Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Cumberland County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,598 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,249 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $30.73 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,598
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% more than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,249
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% more than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $30.73
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $63,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Cumberland County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Cumberland County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,249, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Dauphin County ($1,217).
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Cumberland County has the 7th highest typical household income of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania ($87,494).
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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland County was $1,622 a month in September 2026: 3% 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 | $1,166 | $22.42 | $46,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,285 | $24.71 | $51,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,598 | $30.73 | $63,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,055 | $39.52 | $82,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,100 | $40.38 | $84,000 |
HUD area: Harrisburg-Carlisle, 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 22 ZIP codes in Cumberland County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,140 in 17324 to $1,980 in 17050. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,598).
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)
| 17007 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,020 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,800 | $1,840 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17011 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,710 | $2,200 | $2,250 |
| 17011 | York-Hanover, PA | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,710 | $2,200 | $2,250 |
| 17013 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,470 | $1,890 | $1,930 |
| 17015 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,150 | $1,270 | $1,580 | $2,030 | $2,080 |
| 17025 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,120 | $1,240 | $1,540 | $1,980 | $2,020 |
| 17027 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,160 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $2,070 | $2,130 |
| 17043 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $980 | $1,080 | $1,340 | $1,720 | $1,760 |
| 17050 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,440 | $1,590 | $1,980 | $2,550 | $2,600 |
| 17055 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,310 | $1,440 | $1,790 | $2,310 | $2,360 |
| 17055 | York-Hanover, PA | $1,310 | $1,440 | $1,790 | $2,310 | $2,360 |
| 17065 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $940 | $1,040 | $1,290 | $1,660 | $1,700 |
| 17081 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,150 | $1,270 | $1,580 | $2,030 | $2,080 |
| 17093 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,090 | $1,200 | $1,490 | $1,920 | $1,960 |
| 17240 | Chambersburg, PA | $1,240 | $1,390 | $1,720 | $2,240 | $2,320 |
| 17240 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,240 | $1,390 | $1,720 | $2,240 | $2,320 |
| 17241 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $990 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,740 | $1,770 |
| 17257 | Chambersburg, PA | $1,000 | $1,120 | $1,390 | $1,810 | $1,880 |
| 17257 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,000 | $1,120 | $1,390 | $1,810 | $1,880 |
| 17266 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $930 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,630 | $1,670 |
| 17324 | Gettysburg, PA | $850 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,500 | $1,560 |
| 17324 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $850 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,500 | $1,560 |
- 17007 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,400$1,800
- 17011 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,710$2,200
- 17011 · York-Hanover, PA $1,710$2,200
- 17013 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,470$1,890
- 17015 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,580$2,030
- 17025 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,540$1,980
- 17027 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,590$2,070
- 17043 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,340$1,720
- 17050 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,980$2,550
- 17055 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,790$2,310
- 17055 · York-Hanover, PA $1,790$2,310
- 17065 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,290$1,660
- 17081 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,580$2,030
- 17093 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,490$1,920
- 17240 · Chambersburg, PA $1,720$2,240
- 17240 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,720$2,240
- 17241 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,350$1,740
- 17257 · Chambersburg, PA $1,390$1,810
- 17257 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,390$1,810
- 17266 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,270$1,630
- 17324 · Gettysburg, PA $1,140$1,500
- 17324 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,140$1,500
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 Cumberland 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.
30,505 households rent in Cumberland County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cumberland 42%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cumberland County
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Cumberland 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)
- 23
- HUD-assisted
- 10
- public housing
- 1
2,012 homes in all; 1,803 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Carlisle Family Apts Public housing 2 W Penn St, Carlisle 17013 209 homes, 208 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Cumberland · Average payment: $545 a month · Average wait: 20 months · Homes at several sites · (717) 249-0789
- Susquehanna View HUD-assisted 208 Senate Ave, Camp Hill 17011 201 homes, 200 low-income · For older adults
- Bethany Towers HUD-assisted 335 Wesley Dr, Mechanicsburg 17055 150 homes, 149 low-income · For older adults · (717) 766-7698
- One West Penn HUD-assisted 1 W Penn St, Carlisle 17013 131 homes, 130 low-income · For older adults · (717) 249-7797
- Cottages of Shippensburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Dwelling Ct, Shippensburg 17257 120 low-income homes · 2 bd: 120 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Mallard Run HUD-assisted 820 Lisburn Rd, Camp Hill 17011 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (717) 761-5414
- Episcopal Square Apartments HUD-assisted 101 N Prince St, Shippensburg 17257 95 low-income homes · For older adults · (717) 530-1277
- Orchard Apts HUD-assisted 2203 Cedar Run Drive Ext, Camp Hill 17011 81 homes, 80 low-income · For families · (717) 763-0937
- Geneva Greens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Geneva Dr, Mechanicsburg 17055 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 33 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Roth Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 62 Village Ct, Mechanicsburg 17050 61 low-income homes · 2 bd: 53 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Silver Spring Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 66 Ashburg Dr, Mechanicsburg 17050 59 low-income homes · 1 bd: 47 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Dawn Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 79 Dawn Ridge Loop, Carlisle 17013 58 low-income homes · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 21 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Silver Spring Courtyards Tax credit (LIHTC) 43 Ashburg Dr, Mechanicsburg 17050 55 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Townhomes @ Factory SQ (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 238 C St, Carlisle 17013 52 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
- Enola Commons Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 16 S Enola Dr, Enola 17025 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Raystown Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Raystown Cir, Shippensburg 17257 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Boiling Springs Apartments HUD-assisted 201 Plaza Dr, Boiling Springs 17007 48 low-income homes · For families · (717) 258-8387
- East Gate Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 35 Eastgate Dr, Carlisle 17015 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Shepherds Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Lambs Gap Rd, Mechanicsburg 17050 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities, families
- Shippen House HUD-assisted 19 Hollar Ave, Shippensburg 17257 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (717) 532-7885
- Crossroads (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 2141 Cedar Run Dr, Camp Hill 17011 19 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Middlesex Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 371 Army Heritage Dr, Carlisle 17013 19 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 17 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Stevens Affordable Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 65 W Louther St, Carlisle 17013 17 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities
- American House Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 26 N Market St, Mechanicsburg 17055 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1996 · For older adults
- New Cumberland Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 3rd St, New Cumberland 17070 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- New Visions - Shippensburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 7 E Orange St, Shippensburg 17257 10 low-income homes · Studio: 10 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Hanover Street Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 15 S Hanover St, Carlisle 17013 9 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Historic Molly Pitcher PH II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1115 S Hanover St, Carlisle 17013 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Enola Sros Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 S Enola Dr, Enola 17025 6 low-income homes · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 1 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Brethren House Tax credit (LIHTC) 51 W Simpson St, Mechanicsburg 17055 5 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · In service since 1999
- Townhomes at Factory Square HUD-assisted 515 North College Street, Carlisle 17013 49 homes, 3 low-income · (443) 259-4988
- The Flats at Factory Square HUD-assisted 515 Factory St, Carlisle 17013 39 homes, 3 low-income · (443) 259-4947
- Cumberland Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) Rocky RD, Mechanicsburg 17055 113 homes
- Historic Molly Pitcher Tax credit (LIHTC) 13 S Hanover St, Carlisle 17013 8 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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
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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 | $23,000 | $38,300 | $61,250 |
| 2 people | $26,250 | $43,750 | $70,000 |
| 3 people | $29,550 | $49,200 | $78,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $54,650 | $87,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $59,050 | $94,450 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $63,400 | $101,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $67,800 | $108,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $72,150 | $115,450 |
Area median income: $109,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,049 – $1,283
- 1 bedroom $1,157 – $1,414
- 2 bedrooms $1,438 – $1,758
- 3 bedrooms $1,850 – $2,261
- 4 bedrooms $1,890 – $2,310
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 Cumberland Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,387 vouchers · 208 public housing units (717) 249-0789 Housing Authority of the County of Cumberland: mkuna@cchra.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 Cumberland County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Cumberland County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities
114 N Hanover St, Carlisle
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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
$3,196
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,598
- Security deposit
- $1,598
- Total
- $3,196
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 Cumberland County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,166; 1 bedroom: $1,285; 2 bedrooms: $1,598; 3 bedrooms: $2,055; 4 bedrooms: $2,100. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cumberland County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,598) without spending more than 30% of income takes $30.73 an hour full time, or $63,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cumberland County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,650 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 Cumberland 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 $1,438 and $1,758 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Cumberland County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,140 in 17324 to $1,980 in 17050. 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 Cumberland County?
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cumberland County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).