Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Erie County, Pennsylvania
Erie County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,091 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $904 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.98 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,091
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 29% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $904
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 25% less than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $20.98
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% more than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Erie County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Erie County has the highest typical rent in its area: $904, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Mercer County ($843).
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 Erie 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 Erie County was $1,126 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 | $753 | $14.48 | $30,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $851 | $16.37 | $34,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,091 | $20.98 | $43,640 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,350 | $25.96 | $54,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,564 | $30.08 | $62,560 |
HUD area: Erie, 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 39 ZIP codes in Erie County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 16401 to $1,600 in 16443. 39 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,091).
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)
| 16401 | Crawford County, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16401 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16407 | Crawford County, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16407 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16407 | Warren County, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16410 | Erie, PA | $770 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,380 | $1,630 |
| 16411 | Erie, PA | $850 | $970 | $1,240 | $1,530 | $1,710 |
| 16412 | Crawford County, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,560 |
| 16412 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,560 |
| 16415 | Erie, PA | $1,090 | $1,240 | $1,570 | $1,950 | $2,300 |
| 16417 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16421 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16423 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16426 | Erie, PA | $780 | $880 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,610 |
| 16427 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16428 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16430 | Erie, PA | $840 | $960 | $1,230 | $1,520 | $1,700 |
| 16438 | Crawford County, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16438 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16441 | Crawford County, PA | $840 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,510 | $1,740 |
| 16441 | Erie, PA | $840 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,510 | $1,740 |
| 16442 | Erie, PA | $1,000 | $1,130 | $1,430 | $1,770 | $2,090 |
| 16443 | Erie, PA | $1,110 | $1,260 | $1,600 | $1,990 | $2,340 |
| 16444 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,560 |
| 16475 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16501 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16502 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16503 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16504 | Erie, PA | $840 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,490 | $1,760 |
| 16505 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16506 | Erie, PA | $980 | $1,110 | $1,410 | $1,750 | $2,070 |
| 16507 | Erie, PA | $810 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,710 |
| 16508 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| 16509 | Erie, PA | $880 | $1,000 | $1,270 | $1,580 | $1,860 |
| 16510 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,360 | $1,580 |
| 16511 | Erie, PA | $830 | $940 | $1,210 | $1,500 | $1,710 |
| 16546 | Erie, PA | $840 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,490 | $1,760 |
| 16550 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,600 |
| 16563 | Erie, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,360 | $1,580 |
- 16401 · Crawford County, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16401 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16407 · Crawford County, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16407 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16407 · Warren County, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16410 · Erie, PA $1,110$1,380
- 16411 · Erie, PA $1,240$1,530
- 16412 · Crawford County, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16412 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16415 · Erie, PA $1,570$1,950
- 16417 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16421 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16423 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16426 · Erie, PA $1,130$1,400
- 16427 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16428 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16430 · Erie, PA $1,230$1,520
- 16438 · Crawford County, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16438 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16441 · Crawford County, PA $1,220$1,510
- 16441 · Erie, PA $1,220$1,510
- 16442 · Erie, PA $1,430$1,770
- 16443 · Erie, PA $1,600$1,990
- 16444 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16475 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16501 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16502 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16503 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16504 · Erie, PA $1,200$1,490
- 16505 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16506 · Erie, PA $1,410$1,750
- 16507 · Erie, PA $1,170$1,450
- 16508 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16509 · Erie, PA $1,270$1,580
- 16510 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,360
- 16511 · Erie, PA $1,210$1,500
- 16546 · Erie, PA $1,200$1,490
- 16550 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,350
- 16563 · Erie, PA $1,100$1,360
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 Erie County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
35,311 households rent in Erie County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Erie 49%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Erie County
HUD lists 73 properties with homes for low-income households in Erie 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)
- 18
- HUD-assisted
- 49
- public housing
- 7
4,693 homes in all; 4,448 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Horan Garden Apts. Public housing 1932 Bird Dr, Erie 16510 492 homes, 479 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Erie · Average payment: $444 a month · Average wait: 19 months · (814) 452-2425
- Harbor Homes Public housing 1819 E 18th St, Erie 16510 428 homes, 424 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Erie · Average payment: $500 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (814) 452-2425
- Lake City Public housing 318 E 17th St, Erie 16503 327 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Erie · Average payment: $526 a month · Average wait: 22 months · Homes at several sites · (814) 452-2425
- Friendship Apts. Public housing 111 E 11th St, Erie 16501 200 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Erie · Average payment: $329 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (814) 452-2425
- Joseph A. Schmid Towers Public housing 153 E 6th St, Erie 16501 200 homes, 193 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Erie · Average payment: $339 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (814) 452-2425
- ST. Joseph Apts. HUD-assisted 517 Maryland Ave, Erie 16505 201 homes, 190 low-income · For older adults · (814) 454-5080
- Pineview Public housing 4202 Schaper Ave, Erie 16509 145 homes, 142 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Erie · Average payment: $578 a month · Average wait: 21 months · Homes at several sites · (814) 452-2425
- Highpoint Towers HUD-assisted 2314 Sassafras St, Erie 16502 133 homes, 132 low-income · For older adults · (814) 456-6140
- Mid-City Towers HUD-assisted 12 E 9th St, Erie 16501 132 low-income homes · For families · (814) 456-6140
- Grandview Manors Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4210 Davison Ave, Erie 16504 146 homes, 131 low-income · For older adults · (814) 825-2664
- Tullio Towers HUD-assisted 21 W 9th St, Erie 16501 112 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 456-9992
- Richford Arms HUD-assisted 515 State St, Erie 16501 106 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (814) 456-0510
- Boston Store Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 716 State ST, Erie 16501 125 homes, 92 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 110 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Leonard J. Ostrow Apartments Public housing 4220 Davison Ave, Erie 16504 80 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Erie · Average payment: $392 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (814) 452-2425
- Benetwood Apts. HUD-assisted 641 Troupe Rd, Harborcreek 16421 76 homes, 75 low-income · For older adults · (814) 899-0088
- Martins Landing HUD-assisted 415 Main St E, Girard 16417 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 774-5890
- Barnett Building HUD-assisted 32 W Pearl St, Albion 16401 65 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 756-5294
- Methodist Towers HUD-assisted 160 W 8th St, Erie 16501 136 homes, 57 low-income · For older adults · (814) 456-1783
- Angelique Woods HUD-assisted 1679 W 45th St, Erie 16509 55 homes, 54 low-income · For older adults · (814) 866-7172
- Meyers Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Chord Rd, Corry 16407 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Elk Valley Manor HUD-assisted 5181 Westgate Dr, Girard 16417 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (814) 774-4189
- Union City Estates HUD-assisted 61 Parade St, Union City 16438 51 homes, 50 low-income · For families · (814) 438-2119
- Arneman Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Arneman Ct, Erie 16511 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For families
- South Hills Apts. HUD-assisted 2 E Airport Rd, Corry 16407 50 low-income homes · For families · (814) 665-5161
- Apple Blossom Place HUD-assisted 5298 Crabapple Dr, Erie 16509 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (814) 825-0609
- Chestnut Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7554 Chestnut St, Fairview 16415 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Manly Heights Apts. HUD-assisted 122 N Main St, Union City 16438 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 438-7419
- Ridgebury Apts. HUD-assisted 5125 W Ridge Rd, Erie 16506 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 453-3333
- Willow Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 2064 Willow St, Erie 16510 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Lake City Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1055 Cherry St, Lake City 16423 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Maryvale Apts. HUD-assisted 2543 W 8th St, Erie 16505 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 836-9303
- Covington Valley Estates HUD-assisted 5300 Covington Valley Dr, Erie 16509 43 homes, 42 low-income · For families · (814) 825-4900
- Alex W. Thompson Apts. HUD-assisted 441 W 3rd St, Erie 16507 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 452-0505
- Kearsarge Place HUD-assisted 1768 Zimmerly Rd, Erie 16509 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 866-1701
- Eastlake Woods HUD-assisted 4664 E Lake Rd, Erie 16511 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (814) 898-1490
- Highland Village Tax credit (LIHTC) YMCA DR & I6n, Edinboro 16412 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Edinlake HUD-assisted 100 Walker Dr, Edinboro 16412 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 456-0510
- Independence House HUD-assisted 956 W 2nd St, Erie 16507 36 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 838-7222
- Parade Street Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 19th and Parade STRS, Erie 16503 36 low-income homes · 4 bd: 36 · In service since 2013 · For families
- ST James Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2611 Pearl Ave, Erie 16510 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- C. Ted Dombrowski Apartments HUD-assisted 420 E 15th St, Erie 16503 33 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 452-4468
- Palace Building Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 913 State St, Erie 16501 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Woodlands at Zuck Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 5319 Old Zuck Rd, Erie 16506 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 3 · 4 bd: 27 · In service since 2012 · For people with disabilities, families
- Edinboro Family Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) Scots Glen DR, Edinboro 16412 29 low-income homes · 3 bd: 9 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2007 · For families
- North East Manor HUD-assisted South Washington Street, Erie 16428 27 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 324-6222
- Freedom Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2686 Peach St, Erie 16508 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2016 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Oak Haven Apts. HUD-assisted 255 E 6th St, Waterford 16441 22 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 337-0433
- ST. Francis Xavier Apts. HUD-assisted 502 E 12th St, Erie 16503 22 low-income homes · For older adults · (814) 459-1047
- Center City Apts. HUD-assisted 245 E 18th St, Erie 16503 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- First Erie Better HSG East HUD-assisted 236 E 17th St, Erie 16503 20 low-income homes · For families · (814) 459-1047
- First Erie Better HSG West HUD-assisted 212 E 17th St, Erie 16503 20 low-income homes · For families · (814) 459-1047
- Irma Seligman Apts. HUD-assisted 1953 E 36th St, Erie 16510 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Metro Apts. HUD-assisted 1207 German St, Erie 16503 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Royal Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2514 McCain Ave, Erie 16510 15 low-income homes · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Better Housing Erie HUD-assisted 1605 Holland St, Erie 16503 12 low-income homes · For families · (814) 456-0510
- Niagara Apts. HUD-assisted 535 E 3rd St, Erie 16507 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Bayview Apts. HUD-assisted 1039 W 5th St, Erie 16507 11 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 461-9188
- McCLELLAND AVENUE APTS. HUD-assisted 2313 E 26th St, Erie 16510 11 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 461-9188
- Poplar Place HUD-assisted 3407 Poplar St, Erie 16508 11 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Flagship City Apartments HUD-assisted 502 E 12th St, Erie 16503 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- North Coast Place HUD-assisted 326 W 18th St, Erie 16502 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Poux Apts. HUD-assisted 1271 E 21st St, Erie 16503 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Cascade Run HUD-assisted 643 W 4th St, Erie 16507 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Kuehl Apts. HUD-assisted 542 E 6th St, Erie 16507 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Liberty Place Apts. HUD-assisted 313 Wallace St, Erie 16507 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (412) 453-3333
- Rosedale Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 2947 Zimmerman Rd, Erie 16510 8 low-income homes · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Smith Street Commons HUD-assisted 49 W Smith St, Corry 16407 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Titus House HUD-assisted 727 French St, Erie 16501 7 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Rosewood Apts. HUD-assisted 1002 E Lake Rd, Erie 16507 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (814) 453-3333
- Midtown Revitalization HUD-assisted 7 E 7th St, Erie 16501 25 homes, 5 low-income · (814) 453-3333
- Villa Maria 2 Preservation HUD-assisted 815 Plum St, Erie 16502 27 homes, 3 low-income · (814) 453-3333
- Lake Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1423 Lake St, Girard 16417 32 homes, 1 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Fairview Family Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 4030 Evergreen Trl, Fairview 16415 25 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 Erie 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 Erie 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 | $18,650 | $31,050 | $49,650 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,450 | $56,750 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,900 | $63,850 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $44,300 | $70,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,850 | $76,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $51,400 | $82,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,950 | $87,950 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $58,500 | $93,600 |
Area median income: $88,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Erie, PA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $678 – $828
- 1 bedroom $766 – $936
- 2 bedrooms $982 – $1,200
- 3 bedrooms $1,215 – $1,485
- 4 bedrooms $1,408 – $1,720
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 City of Erie Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,168 vouchers · 1,845 public housing units (814) 452-2425 Housing Authority of the City of Erie: dennisd@hace.org
- Housing Authority of the County of Erie Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,253 vouchers (814) 665-5161 Housing Authority of the County of Erie: bweaver@eriecountyha.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 Erie County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Erie County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Saint Martin Center, Inc
1701 Parade St, Erie · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
-
Greater Erie Community Action Agency
18 W 9th St, Erie
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Erie 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 Erie 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
$2,182
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,091
- Security deposit
- $1,091
- Total
- $2,182
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 Erie County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $753; 1 bedroom: $851; 2 bedrooms: $1,091; 3 bedrooms: $1,350; 4 bedrooms: $1,564. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Erie County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,091) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.98 an hour full time, or $43,640 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Erie County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $44,300 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 Erie 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 $982 and $1,200 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Erie County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 16401 to $1,600 in 16443. 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 Erie County?
HUD lists 73 properties with homes for low-income households in Erie 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 Erie County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Erie County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).