Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Chester County, Pennsylvania
Chester County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,860 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,763 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $35.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,860
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 22% more than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,763
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 46% more than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $35.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $74,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Chester County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, Chester County has the highest typical rent: $1,763.
-
Of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, Chester County has the highest typical household income: $127,208.
-
Chester County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,763, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Montgomery County ($1,683).
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 Chester 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 Chester County was $2,242 a month in September 2026: 3.5% 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 | $1,438 | $27.65 | $57,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,558 | $29.96 | $62,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,860 | $35.77 | $74,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,216 | $42.62 | $88,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,445 | $47.02 | $97,800 |
HUD area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 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 44 ZIP codes in Chester County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 19475 to $2,790 in 19425. 19 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,860).
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)
| 19087 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $2,060 | $2,230 | $2,660 | $3,170 | $3,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19301 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,840 | $1,990 | $2,380 | $2,840 | $3,130 |
| 19310 | Lancaster, PA | $1,370 | $1,480 | $1,770 | $2,120 | $2,330 |
| 19310 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,370 | $1,480 | $1,770 | $2,120 | $2,330 |
| 19311 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,420 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,190 | $2,420 |
| 19312 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,800 | $1,950 | $2,330 | $2,780 | $3,060 |
| 19316 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,320 | $1,430 | $1,710 | $2,040 | $2,250 |
| 19317 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,890 | $2,040 | $2,440 | $2,910 | $3,210 |
| 19320 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,430 | $1,550 | $1,850 | $2,200 | $2,430 |
| 19330 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,140 | $1,230 | $1,470 | $1,750 | $1,930 |
| 19333 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,850 | $2,000 | $2,390 | $2,850 | $3,140 |
| 19335 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,650 | $1,780 | $2,130 | $2,540 | $2,800 |
| 19341 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $2,030 | $2,190 | $2,620 | $3,120 | $3,440 |
| 19343 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,790 | $1,930 | $2,310 | $2,750 | $3,040 |
| 19344 | Lancaster, PA | $1,200 | $1,300 | $1,560 | $1,860 | $2,050 |
| 19344 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,200 | $1,300 | $1,560 | $1,860 | $2,050 |
| 19345 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,940 | $2,100 | $2,510 | $2,990 | $3,300 |
| 19348 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,360 | $1,470 | $1,760 | $2,100 | $2,310 |
| 19350 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,470 | $1,590 | $1,900 | $2,260 | $2,500 |
| 19352 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,590 | $1,730 | $2,060 | $2,450 | $2,710 |
| 19355 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,940 | $2,100 | $2,510 | $2,990 | $3,300 |
| 19358 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,250 | $1,360 | $1,620 | $1,930 | $2,130 |
| 19362 | Lancaster, PA | $1,180 | $1,280 | $1,550 | $1,890 | $2,030 |
| 19362 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,180 | $1,280 | $1,550 | $1,890 | $2,030 |
| 19363 | Lancaster, PA | $1,180 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,820 | $2,010 |
| 19363 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,180 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,820 | $2,010 |
| 19365 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,210 | $1,310 | $1,570 | $1,870 | $2,060 |
| 19367 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,350 | $1,470 | $1,750 | $2,080 | $2,300 |
| 19369 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,350 | $1,460 | $1,750 | $2,080 | $2,290 |
| 19372 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $2,040 | $2,210 | $2,640 | $3,150 | $3,470 |
| 19374 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,000 | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,540 | $1,700 |
| 19375 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,370 | $1,480 | $1,770 | $2,110 | $2,320 |
| 19380 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $2,030 | $2,190 | $2,620 | $3,120 | $3,440 |
| 19382 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,710 | $1,850 | $2,210 | $2,630 | $2,900 |
| 19383 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,710 | $1,850 | $2,210 | $2,630 | $2,900 |
| 19390 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,380 | $1,500 | $1,790 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 19425 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $2,160 | $2,340 | $2,790 | $3,320 | $3,670 |
| 19442 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,690 | $1,830 | $2,180 | $2,600 | $2,870 |
| 19457 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,210 | $1,310 | $1,560 | $1,860 | $2,050 |
| 19460 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,670 | $1,810 | $2,160 | $2,570 | $2,840 |
| 19465 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,430 | $1,550 | $1,850 | $2,200 | $2,430 |
| 19475 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $990 | $1,070 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,680 |
| 19520 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,630 | $1,800 |
| 19520 | Reading, PA | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,630 | $1,800 |
- 19087 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,660$3,170
- 19301 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,380$2,840
- 19310 · Lancaster, PA $1,770$2,120
- 19310 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,770$2,120
- 19311 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,840$2,190
- 19312 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,330$2,780
- 19316 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,710$2,040
- 19317 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,440$2,910
- 19320 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,850$2,200
- 19330 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,470$1,750
- 19333 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,390$2,850
- 19335 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,130$2,540
- 19341 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,620$3,120
- 19343 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,310$2,750
- 19344 · Lancaster, PA $1,560$1,860
- 19344 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,560$1,860
- 19345 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,510$2,990
- 19348 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,760$2,100
- 19350 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,900$2,260
- 19352 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,060$2,450
- 19355 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,510$2,990
- 19358 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,620$1,930
- 19362 · Lancaster, PA $1,550$1,890
- 19362 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,550$1,890
- 19363 · Lancaster, PA $1,530$1,820
- 19363 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,530$1,820
- 19365 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,570$1,870
- 19367 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,750$2,080
- 19369 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,750$2,080
- 19372 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,640$3,150
- 19374 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,290$1,540
- 19375 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,770$2,110
- 19380 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,620$3,120
- 19382 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,210$2,630
- 19383 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,210$2,630
- 19390 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,790$2,130
- 19425 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,790$3,320
- 19442 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,180$2,600
- 19457 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,560$1,860
- 19460 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,160$2,570
- 19465 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,850$2,200
- 19475 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,280$1,530
- 19520 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,370$1,630
- 19520 · Reading, PA $1,370$1,630
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 Chester County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
51,081 households rent in Chester County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Chester 48%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Chester County
HUD lists 51 properties with homes for low-income households in Chester 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)
- 27
- HUD-assisted
- 23
- public housing
- 3
2,841 homes in all; 2,650 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Park Spring Apartments HUD-assisted 1800 Park Springs Blvd, Spring City 19475 150 low-income homes · For families · (610) 948-5874
- Trinity House - Berwyn, PA HUD-assisted 15 Leopard Rd, Berwyn 19312 134 homes, 133 low-income · For older adults · (610) 296-3337
- Regency Park HUD-assisted 2 Glencrest Rd, Coatesville 19320 125 low-income homes · For families
- 222 N CHURCH & Locust, Maple, Spruce CTS Public housing 222 N Church St, West Chester 19380 109 homes, 108 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Chester · Average payment: $450 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (610) 436-9200
- Apartments for Modern Living HUD-assisted 201 S Matlack St, West Chester 19382 95 low-income homes · For families · (610) 431-4455
- Vincent Heights HUD-assisted 333 Vincent Heights Cir, Spring City 19475 91 homes, 90 low-income · For older adults · (610) 948-6602
- Coatesville Towers Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 339 E Lincoln Hwy, Coatesville 19320 90 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 384-0120
- Luther House III HUD-assisted 120 Jenners Pond Rd, West Grove 19390 76 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 869-4377
- Cedar Woods Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 700 Cedar Woods Cir, Kennett Sq 19348 76 homes, 75 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For families · (610) 925-5133
- Westminster Place @ Parkesburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 320 W 1st Ave, Parkesburg 19365 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 51 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Hopewell Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 58 E Main St, Elverson 19520 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 71 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- French Creek Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Mason St, Phoenixville 19460 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Luther House I HUD-assisted 124 Jenners Pond Rd, West Grove 19390 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 869-4240
- Luther House II HUD-assisted 122 Jenners Pond Rd, West Grove 19390 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 869-4377
- Whitehall Acres HUD-assisted 171 Whitehall Way, Oxford 19363 64 low-income homes · For families · (610) 932-3800
- Whitehall Acres Tax credit (LIHTC) 134 Whitehall Way, Oxford 19363 64 homes, 62 low-income · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities, families
- Second Avenue Revitalization Proj Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 N 2nd Ave, Coatesville 19320 62 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Gruber Mills at Spring City HUD-assisted 201 S Main St, Spring City 19475 62 homes, 61 low-income · For older adults · (610) 948-1797
- Elmwood Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Harlan Dr, Coatesville 19320 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 8 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Spring City Elderly Housing HUD-assisted 250 N Main St, Spring City 19475 58 homes, 57 low-income · For older adults · (610) 948-1797
- Granite Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Addresses, Kennett Square 19348 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Limestone Ridge I Tax credit (LIHTC) Stewarts LN, Kennett Square 19348 55 low-income homes · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2014 · For families
- ST. Peters Place HUD-assisted 111 Church St, Phoenixville 19460 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (610) 933-4383
- Eagleview II Tax credit (LIHTC) 689 Rice Blvd, Exton 19341 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · In service since 2012 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Oxford Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 Lauren Ln, Oxford 19363 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Eagleview Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 549 Dickinson Ct, Exton 19341 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Whitehall (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 3795 Schuylkill Rd, Spring City 19475 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Liberty House Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Liberty House Ln, Phoenixville 19460 48 low-income homes · Studio: 28 · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities
- Oxford Terrace Public housing 326 Market St, Oxford 19363 48 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Chester · Average payment: $360 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (610) 436-9200
- Woodland Parkway Homes Rev Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Amethyst Ct, Coatesville 19320 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Episcopal House HUD-assisted 601 Center St, Phoenixville 19460 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 917-1041
- Parkesedge Elderly Apartments HUD-assisted 601 Green St, Parkesburg 19365 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 857-9281
- Luther House IV HUD-assisted 126 Jenners Pond Rd, West Grove 19390 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 869-4377
- ST. James Place Apartments HUD-assisted 350 E Pennsylvania Ave, Downingtown 19335 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 269-9366
- Fairview Village Tax credit (LIHTC) Fairview & Grant STS, Phoenixville 19460 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 13 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Glenbrook Apartments HUD-assisted 463 Main St, Atglen 19310 35 low-income homes · For families · (610) 593-2073
- WC Oak Place Housing Project Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Downingtown Pike, West Chester 19380 31 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Westminster PL @ Ware Presbyt Tax credit (LIHTC) 51 Lancaster Pike, Oxford 19363 31 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Fairview Village Public housing 141 Persimmon Ln, Phoenixville 19460 36 homes, 25 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Chester · Average payment: $546 a month · Average wait: 73 months · Homes at several sites · (610) 436-9200
- Jefferson Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 High St, Phoenixville 19460 25 low-income homes · Studio: 25 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Brandywine Health & Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 744 E Lincoln Hwy, Coatesville 19320 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Roymar Hall Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1128 E Lincoln Hwy, Coatesville 19320 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- Oxford Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 305 Market St, Oxford 19363 22 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- W C Atkinson Project Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 824 E Chestnut St, Coatesville 19320 18 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For families · (717) 566-3166
- 1st Time Homebuyers Tax credit (LIHTC) Coatesville 19320 15 low-income homes · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Breaking New Ground Tax credit (LIHTC) 103 Garfield Ave, West Chester 19380 13 low-income homes · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2005 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Kencrest Pa 2010 HUD-assisted 21 Carrigan Ave, Spring City 19475 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Melton Center Apartments HUD-assisted 503 E Miner St, West Chester 19382 51 homes, 6 low-income · (484) 302-8572
- Brians House-Price Lane HUD-assisted 1203 Price Ln, Downingtown 19335 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (610) 399-1175
- Oak Street Replacement HSNG Tax credit (LIHTC) 330 E Lincoln Hwy, Coatesville 19320 66 homes
- Hickman Expansion Tax credit (LIHTC) 326 N Walnut St, West Chester 19380 60 homes
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Chester 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 Chester County. 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)
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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
-
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 | $25,800 | $42,950 | $68,750 |
| 2 people | $29,450 | $49,100 | $78,550 |
| 3 people | $33,150 | $55,250 | $88,350 |
| 4 people | $36,800 | $61,350 | $98,150 |
| 5 people | $39,750 | $66,300 | $106,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $71,200 | $113,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $76,100 | $121,750 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $81,000 | $129,600 |
Area median income: $122,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,294 – $1,582
- 1 bedroom $1,402 – $1,714
- 2 bedrooms $1,674 – $2,046
- 3 bedrooms $1,994 – $2,438
- 4 bedrooms $2,201 – $2,690
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 Chester Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,450 vouchers · 242 public housing units (610) 436-9200 Housing Authority of the County of Chester: pdiggs@haccnet.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 Chester County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Chester County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Housing Partnership of Chester County
41 W Lancaster Ave, Downingtown · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Predatory lending workshops
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Chester 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 Chester 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
$3,720
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,860
- Security deposit
- $1,860
- Total
- $3,720
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 Chester County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,438; 1 bedroom: $1,558; 2 bedrooms: $1,860; 3 bedrooms: $2,216; 4 bedrooms: $2,445. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Chester County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,860) without spending more than 30% of income takes $35.77 an hour full time, or $74,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Chester County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $61,350 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 Chester 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 $1,674 and $2,046 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Chester County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,280 in 19475 to $2,790 in 19425. 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 Chester County?
HUD lists 51 properties with homes for low-income households in Chester 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 Chester County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Chester County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).