $1,957. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Adams County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,354) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.04 an hour full time, or $54,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Adams County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,400 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 Adams 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 $1,219 and $1,489 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Adams County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,050 in 17307 to $1,650 in 17344. 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 Adams County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Adams 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 Adams County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Adams County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).