Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Franklin County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,325 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,093 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.48 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,325
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 13% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,093
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% less than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $25.48
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $53,000 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 16% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Franklin County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Bedford County, the typical rent is $784: 28% less than in Franklin County ($1,093).
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 Franklin 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 Franklin County was $1,335 a month in September 2026: 0.7% 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 | $923 | $17.75 | $36,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,071 | $20.60 | $42,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,325 | $25.48 | $53,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,770 | $34.04 | $70,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,900 | $36.54 | $76,000 |
HUD area: Chambersburg, 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 31 ZIP codes in Franklin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,250 in 17210 to $1,650 in 17247. 18 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,325).
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)
| 17201 | Chambersburg, PA | $1,030 | $1,200 | $1,480 | $1,980 | $2,120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17202 | Chambersburg, PA | $950 | $1,110 | $1,370 | $1,830 | $1,960 |
| 17210 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 17214 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 17217 | Chambersburg, PA | $930 | $1,080 | $1,330 | $1,780 | $1,910 |
| 17219 | Chambersburg, PA | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,750 | $1,860 |
| 17220 | Chambersburg, PA | $930 | $1,080 | $1,330 | $1,780 | $1,910 |
| 17221 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 17222 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,690 | $1,820 |
| 17222 | Gettysburg, PA | $920 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,690 | $1,820 |
| 17224 | Chambersburg, PA | $960 | $1,120 | $1,380 | $1,840 | $1,980 |
| 17224 | Fulton County, PA | $960 | $1,120 | $1,380 | $1,840 | $1,980 |
| 17225 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 17232 | Chambersburg, PA | $960 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,790 | $1,880 |
| 17235 | Chambersburg, PA | $1,110 | $1,140 | $1,390 | $1,860 | $2,100 |
| 17236 | Chambersburg, PA | $930 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,770 | $1,910 |
| 17236 | Fulton County, PA | $930 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,770 | $1,910 |
| 17237 | Chambersburg, PA | $1,070 | $1,240 | $1,540 | $2,060 | $2,210 |
| 17244 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 17246 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 17247 | Chambersburg, PA | $1,220 | $1,350 | $1,650 | $2,180 | $2,380 |
| 17250 | Chambersburg, PA | $950 | $1,080 | $1,330 | $1,780 | $1,910 |
| 17251 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,050 | $1,300 | $1,720 | $1,820 |
| 17252 | Chambersburg, PA | $940 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,800 | $1,940 |
| 17254 | Chambersburg, PA | $950 | $1,110 | $1,370 | $1,830 | $1,960 |
| 17261 | Chambersburg, PA | $930 | $1,080 | $1,330 | $1,780 | $1,910 |
| 17262 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 17263 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,050 | $1,310 | $1,750 | $1,900 |
| 17265 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 17268 | Chambersburg, PA | $950 | $1,110 | $1,370 | $1,830 | $1,960 |
| 17271 | Chambersburg, PA | $920 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,800 |
- 17201 · Chambersburg, PA $1,480$1,980
- 17202 · Chambersburg, PA $1,370$1,830
- 17210 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
- 17214 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
- 17217 · Chambersburg, PA $1,330$1,780
- 17219 · Chambersburg, PA $1,370$1,750
- 17220 · Chambersburg, PA $1,330$1,780
- 17221 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
- 17222 · Chambersburg, PA $1,270$1,690
- 17222 · Gettysburg, PA $1,270$1,690
- 17224 · Chambersburg, PA $1,380$1,840
- 17224 · Fulton County, PA $1,380$1,840
- 17225 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
- 17232 · Chambersburg, PA $1,350$1,790
- 17235 · Chambersburg, PA $1,390$1,860
- 17236 · Chambersburg, PA $1,330$1,770
- 17236 · Fulton County, PA $1,330$1,770
- 17237 · Chambersburg, PA $1,540$2,060
- 17244 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
- 17246 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
- 17247 · Chambersburg, PA $1,650$2,180
- 17250 · Chambersburg, PA $1,330$1,780
- 17251 · Chambersburg, PA $1,300$1,720
- 17252 · Chambersburg, PA $1,350$1,800
- 17254 · Chambersburg, PA $1,370$1,830
- 17261 · Chambersburg, PA $1,330$1,780
- 17262 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
- 17263 · Chambersburg, PA $1,310$1,750
- 17265 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
- 17268 · Chambersburg, PA $1,370$1,830
- 17271 · Chambersburg, PA $1,250$1,650
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 Franklin County, 41% 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.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
16,819 households rent in Franklin County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Franklin 41%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Franklin County
HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Franklin 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)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 4
1,532 homes in all; 1,217 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Amp2 Public housing 202 W Catherine St, Chambersburg 17201 146 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Franklin · Average payment: $474 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (717) 860-7795
- Amp1 Public housing 201 Butternut Ln, Chambersburg 17201 100 homes, 99 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Franklin · Average payment: $348 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (717) 860-7795
- United Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 200 N Main St, Chambersburg 17201 104 homes, 96 low-income · 1 bd: 88 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (717) 263-0119
- Barclay Village HUD-assisted 604 Heintzelman Ave, Chambersburg 17201 86 low-income homes · For families · (717) 263-5025
- Waynesboro Trinity House HUD-assisted 25 N Potomac St, Waynesboro 17268 76 homes, 75 low-income · For older adults · (410) 833-5484
- Wallace Courts HUD-assisted 125 Brown St, Waynesboro 17268 75 low-income homes · For families · (717) 762-7115
- Mount Vernon Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) Fairview Avenue, Waynesboro 17268 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
- Amp4 Public housing 202 Hawbaker Ave, Waynesboro 17268 60 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Franklin · Average payment: $505 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (717) 860-7795
- New Forge Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 12935 Washington Township Blvd, Waynesboro 17268 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Amp3 Public housing 17A W North St, Waynesboro 17268 60 homes, 59 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Franklin · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (717) 860-7795
- Washington Square Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 61 W Liberty St, Chambersburg 17201 54 low-income homes · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Cottage Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 740 Norland Ave, Chambersburg 17201 51 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Orchard Run Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Apple Blossom Way, Chambersburg 17201 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Sunset Terrace Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Valley Pine Ct, Chambersburg 17202 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families
- Wayne Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Wayne Gardens Ct, Waynesboro 17268 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2015 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Westminster Place at Quincy Tax credit (LIHTC) 6575 Orphanage Rd, Waynesboro 17268 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Chambersburg Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 78 W Washington St, Chambersburg 17201 48 homes, 32 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (301) 662-4225
- Luther Ridge Manor HUD-assisted 3001 Luther Dr, Chambersburg 17202 28 low-income homes · For older adults
- Roxbury Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Meadow Dr, Shippensburg 17257 172 homes, 24 low-income · For older adults · (717) 532-9425
- Valley Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) 548 W 10th St, Waynesboro 17268 22 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Franklin Residences HUD-assisted 597 Lincoln Way E, Chambersburg 17201 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (717) 264-6178
- New Visions Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 212 W North St, Waynesboro 17268 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Mount Vernon Terrace HUD-assisted 202 Elder Ave, Waynesboro 17268 58 homes, 6 low-income · (717) 762-7117
- Orchard Run Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Macintosh Way, Chambersburg 17201 48 homes
- Chambersburg Family Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Chambersburg 17201 40 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 | $21,000 | $34,950 | $55,900 |
| 2 people | $24,000 | $39,950 | $63,900 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,950 | $71,900 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,900 | $79,850 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,900 | $86,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $61,900 | $99,050 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $65,900 | $105,450 |
Area median income: $99,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Chambersburg, PA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $831 – $1,015
- 1 bedroom $964 – $1,178
- 2 bedrooms $1,193 – $1,458
- 3 bedrooms $1,593 – $1,947
- 4 bedrooms $1,710 – $2,090
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 Franklin Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 391 vouchers · 364 public housing units (717) 860-7795 Housing Authority of the County of Franklin: dmyers@fcha.net
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 Franklin County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Franklin County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Pathstone Corporation-Pennsylvania
450 Cleveland Ave, Chambersburg · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Franklin 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 Franklin 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
$2,650
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,325
- Security deposit
- $1,325
- Total
- $2,650
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 Franklin County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $923; 1 bedroom: $1,071; 2 bedrooms: $1,325; 3 bedrooms: $1,770; 4 bedrooms: $1,900. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Franklin County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,325) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.48 an hour full time, or $53,000 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Franklin County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,900 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 Franklin 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 $1,193 and $1,458 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Franklin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,250 in 17210 to $1,650 in 17247. 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 Franklin County?
HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Franklin 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 Franklin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Franklin County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).