Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Monroe County, Pennsylvania
Monroe County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,550 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,393 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.81 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,550
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 1% more than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,393
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% more than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $29.81
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $62,000 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 57%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 18% more than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Monroe County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 57%, Monroe County ranks 2nd among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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Among the neighboring counties, Carbon County has the lowest typical rent ($994), 29% below the $1,393 in Monroe County.
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Monroe County has the 6th highest homeownership rate of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania (80%).
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Monroe County has the 6th highest typical rent of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania ($1,393).
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 Monroe 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 Monroe County was $1,918 a month in September 2026: 3% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,258 | $24.19 | $50,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,266 | $24.35 | $50,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,550 | $29.81 | $62,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,115 | $40.67 | $84,600 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,591 | $49.83 | $103,640 |
HUD area: Monroe County, PA. 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 Monroe County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,380 in 18323 to $2,110 in 18466. 15 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,550).
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)
| 18058 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,260 | $1,280 | $1,570 | $2,130 | $2,570 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18058 | Monroe County, PA | $1,260 | $1,280 | $1,570 | $2,130 | $2,570 |
| 18301 | Monroe County, PA | $1,310 | $1,320 | $1,620 | $2,210 | $2,710 |
| 18302 | Monroe County, PA | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,590 | $2,170 | $2,660 |
| 18302 | Pike County, PA | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,590 | $2,170 | $2,660 |
| 18321 | Monroe County, PA | $1,170 | $1,180 | $1,440 | $1,970 | $2,410 |
| 18322 | Monroe County, PA | $1,400 | $1,410 | $1,730 | $2,360 | $2,890 |
| 18323 | Monroe County, PA | $1,080 | $1,090 | $1,380 | $1,830 | $2,240 |
| 18325 | Monroe County, PA | $1,210 | $1,230 | $1,510 | $2,060 | $2,520 |
| 18325 | Pike County, PA | $1,210 | $1,230 | $1,510 | $2,060 | $2,520 |
| 18326 | Monroe County, PA | $1,040 | $1,090 | $1,380 | $1,860 | $2,260 |
| 18326 | Pike County, PA | $1,040 | $1,090 | $1,380 | $1,860 | $2,260 |
| 18326 | Wayne County, PA | $1,040 | $1,090 | $1,380 | $1,860 | $2,260 |
| 18327 | Monroe County, PA | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,380 | $1,780 | $2,160 |
| 18330 | Monroe County, PA | $1,410 | $1,420 | $1,740 | $2,370 | $2,910 |
| 18331 | Monroe County, PA | $1,300 | $1,320 | $1,610 | $2,190 | $2,660 |
| 18332 | Monroe County, PA | $1,150 | $1,160 | $1,440 | $1,940 | $2,370 |
| 18333 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,210 | $1,250 | $1,530 | $2,060 | $2,450 |
| 18333 | Monroe County, PA | $1,210 | $1,250 | $1,530 | $2,060 | $2,450 |
| 18334 | Monroe County, PA | $1,140 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,340 |
| 18335 | Monroe County, PA | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,590 | $2,170 | $2,660 |
| 18342 | Monroe County, PA | $980 | $1,050 | $1,380 | $1,780 | $2,020 |
| 18344 | Monroe County, PA | $1,020 | $1,050 | $1,380 | $1,780 | $2,100 |
| 18346 | Monroe County, PA | $980 | $1,050 | $1,380 | $1,780 | $1,990 |
| 18347 | Monroe County, PA | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,380 | $1,870 | $2,290 |
| 18349 | Monroe County, PA | $1,470 | $1,470 | $1,810 | $2,460 | $3,020 |
| 18350 | Monroe County, PA | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,380 | $1,780 | $2,140 |
| 18353 | Monroe County, PA | $1,220 | $1,230 | $1,500 | $2,050 | $2,510 |
| 18354 | Monroe County, PA | $1,240 | $1,250 | $1,520 | $2,080 | $2,540 |
| 18355 | Monroe County, PA | $1,540 | $1,550 | $1,900 | $2,590 | $3,180 |
| 18356 | Monroe County, PA | $1,310 | $1,320 | $1,620 | $2,210 | $2,710 |
| 18357 | Monroe County, PA | $1,210 | $1,230 | $1,510 | $2,060 | $2,520 |
| 18360 | Monroe County, PA | $1,250 | $1,260 | $1,540 | $2,100 | $2,570 |
| 18370 | Monroe County, PA | $1,130 | $1,140 | $1,390 | $1,900 | $2,320 |
| 18372 | Monroe County, PA | $1,530 | $1,540 | $1,880 | $2,570 | $3,140 |
| 18466 | Monroe County, PA | $1,710 | $1,720 | $2,110 | $2,880 | $3,530 |
| 18466 | Wayne County, PA | $1,710 | $1,720 | $2,110 | $2,880 | $3,530 |
| 18610 | Monroe County, PA | $1,170 | $1,240 | $1,510 | $2,020 | $2,370 |
| 18610 | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $1,170 | $1,240 | $1,510 | $2,020 | $2,370 |
- 18058 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,570$2,130
- 18058 · Monroe County, PA $1,570$2,130
- 18301 · Monroe County, PA $1,620$2,210
- 18302 · Monroe County, PA $1,590$2,170
- 18302 · Pike County, PA $1,590$2,170
- 18321 · Monroe County, PA $1,440$1,970
- 18322 · Monroe County, PA $1,730$2,360
- 18323 · Monroe County, PA $1,380$1,830
- 18325 · Monroe County, PA $1,510$2,060
- 18325 · Pike County, PA $1,510$2,060
- 18326 · Monroe County, PA $1,380$1,860
- 18326 · Pike County, PA $1,380$1,860
- 18326 · Wayne County, PA $1,380$1,860
- 18327 · Monroe County, PA $1,380$1,780
- 18330 · Monroe County, PA $1,740$2,370
- 18331 · Monroe County, PA $1,610$2,190
- 18332 · Monroe County, PA $1,440$1,940
- 18333 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,530$2,060
- 18333 · Monroe County, PA $1,530$2,060
- 18334 · Monroe County, PA $1,510$1,980
- 18335 · Monroe County, PA $1,590$2,170
- 18342 · Monroe County, PA $1,380$1,780
- 18344 · Monroe County, PA $1,380$1,780
- 18346 · Monroe County, PA $1,380$1,780
- 18347 · Monroe County, PA $1,380$1,870
- 18349 · Monroe County, PA $1,810$2,460
- 18350 · Monroe County, PA $1,380$1,780
- 18353 · Monroe County, PA $1,500$2,050
- 18354 · Monroe County, PA $1,520$2,080
- 18355 · Monroe County, PA $1,900$2,590
- 18356 · Monroe County, PA $1,620$2,210
- 18357 · Monroe County, PA $1,510$2,060
- 18360 · Monroe County, PA $1,540$2,100
- 18370 · Monroe County, PA $1,390$1,900
- 18372 · Monroe County, PA $1,880$2,570
- 18466 · Monroe County, PA $2,110$2,880
- 18466 · Wayne County, PA $2,110$2,880
- 18610 · Monroe County, PA $1,510$2,020
- 18610 · Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA $1,510$2,020
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 Monroe County, 57% 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.
57%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
12,101 households rent in Monroe County
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 43%
Compared with the state and the country
- Monroe 57%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Monroe County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Monroe 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 2
855 homes in all; 854 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hillstreet - Avon Court Public housing 332N Kistler Plz, East Stroudsburg 18301 161 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of Monroe County · Average payment: $555 a month · Average wait: 91 months · Homes at several sites · (570) 421-7770
- West Gate Public housing 1055 W Main St, Stroudsburg 18360 139 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of Monroe County · Average payment: $434 a month · Average wait: 63 months · (570) 421-7770
- Shirley Futch Plaza HUD-assisted 4 S Kistler St, East Stroudsburg 18301 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (570) 421-1517
- Milford Commons Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 Milford Commons, East Stroudsburg 18301 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Creekview Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Ed Christine DR, Stroudsburg 18360 80 low-income homes · For families · (570) 424-2385
- White Stone Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 360 Whitestone Cor, Stroudsburg 18360 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 66 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Milford Commons Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 Milford Commons, East Stroudsburg 18301 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Knob Crest Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 Knob Rd, Mount Pocono 18344 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Limekiln Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 19 Kinney Ave, Mount Pocono 18344 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Belmont Knoll Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Center Ave, Mount Pocono 18344 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Oaks Senior Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 3698 Grace Ave, Cresco 18326 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Eagle Valley Apartments HUD-assisted 561 Roosevelt St, East Stroudsburg 18301 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 439-7007, ext. 254
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 Monroe 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 Monroe County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,850 | $34,750 | $55,550 |
| 2 people | $23,800 | $39,750 | $63,500 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,650 | $71,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,600 | $79,350 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,600 | $85,700 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,600 | $92,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $61,550 | $98,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $65,550 | $104,750 |
Area median income: $94,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Monroe County, PA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,132 – $1,384
- 1 bedroom $1,139 – $1,393
- 2 bedrooms $1,395 – $1,705
- 3 bedrooms $1,904 – $2,327
- 4 bedrooms $2,332 – $2,850
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
- The Housing Authority of Monroe County Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 521 vouchers · 300 public housing units (570) 421-7770 The Housing Authority of Monroe County: hamc@ptd.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 Monroe County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania
410 Olive St, Scranton · 30 miles away
- Homelessness services
- Rental counseling
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Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley, Inc.
1337 E 5th St, Bethlehem · 31 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 5 more
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Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County
165 Amber Ln, Wilkes Barre · 31 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Monroe 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 Monroe 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
$3,100
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,550
- Security deposit
- $1,550
- Total
- $3,100
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 Monroe County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,258; 1 bedroom: $1,266; 2 bedrooms: $1,550; 3 bedrooms: $2,115; 4 bedrooms: $2,591. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Monroe County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,550) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.81 an hour full time, or $62,000 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Monroe County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,600 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 Monroe 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 $1,395 and $1,705 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Monroe County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,380 in 18323 to $2,110 in 18466. 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 Monroe County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Monroe 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 Monroe County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Monroe County, 57% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).