Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Dauphin 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 $1,217 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
- $1,217
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as 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
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Dauphin County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Dauphin County has the 3rd lowest homeownership rate of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania (63%).
-
Among the neighboring counties, Juniata County has the lowest typical rent ($756), 38% below the $1,217 in Dauphin County.
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 Dauphin 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 Dauphin County was $1,411 a month in September 2026: 2.5% 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 | $1,166 | $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 29 ZIP codes in Dauphin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 17030 to $1,900 in 17036. 9 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)
| 17005 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,040 | $1,140 | $1,420 | $1,830 | $1,870 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17018 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,010 | $1,120 | $1,390 | $1,790 | $1,830 |
| 17023 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $820 | $910 | $1,130 | $1,450 | $1,490 |
| 17030 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $740 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,340 |
| 17032 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $820 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,470 |
| 17033 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,710 | $2,200 | $2,250 |
| 17033 | Lebanon, PA | $1,250 | $1,370 | $1,710 | $2,200 | $2,250 |
| 17034 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,020 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,800 | $1,840 |
| 17036 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,390 | $1,530 | $1,900 | $2,440 | $2,500 |
| 17048 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $830 | $960 | $1,170 | $1,510 | $1,550 |
| 17057 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,130 | $1,250 | $1,550 | $1,990 | $2,040 |
| 17061 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $820 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,470 |
| 17080 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $760 | $900 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,440 |
| 17097 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,260 | $1,380 | $1,720 | $2,210 | $2,260 |
| 17098 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $880 | $970 | $1,210 | $1,560 | $1,590 |
| 17101 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,020 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,800 | $1,840 |
| 17102 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,100 | $1,210 | $1,510 | $1,940 | $1,980 |
| 17103 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $970 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,710 | $1,750 |
| 17104 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $1,800 |
| 17109 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,230 | $1,350 | $1,680 | $2,160 | $2,210 |
| 17110 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,350 | $1,490 | $1,850 | $2,380 | $2,430 |
| 17111 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,300 | $1,430 | $1,780 | $2,290 | $2,340 |
| 17112 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,370 | $1,510 | $1,880 | $2,420 | $2,470 |
| 17113 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,160 | $1,280 | $1,590 | $2,040 | $2,090 |
| 17120 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $1,170 | $1,290 | $1,610 | $2,070 | $2,120 |
| 17978 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $830 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,480 | $1,520 |
| 17978 | Schuylkill County, PA | $830 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,480 | $1,520 |
| 17980 | Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $730 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| 17980 | Schuylkill County, PA | $730 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,400 |
- 17005 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,420$1,830
- 17018 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,390$1,790
- 17023 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,130$1,450
- 17030 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,010$1,310
- 17032 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,120$1,440
- 17033 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,710$2,200
- 17033 · Lebanon, PA $1,710$2,200
- 17034 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,400$1,800
- 17036 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,900$2,440
- 17048 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,170$1,510
- 17057 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,550$1,990
- 17061 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,120$1,440
- 17080 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,050$1,370
- 17097 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,720$2,210
- 17098 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,210$1,560
- 17101 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,400$1,800
- 17102 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,510$1,940
- 17103 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,330$1,710
- 17104 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,370$1,760
- 17109 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,680$2,160
- 17110 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,850$2,380
- 17111 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,780$2,290
- 17112 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,880$2,420
- 17113 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,590$2,040
- 17120 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,610$2,070
- 17978 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,150$1,480
- 17978 · Schuylkill County, PA $1,150$1,480
- 17980 · Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA $1,040$1,350
- 17980 · Schuylkill County, PA $1,040$1,350
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 Dauphin 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.
44,802 households rent in Dauphin County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Dauphin 45%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Dauphin County
HUD lists 65 properties with homes for low-income households in Dauphin 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)
- 24
- HUD-assisted
- 24
- public housing
- 19
6,002 homes in all; 5,038 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- John A F Hall Manor Public housing 1A Hall Mnr, Harrisburg 17104 550 homes, 538 low-income · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $331 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (717) 232-6781
- Geo A Hoverter Homes Public housing 1270R Oyler Rd, Harrisburg 17104 236 homes, 233 low-income · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $293 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (717) 232-6781
- W Howard Day Homes Public housing 1200E Cumberland Rd, Harrisburg 17103 225 homes, 218 low-income · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $328 a month · (717) 232-6781
- Hershey Plaza HUD-assisted 215 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey 17033 216 homes, 215 low-income · For older adults · (717) 533-5182
- Pheasant Hill Estate Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4400 Pheasant Hill Rd, Harrisburg 17110 171 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2001 · For older adults · (717) 657-3135
- Jackson Tower Public housing 1315 N 6th St, Harrisburg 17102 240 homes, 159 low-income · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · (717) 232-6781
- Harrisburg Park Apts HUD-assisted 1413 S 15th St, Harrisburg 17104 163 homes, 155 low-income · For families · (717) 236-5184
- Lick Tower Public housing 1301 N 6th St, Harrisburg 17102 144 low-income homes · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · (717) 232-6781
- Ivey Lane HUD-assisted 3 Ivey Ln, Harrisburg 17104 138 homes, 134 low-income · For families · (717) 232-7438
- Waterford at Summit View Tax credit (LIHTC) 8301 Presidents Dr, Hummelstown 17036 132 homes, 130 low-income · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 68 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Middletown Interfaith Apartments HUD-assisted 107 Mill St, Middletown 17057 125 low-income homes · For older adults · (717) 944-7634
- Edison Village HUD-assisted 101 S 18th St, Harrisburg 17104 125 homes, 124 low-income · For older adults · (717) 232-0564
- RIVER TRAIL TERRACE aka LINDEN TERRACE HUD-assisted 1201 N Front St, Harrisburg 17102 124 homes, 123 low-income · For older adults · (717) 232-4454
- Morrison Towers Public housing 351 Chestnut St, Harrisburg 17101 126 homes, 120 low-income · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $359 a month · (717) 232-6781
- Cumberland Court Tax credit (LIHTC) Harrisburg 17102 108 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Eastridge Apartments HUD-assisted 105 Worcester Ave, Harrisburg 17111 108 homes, 106 low-income · For families · (717) 561-0364
- Eastridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Worcester Ave, Harrisburg 17111 107 homes, 104 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 59 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Chestnut Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 3655 Chambers Hill Rd, Harrisburg 17111 104 low-income homes · 3 bd: 72 · 4 bd: 32 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Court at Washington Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 Mary St, Harrisburg 17104 101 homes, 100 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Cole Crest Public housing 901 Wood St, Steelton 17113 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $435 a month · Average wait: 49 months · (717) 939-9301
- Hoy Towers Public housing 301 Mohn St, Steelton 17113 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $364 a month · Average wait: 60 months · (717) 939-9301
- Bnai Brith Apartments HUD-assisted 130 S 3rd St, Harrisburg 17101 147 homes, 96 low-income · (717) 566-3166
- Essex House Public housing 320 Market St, Middletown 17057 90 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $310 a month · Average wait: 66 months · (717) 939-9301
- Laurel Towers HUD-assisted 1525 N 3rd St, Harrisburg 17102 86 homes, 85 low-income · For older adults · (717) 233-1340
- Rutherford Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 333 Brokas Dr, Hummelstown 17036 85 low-income homes · 2 bd: 51 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Rutherford Park Townhouses HUD-assisted 335 Brokas Dr, Hummelstown 17036 85 homes, 84 low-income · For families · (717) 561-0615
- Felton Building Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) South Third ST, Harrisburg 17113 83 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Bistline House Public housing 1291 S 28th St, Harrisburg 17111 100 homes, 80 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $374 a month · Average wait: 92 months · (717) 939-9301
- M W Smith Homes Public housing 43 M W Smith Homes, Harrisburg 17103 80 low-income homes · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $290 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (717) 232-6781
- Scattered Site Public housing 2634 Lexington St, Harrisburg 17110 79 low-income homes · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $477 a month · Homes at several sites · (717) 232-6781
- Latsha Towers Public housing 501 Mohn St, Steelton 17113 100 homes, 75 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 138 months · (717) 939-9301
- Hillside Village Public housing 1501A Hillside Vlg, Harrisburg 17103 70 low-income homes · Run by Harrisburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $326 a month · Average wait: 77 months · (717) 232-6781
- Laurel Hill Public housing 120 Maple Ln, Williamstown 17098 70 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $381 a month · Average wait: 78 months · (717) 939-9301
- Rattling Creek Apts Public housing 15 S 2nd St, Lykens 17048 70 homes, 67 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $406 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (717) 939-9301
- Willow Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 21 Rosewood Dr, Hershey 17033 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 45 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Lang Manor Public housing 218 S 2nd St, Steelton 17113 59 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $481 a month · Average wait: 102 months · (717) 939-9301
- Hummelstown Manor HUD-assisted 300 Poplar Ave, Hummelstown 17036 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (717) 566-8782
- Mcfarland Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Crescent St, Harrisburg 17104 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Sylvan Heights Mansion Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 Market St, Harrisburg 17103 48 homes, 44 low-income · Studio: 38 · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Genesis Court Public housing 1 Genesis Ct, Middletown 17057 43 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $363 a month · Average wait: 46 months · (717) 939-9301
- Griffith House Public housing 800 Wood St, Steelton 17113 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin · Average payment: $299 a month · Average wait: 38 months · (717) 939-9301
- Paxton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 S 20th St, Harrisburg 17104 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2019 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Sunflower Fields Tax credit (LIHTC) 3232 Reichert Rd, Harrisburg 17110 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 25 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Harmony Tower HUD-assisted 322 N 2nd St, Harrisburg 17101 165 homes, 29 low-income · For older adults · (717) 233-5114
- Union House Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Main St, Lykens 17048 28 low-income homes · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Allison Hill II Tax credit (LIHTC) Harrisburg 17102 27 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Greenfield Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 231 Camp St, Elizabethville 17023 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Hillside Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) Hillside HTS, Millersburg 17061 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Quail Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) Casey Way, Halifax 17032 24 low-income homes · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Hub Veterans Housing (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1820 N 5th St, Harrisburg 17102 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- New Song Village HUD-assisted 7340 Derry St, Harrisburg 17111 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (717) 658-5834
- Residence at Governors Square HUD-assisted 2018 N 5th St, Harrisburg 17102 222 homes, 15 low-income · (717) 238-1553
- Creekside Village HUD-assisted 505 N Blue Ribbon Ave, Harrisburg 17112 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (570) 829-6542
- Baldwin Village HUD-assisted 400 Mohn St, Steelton 17113 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (717) 939-9301
- Market Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 1221 Market St, Harrisburg 17103 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 4 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Fairview Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 239 Maple St, Halifax 17032 6 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Felton Building Apartments HUD-assisted 100 S 4th St, Steelton 17113 83 homes, 5 low-income · (717) 745-1020
- First Mulberry HUD-assisted 211 Crescent St, Harrisburg 17104 45 homes, 5 low-income · (937) 823-5264
- Springwood Glen Apartments HUD-assisted 1901 Georgetown Rd, Middletown 17057 56 homes, 1 low-income
- Ivey Lane Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 16 Ivey Ln, Harrisburg 17104 135 homes
- Mount Pleasant Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Harrisburg 17102 48 homes
- Allison Hill South Tax credit (LIHTC) Harrisburg 17102 27 homes
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency HUD-assisted 211 N Front St, Harrisburg 17101 (717) 780-3994
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency HUD-assisted 211 N Front St, Harrisburg 17101 (717) 238-1553
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency HUD-assisted 211 N Front St, Harrisburg 17101 (855) 827-3466
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 Dauphin County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Dauphin 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 | $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
- Harrisburg Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,520 vouchers · 1,641 public housing units (717) 232-6781 Harrisburg Housing Authority: hha@harrisburghousing.org
- Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,206 vouchers · 724 public housing units (717) 939-9301 Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin: leppinger@dauphinhousing.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 Dauphin County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Dauphin County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
211 North Front Street, Harrisburg · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
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The Fair Housing Council of the Capital Region, Inc
2100 N 6th St, Harrisburg
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Dauphin 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 Dauphin 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 Dauphin 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 Dauphin 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 Dauphin 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 Dauphin 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 Dauphin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 17030 to $1,900 in 17036. 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 Dauphin County?
HUD lists 65 properties with homes for low-income households in Dauphin 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 Dauphin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dauphin County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).