Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Clarion County, Pennsylvania
Clarion 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 $798 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
- 34% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $798
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 34% less than in Pennsylvania
- 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
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% less than in Pennsylvania
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 Clarion 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 | $781 | $15.02 | $31,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $786 | $15.12 | $31,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,208 | $23.23 | $48,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,695 | $32.60 | $67,800 |
HUD area: Clarion County, PA. 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 29 ZIP codes in Clarion County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 16049 to $1,220 in 16054. 10 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)
| 16036 | Clarion County, PA | $800 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,740 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16049 | Armstrong County, PA | $760 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,530 |
| 16049 | Clarion County, PA | $760 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,530 |
| 16049 | Pittsburgh, PA | $760 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,530 |
| 16054 | Clarion County, PA | $940 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $2,040 |
| 16213 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
| 16214 | Clarion County, PA | $840 | $840 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,820 |
| 16220 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
| 16224 | Armstrong County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 |
| 16224 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,690 |
| 16230 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
| 16232 | Clarion County, PA | $790 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,720 |
| 16232 | Venango County, PA | $790 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,720 |
| 16233 | Clarion County, PA | $810 | $860 | $1,070 | $1,300 | $1,740 |
| 16235 | Clarion County, PA | $870 | $880 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,890 |
| 16242 | Armstrong County, PA | $750 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,580 |
| 16242 | Clarion County, PA | $750 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,580 |
| 16248 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
| 16254 | Clarion County, PA | $850 | $860 | $1,110 | $1,320 | $1,860 |
| 16255 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
| 16258 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
| 16258 | Jefferson County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
| 16260 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,680 |
| 16260 | Forest County, PA | $780 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,680 |
| 16326 | Clarion County, PA | $790 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,320 | $1,640 |
| 16331 | Clarion County, PA | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,530 |
| 16332 | Clarion County, PA | $800 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,310 | $1,680 |
| 16334 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
| 16361 | Clarion County, PA | $780 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,700 |
- 16036 · Clarion County, PA $1,040$1,240
- 16049 · Armstrong County, PA $1,010$1,280
- 16049 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,280
- 16049 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,010$1,280
- 16054 · Clarion County, PA $1,220$1,450
- 16213 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,210
- 16214 · Clarion County, PA $1,090$1,300
- 16220 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,210
- 16224 · Armstrong County, PA $1,010$1,220
- 16224 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,220
- 16230 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,210
- 16232 · Clarion County, PA $1,030$1,230
- 16232 · Venango County, PA $1,030$1,230
- 16233 · Clarion County, PA $1,070$1,300
- 16235 · Clarion County, PA $1,130$1,350
- 16242 · Armstrong County, PA $1,010$1,260
- 16242 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,260
- 16248 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,210
- 16254 · Clarion County, PA $1,110$1,320
- 16255 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,210
- 16258 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,210
- 16258 · Jefferson County, PA $1,010$1,210
- 16260 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,220
- 16260 · Forest County, PA $1,010$1,220
- 16326 · Clarion County, PA $1,060$1,320
- 16331 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,260
- 16332 · Clarion County, PA $1,060$1,310
- 16334 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,210
- 16361 · Clarion County, PA $1,010$1,210
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 Clarion County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,140 households rent in Clarion County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Clarion 45%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Clarion County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Clarion County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 3
- HUD-assisted
- 7
356 homes in all; 325 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- East Brady Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 421 Kellys Way, East Brady 16028 79 low-income homes · 1 bd: 73 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2008 · For older adults · (724) 526-5736
- Broadwood Towers HUD-assisted 400 Broad St, New Bethlehem 16242 66 homes, 65 low-income · For older adults · (814) 275-4000
- Liberty Towers HUD-assisted 624 Liberty St, Clarion 16214 49 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 226-9473
- Penn Court Apartments HUD-assisted 144 Penn Ave, Clarion 16214 40 low-income homes · For families
- Knox Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) Popetown RD, Knox 16232 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Edenburg Court HUD-assisted 700 White Ave, Knox 16232 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 226-8910
- Medardo Estates HUD-assisted 190 Atchison Way, Rimersburg 16248 20 low-income homes · For families · (814) 226-8910
- Liberty Hill Apts. HUD-assisted 107 Liberty St, Clarion 16214 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 336-4157
- Drake Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 429 Grand Avenue Ext, Clarion 16214 30 homes
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 Clarion 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 Clarion 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)
-
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 | $18,100 | $30,200 | $48,300 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,500 | $55,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,800 | $62,100 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,100 | $68,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,550 | $74,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,000 | $80,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $53,450 | $85,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,900 | $91,050 |
Area median income: $85,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Clarion County, PA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $703 – $859
- 1 bedroom $707 – $865
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,087 – $1,329
- 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 the County of Clarion Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 546 vouchers (814) 226-8910 Housing Authority of the County of Clarion: ccha@clarionhousing.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 Clarion County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Housing Authority of the County of Butler
114 Woody Dr, Butler · 35 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
-
Center for Family Services, Incorporated
996 S Main St, Meadville · 48 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Housing Opportunities, Inc.
2418 Wilmington Rd, New Castle · 50 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Clarion 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 Clarion 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
$2,028
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 Clarion County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $781; 1 bedroom: $786; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,208; 4 bedrooms: $1,695. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Clarion 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 Clarion County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,100 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 Clarion 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 Clarion County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 16049 to $1,220 in 16054. 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 Clarion County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Clarion 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 Clarion County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Clarion County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).