Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Montour County, Pennsylvania
Montour County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,436 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,142 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.62 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,436
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 6% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,142
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% less than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $27.62
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 38%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 21% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Montour County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Montour County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,142, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Union County ($974).
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Montour County has the 7th smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania (38%).
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 Montour 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 Montour County was $1,440 a month in September 2026: 16.9% 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 | $1,000 | $19.23 | $40,000 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,098 | $21.12 | $43,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,436 | $27.62 | $57,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,988 | $38.23 | $79,520 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,991 | $38.29 | $79,640 |
HUD area: Montour 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 8 ZIP codes in Montour County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,240 in 17772 to $1,460 in 17821. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,436).
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)
| 17772 | Montour County, PA | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,690 | $1,860 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17772 | Northumberland County, PA | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,690 | $1,860 |
| 17772 | Williamsport, PA | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,690 | $1,860 |
| 17821 | Columbia County, PA | $1,020 | $1,140 | $1,460 | $2,000 | $2,020 |
| 17821 | Montour County, PA | $1,020 | $1,140 | $1,460 | $2,000 | $2,020 |
| 17821 | Northumberland County, PA | $1,020 | $1,140 | $1,460 | $2,000 | $2,020 |
| 17822 | Montour County, PA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,990 | $2,000 |
| 17884 | Montour County, PA | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,690 | $1,860 |
- 17772 · Montour County, PA $1,240$1,690
- 17772 · Northumberland County, PA $1,240$1,690
- 17772 · Williamsport, PA $1,240$1,690
- 17821 · Columbia County, PA $1,460$2,000
- 17821 · Montour County, PA $1,460$2,000
- 17821 · Northumberland County, PA $1,460$2,000
- 17822 · Montour County, PA $1,440$1,990
- 17884 · Montour County, PA $1,240$1,690
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 Montour County, 38% 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.
38%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,477 households rent in Montour County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 62%
Compared with the state and the country
- Montour 38%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Montour County
HUD lists 4 properties with homes for low-income households in Montour 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)
- 3
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 1
264 homes in all; 263 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Beaver Place Public housing 54 Kelly St, Danville 17821 115 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of Montour County · Average payment: $460 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (570) 275-3640
- Heritage Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 50 First ST, Danville 17821 77 homes, 76 low-income · For older adults · (570) 275-6722
- Evergreen Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Evergreen PT, Danville 17821 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Welsh Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Fleming Ave, Danville 17821 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
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 Montour 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 Montour 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 | $20,650 | $34,400 | $55,000 |
| 2 people | $23,600 | $39,300 | $62,850 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,200 | $70,700 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,100 | $78,550 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,050 | $84,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,000 | $91,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,900 | $97,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,850 | $103,700 |
Area median income: $98,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Montour County, PA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $900 – $1,100
- 1 bedroom $988 – $1,208
- 2 bedrooms $1,292 – $1,580
- 3 bedrooms $1,789 – $2,187
- 4 bedrooms $1,792 – $2,190
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 Montour County Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 156 vouchers · 115 public housing units (570) 275-3640 The Housing Authority of Montour County: mocoha@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 Montour County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Schuylkill Community Action
225 N Centre St, Pottsville · 34 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 5 more
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Housing Development Corporation of Northeast
163 Amber Ln, Wilkes Barre · 44 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
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Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County
165 Amber Ln, Wilkes Barre · 44 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Montour 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 Montour 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
$2,872
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,436
- Security deposit
- $1,436
- Total
- $2,872
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 Montour County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,000; 1 bedroom: $1,098; 2 bedrooms: $1,436; 3 bedrooms: $1,988; 4 bedrooms: $1,991. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Montour County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,436) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.62 an hour full time, or $57,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Montour County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,100 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 Montour 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 $1,292 and $1,580 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Montour County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,240 in 17772 to $1,460 in 17821. 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 Montour County?
HUD lists 4 properties with homes for low-income households in Montour 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 Montour County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Montour County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).