Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Centre County, Pennsylvania
Centre County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,537 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,207 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,537
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,207
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $29.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $61,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 57%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 18% more than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Centre County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Centre County has the largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania: 57%.
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Centre County has the 2nd lowest homeownership rate of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania (62%).
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Centre County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,207, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Blair County ($885).
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 Centre 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 Centre County was $1,947 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 | $1,274 | $24.50 | $50,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,282 | $24.65 | $51,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,537 | $29.56 | $61,480 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,977 | $38.02 | $79,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,020 | $38.85 | $80,800 |
HUD area: State College, 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 38 ZIP codes in Centre County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,270 in 16677 to $1,730 in 16803. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,537).
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)
| 16677 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16801 | State College, PA | $1,380 | $1,390 | $1,670 | $2,150 | $2,190 |
| 16802 | State College, PA | $1,410 | $1,420 | $1,700 | $2,190 | $2,230 |
| 16803 | State College, PA | $1,430 | $1,440 | $1,730 | $2,230 | $2,270 |
| 16820 | State College, PA | $1,190 | $1,190 | $1,430 | $1,840 | $1,880 |
| 16823 | State College, PA | $1,100 | $1,110 | $1,330 | $1,710 | $1,750 |
| 16826 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16827 | State College, PA | $1,330 | $1,330 | $1,600 | $2,060 | $2,100 |
| 16828 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,660 | $1,700 |
| 16829 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16832 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16835 | State College, PA | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,320 | $1,650 | $1,740 |
| 16841 | Clinton County, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16841 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16844 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16845 | Clearfield County, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16845 | Clinton County, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16845 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16851 | State College, PA | $1,340 | $1,350 | $1,620 | $2,090 | $2,130 |
| 16852 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16853 | State College, PA | $1,140 | $1,140 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $1,800 |
| 16854 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16856 | State College, PA | $1,100 | $1,110 | $1,330 | $1,710 | $1,750 |
| 16859 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16864 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16865 | Huntingdon County, PA | $1,260 | $1,280 | $1,510 | $1,890 | $2,020 |
| 16865 | State College, PA | $1,260 | $1,280 | $1,510 | $1,890 | $2,020 |
| 16866 | Clearfield County, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16866 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16868 | State College, PA | $1,380 | $1,390 | $1,670 | $2,150 | $2,190 |
| 16870 | Altoona, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16870 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16872 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,660 | $1,700 |
| 16874 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16875 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $1,680 |
| 16877 | Huntingdon County, PA | $1,080 | $1,130 | $1,310 | $1,770 | $2,010 |
| 16877 | State College, PA | $1,080 | $1,130 | $1,310 | $1,770 | $2,010 |
| 16882 | State College, PA | $1,070 | $1,100 | $1,290 | $1,680 | $1,800 |
- 16677 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16801 · State College, PA $1,670$2,150
- 16802 · State College, PA $1,700$2,190
- 16803 · State College, PA $1,730$2,230
- 16820 · State College, PA $1,430$1,840
- 16823 · State College, PA $1,330$1,710
- 16826 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16827 · State College, PA $1,600$2,060
- 16828 · State College, PA $1,290$1,660
- 16829 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16832 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16835 · State College, PA $1,320$1,650
- 16841 · Clinton County, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16841 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16844 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16845 · Clearfield County, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16845 · Clinton County, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16845 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16851 · State College, PA $1,620$2,090
- 16852 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16853 · State College, PA $1,370$1,760
- 16854 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16856 · State College, PA $1,330$1,710
- 16859 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16864 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16865 · Huntingdon County, PA $1,510$1,890
- 16865 · State College, PA $1,510$1,890
- 16866 · Clearfield County, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16866 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16868 · State College, PA $1,670$2,150
- 16870 · Altoona, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16870 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16872 · State College, PA $1,290$1,660
- 16874 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16875 · State College, PA $1,270$1,590
- 16877 · Huntingdon County, PA $1,310$1,770
- 16877 · State College, PA $1,310$1,770
- 16882 · State College, PA $1,290$1,680
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 Centre County, 57% 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.
57%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
22,546 households rent in Centre County
- Spend half or more of their income 34%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 43%
Compared with the state and the country
- Centre 57%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Centre County
HUD lists 31 properties with homes for low-income households in Centre County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 23
- HUD-assisted
- 8
1,607 homes in all; 1,147 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mount Nittany Residences HUD-assisted 301 Rolling Ridge Dr, State College 16801 151 homes, 150 low-income · For older adults · (814) 234-1323
- Philipsburg Tower HUD-assisted 300 N Front St, Philipsburg 16866 101 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 342-6802
- Beaver Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 E Beaver Ave, State College 16801 89 low-income homes · Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Governors Gate HUD-assisted 409 Governors Park Rd, Bellefonte 16823 66 low-income homes · For families · (814) 355-3682
- Governors Gate Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 405 Governors Park Rd, Bellefonte 16823 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Ashworth Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 860 Ashworth Ln, Boalsburg 16827 60 low-income homes · 4 bd: 60 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Stonebridge Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 1680 Bristol Ave, State College 16801 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Sylvan View Tax credit (LIHTC) 1510 Martin St, State College 16803 49 low-income homes · 3 bd: 49 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Fox Hill Senior Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Rockrimmon Dr, Bellefonte 16823 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Westminster PL @ Windy Hill II Tax credit (LIHTC) 245 Dogwood Dr, Philipsburg 16866 48 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Beaver Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Beaver Farm Ln, Bellefonte 16823 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Crestside Terrace HUD-assisted 602 E Howard St, Bellefonte 16823 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 355-6750
- Pleasant Hills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 N Danielle Dr, Pleasant Gap 16823 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Pleasant Hills Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Kiara Ln, Pleasant Gap 16823 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Limerock Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 234 Limerock Ter, State College 16801 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Waupelani Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 460 Waupelani Dr, State College 16801 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Brockerhoff House HUD-assisted 105 S Allegheny St, Bellefonte 16823 33 low-income homes · For older adults · (834) 355-6966
- Bellefonte Mews Tax credit (LIHTC) 207 S Allegheny St, Bellefonte 16823 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
- Westminster Place@windy Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 Dogwood Dr, Philipsburg 16866 36 homes, 30 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Ashworth Woods II Tax credit (LIHTC) 724 Ashworth Ln, Boalsburg 16827 24 low-income homes · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Terra Sylvan Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Terra Sylvan Ln, Bellefonte 16823 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Philipsburg Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 103 N Second St, Philipsburg 16866 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Lutheran Commons at Pleasant Gap HUD-assisted 400 Rhoads Dr, Bellefonte 16823 14 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 359-2800
- Atherton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1311 S Atherton St, State College 16801 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
- Spring Brae HUD-assisted 101 Spring Brae Ct, Bellefonte 16823 32 homes, 5 low-income · (814) 355-9774
- Bellefonte Mews HUD-assisted 112 E High St, Bellefonte 16823 28 homes, 4 low-income · (814) 278-7700
- Park Crest Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1400 Martin St, State College 16803 240 homes
- Fox Hill Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) TBD-Parcel 13-3162 Benner Pi, Bellefonte 16823 48 homes
- Huntington Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 Huntington Park Dr, Boalsburg 16827 42 homes
- Yorkshire Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 879 Southgate Dr, State College 16801 40 homes
- Philips Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 216 N Second St, Philipsburg 16866 24 homes
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 Centre 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 Centre 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)
-
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 | $24,850 | $41,450 | $66,300 |
| 2 people | $28,400 | $47,350 | $75,750 |
| 3 people | $31,950 | $53,250 | $85,200 |
| 4 people | $35,500 | $59,150 | $94,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $63,900 | $102,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $68,650 | $109,800 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $73,350 | $117,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $78,100 | $124,950 |
Area median income: $118,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: State College, PA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,147 – $1,401
- 1 bedroom $1,154 – $1,410
- 2 bedrooms $1,383 – $1,691
- 3 bedrooms $1,779 – $2,175
- 4 bedrooms $1,818 – $2,222
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
- Centre County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 709 vouchers (814) 355-6965 Centre County Housing Authority: lhaines@centrecountyhousingauthority.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 Centre County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Centre County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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The Home Foundation
226 E Nittany Ave, State College
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Centre 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 Centre 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
$3,074
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,537
- Security deposit
- $1,537
- Total
- $3,074
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 Centre County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,274; 1 bedroom: $1,282; 2 bedrooms: $1,537; 3 bedrooms: $1,977; 4 bedrooms: $2,020. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Centre County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,537) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.56 an hour full time, or $61,480 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Centre County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $59,150 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 Centre 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 $1,383 and $1,691 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Centre County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,270 in 16677 to $1,730 in 16803. 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 Centre County?
HUD lists 31 properties with homes for low-income households in Centre 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 Centre County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Centre County, 57% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).