Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Butler County, Pennsylvania
Butler County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,389 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,041 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.71 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,389
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 9% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,041
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 14% less than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $26.71
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $55,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 13% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Butler County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $89,843, Butler County ranks 4th among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the highest typical household income.
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Nearby, in Armstrong County, the typical rent is $785: 25% less than in Butler County ($1,041).
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 Butler 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 Butler County was $1,842 a month in September 2026: 5.1% 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 | $1,075 | $20.67 | $43,000 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,146 | $22.04 | $45,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,389 | $26.71 | $55,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,773 | $34.10 | $70,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,925 | $37.02 | $77,000 |
HUD area: Pittsburgh, PA 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 40 ZIP codes in Butler County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 16030 to $2,080 in 16059. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,389).
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)
| 16001 | Pittsburgh, PA | $960 | $1,020 | $1,240 | $1,580 | $1,720 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16002 | Pittsburgh, PA | $890 | $950 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,590 |
| 16020 | Pittsburgh, PA | $930 | $990 | $1,200 | $1,530 | $1,660 |
| 16022 | Pittsburgh, PA | $850 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,520 |
| 16023 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,150 | $1,230 | $1,490 | $1,900 | $2,070 |
| 16024 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,100 | $1,170 | $1,420 | $1,810 | $1,970 |
| 16025 | Armstrong County, PA | $860 | $920 | $1,120 | $1,430 | $1,550 |
| 16025 | Pittsburgh, PA | $860 | $920 | $1,120 | $1,430 | $1,550 |
| 16027 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,320 | $1,410 | $1,710 | $2,180 | $2,370 |
| 16029 | Pittsburgh, PA | $880 | $940 | $1,140 | $1,450 | $1,580 |
| 16030 | Pittsburgh, PA | $780 | $840 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,420 |
| 16033 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,210 | $1,290 | $1,560 | $1,990 | $2,160 |
| 16034 | Pittsburgh, PA | $970 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,730 |
| 16035 | Pittsburgh, PA | $920 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,550 | $1,680 |
| 16037 | Lawrence County, PA | $940 | $1,000 | $1,210 | $1,550 | $1,680 |
| 16037 | Pittsburgh, PA | $940 | $1,000 | $1,210 | $1,550 | $1,680 |
| 16038 | Mercer County, PA | $930 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,590 | $1,740 |
| 16038 | Pittsburgh, PA | $930 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,590 | $1,740 |
| 16038 | Venango County, PA | $930 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,590 | $1,740 |
| 16040 | Pittsburgh, PA | $870 | $930 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,570 |
| 16041 | Armstrong County, PA | $920 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,550 | $1,670 |
| 16041 | Pittsburgh, PA | $920 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,550 | $1,670 |
| 16045 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,030 | $1,100 | $1,330 | $1,700 | $1,840 |
| 16046 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,610 | $1,720 | $2,080 | $2,650 | $2,880 |
| 16048 | Pittsburgh, PA | $940 | $1,000 | $1,210 | $1,540 | $1,680 |
| 16050 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,040 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,720 | $1,870 |
| 16051 | Lawrence County, PA | $750 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,490 |
| 16051 | Pittsburgh, PA | $750 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,490 |
| 16052 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,820 |
| 16053 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,080 | $1,150 | $1,390 | $1,770 | $1,920 |
| 16055 | Armstrong County, PA | $1,050 | $1,120 | $1,360 | $1,730 | $1,880 |
| 16055 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,050 | $1,120 | $1,360 | $1,730 | $1,880 |
| 16056 | Pittsburgh, PA | $970 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,730 |
| 16057 | Lawrence County, PA | $910 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,640 |
| 16057 | Mercer County, PA | $910 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,640 |
| 16057 | Pittsburgh, PA | $910 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,640 |
| 16059 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,610 | $1,720 | $2,080 | $2,650 | $2,880 |
| 16061 | Pittsburgh, PA | $970 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,730 |
| 16063 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,040 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,720 | $1,870 |
| 16066 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,570 | $1,680 | $2,030 | $2,590 | $2,810 |
- 16001 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,240$1,580
- 16002 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,150$1,470
- 16020 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,200$1,530
- 16022 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,100$1,400
- 16023 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,490$1,900
- 16024 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,420$1,810
- 16025 · Armstrong County, PA $1,120$1,430
- 16025 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,120$1,430
- 16027 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,710$2,180
- 16029 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,140$1,450
- 16030 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,010$1,300
- 16033 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,560$1,990
- 16034 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,250$1,600
- 16035 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,210$1,550
- 16037 · Lawrence County, PA $1,210$1,550
- 16037 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,210$1,550
- 16038 · Mercer County, PA $1,250$1,590
- 16038 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,250$1,590
- 16038 · Venango County, PA $1,250$1,590
- 16040 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,130$1,440
- 16041 · Armstrong County, PA $1,210$1,550
- 16041 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,210$1,550
- 16045 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,330$1,700
- 16046 · Pittsburgh, PA $2,080$2,650
- 16048 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,210$1,540
- 16050 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,350$1,720
- 16051 · Lawrence County, PA $1,010$1,360
- 16051 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,010$1,360
- 16052 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,310$1,670
- 16053 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,390$1,770
- 16055 · Armstrong County, PA $1,360$1,730
- 16055 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,360$1,730
- 16056 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,250$1,600
- 16057 · Lawrence County, PA $1,180$1,510
- 16057 · Mercer County, PA $1,180$1,510
- 16057 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,180$1,510
- 16059 · Pittsburgh, PA $2,080$2,650
- 16061 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,250$1,600
- 16063 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,350$1,720
- 16066 · Pittsburgh, PA $2,030$2,590
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 Butler County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
18,640 households rent in Butler County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Butler 42%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Butler County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Butler 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
- 11
1,097 homes in all; 1,063 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Greenview Gardens Apts. HUD-assisted 105 Greenview Dr, Butler 16001 137 homes, 122 low-income · For families · (724) 282-3535
- Greenview Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Greenview Ln, Butler 16002 136 homes, 120 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 75 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Butler Arbors HUD-assisted 200 Lincoln Ave, Butler 16001 119 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 283-4904
- Penn-Mar Plaza HUD-assisted 2 Gilkey Dr, Mars 16046 104 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 625-9290
- Cranberry Pointe Townhouse Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Cranberry Pt, Cranberry Township 16066 92 low-income homes · 3 bd: 92 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Luther Court HUD-assisted 700 S Green Ln, Zelienople 16063 55 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 776-1100
- Madison Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 331 Grove City Rd, Slippery Rock 16057 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2010 · For families · (412) 551-5183
- Park Manor HUD-assisted 401 Park Mnr, Butler 16001 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 282-7579
- Rolling Road Regency Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 99 Rolling RD, Cranberry Township 16066 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Thompson Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 235 N Duffy Rd, Butler 16001 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Old Plank Estates Phase II HUD-assisted 154 Old Plank Rd, Butler 16002 48 low-income homes · For families · (724) 283-7473
- Sprucewood Commons HUD-assisted 104 Spruce Dr, Slippery Rock 16057 41 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (724) 794-4484
- Sunbury Fields HUD-assisted 104 Sunbury Fields Ln, Butler 16001 37 homes, 36 low-income · For older adults · (724) 285-1222
- Chicora Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 118 Kittanning St, Chicora 16025 27 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Commons of Saxonburg HUD-assisted 160 Pittsburgh St, Saxonburg 16056 26 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 352-2225
- Little Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Columbus Way, Saxonburg 16056 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Alameda Gardens HUD-assisted 164 Alameda Rd, Butler 16001 25 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 342-6222
- Under Our Wing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 124 W Cunningham St, Butler 16001 24 low-income homes · Studio: 24 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
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 Butler 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 Butler 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 | $23,200 | $38,650 | $61,850 |
| 2 people | $26,500 | $44,200 | $70,650 |
| 3 people | $29,800 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 4 people | $33,100 | $55,200 | $88,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $59,650 | $95,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $64,050 | $102,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $68,450 | $109,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $72,900 | $116,600 |
Area median income: $110,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $968 – $1,183
- 1 bedroom $1,031 – $1,261
- 2 bedrooms $1,250 – $1,528
- 3 bedrooms $1,596 – $1,950
- 4 bedrooms $1,733 – $2,118
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 the County of Butler Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,047 vouchers (724) 287-6797 Housing Authority of the County of Butler: bcha@housingauthority.com
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 Butler County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Butler County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Housing Authority of the County of Butler
114 Woody Dr, Butler
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Butler County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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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 Butler 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
$2,778
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,389
- Security deposit
- $1,389
- Total
- $2,778
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 Butler County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,075; 1 bedroom: $1,146; 2 bedrooms: $1,389; 3 bedrooms: $1,773; 4 bedrooms: $1,925. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Butler County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,389) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.71 an hour full time, or $55,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Butler County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $55,200 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 Butler 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 $1,250 and $1,528 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Butler County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 16030 to $2,080 in 16059. 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 Butler County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Butler 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 Butler County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Butler County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).