Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Luzerne County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,363 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,004 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.21 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,363
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 11% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,004
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% less than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $26.21
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $54,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Luzerne County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Sullivan County, the typical rent is $775: 23% less than in Luzerne County ($1,004).
-
At 68%, Luzerne County ranks 7th among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the lowest homeownership rate.
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 Luzerne 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 Luzerne County was $1,322 a month in September 2026: 5.5% 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 | $949 | $18.25 | $37,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,106 | $21.27 | $44,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,363 | $26.21 | $54,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,786 | $34.35 | $71,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,962 | $37.73 | $78,480 |
HUD area: Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 49 ZIP codes in Luzerne County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,130 in 18701 to $1,890 in 18222. 26 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,363).
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)
| 18201 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,020 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,880 | $2,030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18201 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,020 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,880 | $2,030 |
| 18202 | Schuylkill County, PA | $1,020 | $1,180 | $1,460 | $1,920 | $2,100 |
| 18202 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,020 | $1,180 | $1,460 | $1,920 | $2,100 |
| 18219 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $860 | $1,000 | $1,230 | $1,610 | $1,770 |
| 18221 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $980 | $1,140 | $1,410 | $1,840 | $2,020 |
| 18222 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,320 | $1,530 | $1,890 | $2,480 | $2,720 |
| 18223 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $950 | $1,110 | $1,370 | $1,790 | $1,970 |
| 18224 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,020 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,880 | $2,010 |
| 18224 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,020 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,880 | $2,010 |
| 18225 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,020 | $1,180 | $1,460 | $1,920 | $2,100 |
| 18234 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,020 | $1,180 | $1,460 | $1,920 | $2,100 |
| 18239 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $950 | $1,110 | $1,370 | $1,790 | $1,970 |
| 18241 | Schuylkill County, PA | $800 | $930 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,600 |
| 18241 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $800 | $930 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,600 |
| 18246 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $880 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,610 | $1,770 |
| 18249 | Schuylkill County, PA | $1,190 | $1,390 | $1,710 | $2,240 | $2,460 |
| 18249 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,190 | $1,390 | $1,710 | $2,240 | $2,460 |
| 18256 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $980 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,840 | $2,010 |
| 18602 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,170 | $1,390 | $1,700 | $2,210 | $2,390 |
| 18612 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,080 | $1,260 | $1,550 | $2,030 | $2,230 |
| 18617 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $810 | $940 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $1,670 |
| 18618 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,280 | $1,490 | $1,840 | $2,410 | $2,650 |
| 18621 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,110 | $1,290 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,290 |
| 18622 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $870 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,780 |
| 18627 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $950 | $1,110 | $1,370 | $1,790 | $1,970 |
| 18634 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $860 | $1,000 | $1,230 | $1,610 | $1,770 |
| 18635 | Columbia County, PA | $830 | $970 | $1,190 | $1,530 | $1,700 |
| 18635 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $830 | $970 | $1,190 | $1,530 | $1,700 |
| 18640 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $980 | $1,140 | $1,410 | $1,850 | $2,030 |
| 18641 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $880 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,650 | $1,810 |
| 18642 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,030 | $1,200 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,130 |
| 18643 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $930 | $1,090 | $1,340 | $1,760 | $1,930 |
| 18644 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $890 | $1,040 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $1,840 |
| 18651 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $880 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,650 | $1,810 |
| 18655 | Columbia County, PA | $890 | $1,040 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $1,840 |
| 18655 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $890 | $1,040 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $1,840 |
| 18656 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $860 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,620 | $1,780 |
| 18660 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $930 | $1,080 | $1,330 | $1,740 | $1,910 |
| 18661 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,190 | $1,390 | $1,700 | $2,220 | $2,430 |
| 18661 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,190 | $1,390 | $1,700 | $2,220 | $2,430 |
| 18701 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $780 | $930 | $1,130 | $1,470 | $1,610 |
| 18702 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $950 | $1,100 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $1,960 |
| 18704 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $990 | $1,150 | $1,420 | $1,860 | $2,040 |
| 18705 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $950 | $1,100 | $1,360 | $1,780 | $1,960 |
| 18706 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $930 | $1,080 | $1,330 | $1,740 | $1,910 |
| 18707 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $810 | $940 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $1,670 |
| 18708 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,030 | $1,200 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,130 |
| 18709 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $800 | $930 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
- 18201 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,480$1,880
- 18201 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,480$1,880
- 18202 · Schuylkill County, PA $1,460$1,920
- 18202 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,460$1,920
- 18219 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,230$1,610
- 18221 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,410$1,840
- 18222 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,890$2,480
- 18223 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,370$1,790
- 18224 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,480$1,880
- 18224 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,480$1,880
- 18225 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,460$1,920
- 18234 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,460$1,920
- 18239 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,370$1,790
- 18241 · Schuylkill County, PA $1,140$1,490
- 18241 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,140$1,490
- 18246 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,270$1,610
- 18249 · Schuylkill County, PA $1,710$2,240
- 18249 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,710$2,240
- 18256 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,400$1,840
- 18602 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,700$2,210
- 18612 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,550$2,030
- 18617 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,160$1,520
- 18618 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,840$2,410
- 18621 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,590$2,080
- 18622 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,250$1,600
- 18627 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,370$1,790
- 18634 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,230$1,610
- 18635 · Columbia County, PA $1,190$1,530
- 18635 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,190$1,530
- 18640 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,410$1,850
- 18641 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,260$1,650
- 18642 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,480$1,940
- 18643 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,340$1,760
- 18644 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,280$1,680
- 18651 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,260$1,650
- 18655 · Columbia County, PA $1,280$1,680
- 18655 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,280$1,680
- 18656 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,240$1,620
- 18660 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,330$1,740
- 18661 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,700$2,220
- 18661 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,700$2,220
- 18701 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,130$1,470
- 18702 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,360$1,780
- 18704 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,420$1,860
- 18705 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,360$1,780
- 18706 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,330$1,740
- 18707 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,160$1,520
- 18708 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,480$1,940
- 18709 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,150$1,510
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 Luzerne County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
43,490 households rent in Luzerne County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Luzerne 46%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Luzerne County
HUD lists 52 properties with homes for low-income households in Luzerne 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)
- 17
- HUD-assisted
- 26
- public housing
- 14
7,522 homes in all; 6,758 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Fairview Park-Mountain T Public housing 250 1st Ave, Kingston 18704 484 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Luzerne · Average payment: $474 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (570) 287-9661
- Lee Park Towers Public housing 140 Lee Park Ave, Hanover Township 18706 437 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Luzerne · Average payment: $416 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (570) 287-9661
- Exeter Gardens Public housing 500 Brown St, Duryea 18642 431 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Luzerne · Average payment: $461 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (570) 287-9661
- Sherman Hills Apts HUD-assisted 300 Parkview Cir, Wilkes Barre 18702 344 homes, 341 low-income · For families · (570) 823-5124
- Boulevard Townhomes Public housing 123 S Welles St, Wilkes Barre 18702 290 homes, 286 low-income · Run by Wilkes Barre Housing Authority · Average payment: $585 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (570) 825-6657
- Nanticoke/Oplinger/Park TWRS Public housing 270 E Main St, Nanticoke 18634 291 homes, 270 low-income · Run by The Housing Auth of the City of Nanticoke · Average payment: $418 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (570) 735-1110
- Edwardsville Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 9 Beverly Dr, Edwardsville 18704 503 homes, 251 low-income · For families · (570) 287-5104
- Hazleton Apartments HUD-assisted 701 W 24th ST, Hazleton 18202 236 low-income homes · For families · (570) 454-8423
- Daniel J Flood Tower Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 230 Wyoming Ave, Kingston 18704 211 homes, 210 low-income · Studio: 15 · 1 bd: 195 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2016 · For older adults · (570) 287-9998
- Lincoln Plaza Public housing Wilkes-Barre 18702 200 low-income homes · Run by Wilkes Barre Housing Authority · Average payment: $372 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (570) 825-6657
- Hilltop Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 517 Roosevelt St, Edwardsville 18704 200 homes, 199 low-income · For families · (570) 287-8886
- Marion Terrace HUD-assisted 2001 Mark Dr, Hanover Township 18706 199 low-income homes · For families · (570) 829-6400
- East End Towers - Southv Public housing 295 Scott St, Wilkes Barre 18702 200 homes, 190 low-income · Run by Wilkes Barre Housing Authority · Average payment: $390 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (570) 825-6657
- Riverview Manor-Infantino Towers Public housing Pittston 18640 190 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Pittston · Average payment: $507 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (570) 655-3707
- Valley View Terrace Public housing 215 High Blvd, Wilkes Barre 18702 203 homes, 180 low-income · Run by Wilkes Barre Housing Authority · Average payment: $389 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (570) 825-6657
- Center City Apartments HUD-assisted 70 S Pine St, Hazleton 18201 176 homes, 175 low-income · For older adults · (570) 454-0833
- Hanover Village HUD-assisted 201 Hanover Vlg, Hanover Township 18706 152 homes, 151 low-income · For families · (570) 829-3016
- City Heights Apts HUD-assisted 5 N Sherman St, Wilkes Barre 18702 151 homes, 150 low-income · For older adults · (570) 822-6825
- Apollo/Terrace Apts Public housing 209 W South St, Nanticoke 18634 149 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Auth of the City of Nanticoke · Average payment: $445 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (570) 735-1110
- Washington Square Apts HUD-assisted 163 S Washington St, Wilkes Barre 18701 153 homes, 146 low-income · For older adults
- Park Avenue Towers HUD-assisted 300 Park Ave, Wilkes Barre 18702 130 homes, 129 low-income · For older adults · (570) 829-5633
- Anthracite Apts HUD-assisted 101 N Main St, Pittston 18640 121 homes, 120 low-income · For older adults · (570) 655-5959
- The Meadows Apartments HUD-assisted 220 Lake St, Dallas 18612 120 low-income homes · For older adults
- Bnai Brith Apartments HUD-assisted 61 E Northampton St, Wilkes Barre 18701 151 homes, 116 low-income · For older adults · (570) 825-8594
- Riverview Manor-Infantino Towers Public housing 500 Kennedy Blvd, Pittston 18640 112 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Pittston · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (570) 655-3707
- Garden Village Apartments HUD-assisted 221 Fremont St, West Pittston 18643 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (570) 655-6555
- Hazle Twin Apts Public housing 50 E Juniper St, Hazleton 18201 100 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Hazleton · Average payment: $346 a month · Average wait: 29 months · (570) 455-9503
- Vine West Public housing 128 S Filmore Ct, Hazleton 18201 100 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Hazleton · Average payment: $578 a month · Average wait: 19 months · (570) 455-9503
- Vine Manor Public housing 320 W Mine St, Hazleton 18201 100 homes, 99 low-income · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Hazleton · Average payment: $312 a month · Average wait: 22 months · (570) 455-9503
- Hazlewood Apartments HUD-assisted 1000 W 28th St, Hazleton 18202 99 low-income homes · For older adults
- EMUNAH GARDENS aka INTERFAITH HEIGHTS HUD-assisted 294 Coal St, Wilkes Barre 18702 212 homes, 98 low-income · For families · (570) 822-3276
- Temple Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 5 Heisz St, Edwardsville 18704 93 homes, 92 low-income · For older adults · (570) 283-2275
- Freeland Village HUD-assisted 61 Evancho Cir, Freeland 18224 79 low-income homes · For families · (570) 636-2141
- Eastside Moderate Income Housing HUD-assisted 324 E Washington St, Nanticoke 18634 76 homes, 70 low-income · For families · (570) 735-1455
- Freeland Elderly III HUD-assisted 531 Centre St, Freeland 18224 63 low-income homes · For older adults · (570) 636-2537
- Heritage Point Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 151 Dana St, Wilkes Barre 18702 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Midtowne Apartments HUD-assisted 100 E 6th St, Wyoming 18644 56 low-income homes · For older adults · (570) 693-4256
- Sullivan Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 100 Claymont Ave, Hanover Township 18706 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (570) 826-0300
- Gennaro Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 522 N Church St, Hazleton 18201 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Steeple View Tax credit (LIHTC) 57 Carroll St, Pittston 18640 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2020 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Lincoln Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Defoe St, Pittston 18640 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- The Palmer House HUD-assisted 401 New Grove St, Wilkes Barre 18702 28 low-income homes · For older adults · (570) 829-6542
- ST John Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 419 N Main St, Wilkes Barre 18702 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Old School on Luzerne (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 311 Luzerne Ave, West Pittston 18643 22 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Plainsview HUD-assisted 290 Bear Creek Blvd, Plains 18702 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (570) 829-6542
- ST Vincent Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 Church St, Plymouth 18651 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2006 · For families
- ST Gabriel House Tax credit (LIHTC) 142 S Wyoming St, Hazleton 18201 12 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1999 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Hitchner (THE) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 530 Exeter Ave, West Pittston 18643 18 homes, 2 low-income · (570) 299-5028
- Hanover Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Hanover Village, Wilkes Barre 18706 151 homes
- Freeland Elderly Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 403 Ridge St, Freeland 18224 63 homes
- ST Stanislaus Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 143 Old Newport St, Nanticoke 18634 30 homes
- Thomas Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 570 Grant St, Hazleton 18201 20 homes
5 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 Luzerne County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 5 agencies serve in Luzerne 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 | $19,350 | $32,200 | $51,550 |
| 2 people | $22,100 | $36,800 | $58,900 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,400 | $66,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,000 | $73,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $53,400 | $85,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $57,050 | $91,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $60,750 | $97,200 |
Area median income: $92,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $854 – $1,044
- 1 bedroom $995 – $1,217
- 2 bedrooms $1,227 – $1,499
- 3 bedrooms $1,607 – $1,965
- 4 bedrooms $1,766 – $2,158
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 Luzerne Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,123 vouchers · 1,352 public housing units (570) 287-9661 Housing Authority of the County of Luzerne: njones@luzctyha.org
- Wilkes Barre Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 972 vouchers · 856 public housing units (570) 825-6657 Wilkes Barre Housing Authority: jkosloski@wbhousing.org
- The Housing Authority of the City of Hazleton Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 347 vouchers · 299 public housing units (570) 455-9503 The Housing Authority of the City of Hazleton: wmine@ptd.net
- The Housing Auth of the City of Nanticoke Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 55 vouchers · 419 public housing units (570) 735-1110 The Housing Auth of the City of Nanticoke: rverazin@nanticokehousing.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Pittston Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 147 vouchers · 302 public housing units (570) 655-3707 Housing Authority of the City of Pittston: jchacke@pittstonhousingauthority.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 Luzerne County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Luzerne County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County
165 Amber Ln, Wilkes Barre · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 2 more
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Housing Development Corporation of Northeast
163 Amber Ln, Wilkes Barre · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Luzerne County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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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 Luzerne 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
$2,726
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,363
- Security deposit
- $1,363
- Total
- $2,726
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 Luzerne County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $949; 1 bedroom: $1,106; 2 bedrooms: $1,363; 3 bedrooms: $1,786; 4 bedrooms: $1,962. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Luzerne County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,363) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.21 an hour full time, or $54,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Luzerne County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,000 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 Luzerne 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 $1,227 and $1,499 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Luzerne County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,130 in 18701 to $1,890 in 18222. 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 Luzerne County?
HUD lists 52 properties with homes for low-income households in Luzerne 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 Luzerne County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Luzerne County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).