Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Aiken County, South Carolina
Aiken County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,329 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,062 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,329
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 4% less than in South Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,062
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% less than in South Carolina
- Wage needed
- $25.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $53,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% less than in South Carolina
Only here
Renting in Aiken County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Allendale County, the typical rent is $662: 38% less than in Aiken County ($1,062).
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Aiken County has the 4th smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 46 counties in South Carolina (45%).
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 Aiken 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 Aiken County was $1,445 a month in September 2026: 1.3% 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 | $997 | $19.17 | $39,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,202 | $23.12 | $48,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,329 | $25.56 | $53,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,672 | $32.15 | $66,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,035 | $39.13 | $81,400 |
HUD area: Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 20 ZIP codes in Aiken County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 29129 to $1,340 in 29803. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,329).
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)
| 29105 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $890 | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29105 | Columbia, SC | $890 | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
| 29129 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $770 | $910 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 29129 | Columbia, SC | $770 | $910 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,510 |
| 29137 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $750 | $900 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,510 |
| 29137 | Orangeburg County, SC | $750 | $900 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,510 |
| 29164 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $830 | $1,000 | $1,110 | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 29801 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $980 | $1,180 | $1,300 | $1,640 | $1,990 |
| 29803 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,340 | $1,690 | $2,050 |
| 29805 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $750 | $910 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,530 |
| 29809 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $750 | $910 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,530 |
| 29816 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $890 | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,490 | $1,810 |
| 29828 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $840 | $1,010 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,760 |
| 29829 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $920 | $1,100 | $1,220 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 29831 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $940 | $1,130 | $1,250 | $1,570 | $1,910 |
| 29834 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $780 | $940 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,590 |
| 29841 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $950 | $1,150 | $1,270 | $1,600 | $1,940 |
| 29842 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $780 | $940 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,590 |
| 29851 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $980 | $1,180 | $1,310 | $1,650 | $2,010 |
| 29856 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $840 | $980 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,650 |
- 29105 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,170$1,470
- 29105 · Columbia, SC $1,170$1,470
- 29129 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,000$1,260
- 29129 · Columbia, SC $1,000$1,260
- 29137 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,000$1,250
- 29137 · Orangeburg County, SC $1,000$1,250
- 29164 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,110$1,400
- 29801 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,300$1,640
- 29803 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,340$1,690
- 29805 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,000$1,260
- 29809 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,000$1,260
- 29816 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,180$1,490
- 29828 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,120$1,440
- 29829 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,220$1,540
- 29831 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,250$1,570
- 29834 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,040$1,310
- 29841 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,270$1,600
- 29842 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,040$1,310
- 29851 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,310$1,650
- 29856 · Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $1,130$1,400
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 Aiken County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
16,403 households rent in Aiken County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Aiken 45%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Aiken County
HUD lists 38 properties with homes for low-income households in Aiken 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)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 17
- public housing
- 5
1,635 homes in all; 1,628 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hahn Village Public housing 158 Kershaw St NE, Aiken 29801 146 homes, 144 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Aiken · Average payment: $381 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (803) 649-6673
- Clearwater Village HUD-assisted PO Box 888, Clearwater 29822 104 low-income homes · For families · (803) 593-3983
- North Augusta Gardens HUD-assisted 310 W Hugh St, North Augusta 29841 101 homes, 100 low-income · For families · (803) 279-9782
- Kalmia Apartments HUD-assisted 1600 Kalmia Ln, Graniteville 29829 96 low-income homes · For families · (803) 663-3213
- Ledges Apts, the HUD-assisted 550 Sikes Ave, North Augusta 29841 84 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 279-1776
- Rivers Edge Tax credit (LIHTC) 520 E Buena Vista Ave, North Augusta 29841 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2007
- Village Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Timmerman St, Warrenville 29851 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Croft House HUD-assisted 356 York St NE, Aiken 29801 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 648-0771
- Crosland Apartments HUD-assisted 630 Aldrich St NE, Aiken 29801 56 low-income homes · For families · (803) 648-9939
- Glen Arbor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2000 Glen Arbor Ct, Aiken 29801 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Paces Run HUD-assisted 826 Brandt Ct NE, Aiken 29801 56 low-income homes · For families · (803) 648-7213
- Longleaf Senior Village M13-Sg450953 Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Bushwillow Cir, Aiken 29801 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Cameron Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 W Five Notch Rd, North Augusta 29841 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2010
- Meadow Brook Acres (m10-Sg450910) Tax credit (LIHTC) 7000 Canvas Back Cir, Aiken 29801 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Olde South Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 4001 Eclipse Loop, Aiken 29801 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2010
- Palmetto Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 4049 Sandlapper Dr, Aiken 29803 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2018 · For families
- The Edgewater Tax credit (LIHTC) 175 Assurance Ln, North Augusta 29841 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Windham House, Inc. HUD-assisted 100 Council Cir, Aiken 29801 47 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 648-5447
- The Village at Dupont Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 519 Spelman College Pass, Aiken 29801 46 low-income homes · 2 bd: 46 · In service since 2020
- Dupont Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Benedict St, Aiken 29801 44 low-income homes · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Vincent Village HUD-assisted 218 W Five Notch Rd, North Augusta 29841 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (706) 312-2950
- Wellington Estates (m11-Sg450937) Tax credit (LIHTC) 5025 Millrose Cir, Beech Island 29842 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Villages at Horse Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 446 Lawana Dr, Gloverville 29828 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Valley Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 456 Lawana Dr, Gloverville 29828 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Carriage Lane Tax credit (LIHTC) 106 Carriage Lane Dr, Wagener 29164 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Busch Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Carver Ter NE, Aiken 29801 23 low-income homes · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Aiken Apartments HUD-assisted 240 Church St, Aiken 29801 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 642-1051
- Northgate Apts. HUD-assisted 105 Northgate Cir, Aiken 29801 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 643-8740
- Aiken Co. Residential Services, Inc. HUD-assisted 728 Laurens St NW, Aiken 29801 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 642-8800
- Walton Crossing HUD-assisted 217 W Five Notch Rd, North Augusta 29841 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (706) 312-2950
- Ana, Inc. HUD-assisted 706 Cardinal Ct, Aiken 29803 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 642-8800
- Qrs, Inc. HUD-assisted 276 Hopeland Farm Dr, Aiken 29803 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 642-8800
- Scattered Sites Public housing 1007 Gentle Bend Ct, Graniteville 29829 7 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Aiken · Homes at several sites · (803) 649-6673
- Neh, Inc. HUD-assisted 402 Jewel St N, New Ellenton 29809 8 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (803) 642-8800
- Arh, Inc. HUD-assisted 1342 Hayne Ave SW, Aiken 29801 4 homes, 3 low-income · For people with disabilities · (803) 642-8800
- Scattered Sites 2 Public housing 131 Bentley Dr, North Augusta 29860 2 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Aiken · Homes at several sites · (803) 649-6673
- Scattered Site 3 Public housing 431 Beryl Dr, Aiken 29803 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of Aiken · Homes at several sites · (803) 649-6673
- Scattered Site Strutter Trail Public housing 476 Strutter Trl, Aiken 29801 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of Aiken · Homes at several sites · (803) 649-6673
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 Aiken 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 Aiken 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 | $19,000 | $31,650 | $50,650 |
| 2 people | $21,700 | $36,200 | $57,850 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,700 | $65,100 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,200 | $72,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,850 | $78,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,450 | $83,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,050 | $89,700 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,700 | $95,450 |
Area median income: $90,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $897 – $1,097
- 1 bedroom $1,082 – $1,322
- 2 bedrooms $1,196 – $1,462
- 3 bedrooms $1,505 – $1,839
- 4 bedrooms $1,832 – $2,239
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 Aiken Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,059 vouchers · 155 public housing units (803) 649-6673 Housing Authority of Aiken: clawton@aikenhousing.org
Housing agencies in South Carolina Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in South Carolina
What South Carolina 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.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-410(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 5 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-710(B)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-770(b)
- Only a court order can remove youS.C. Code §27-40-660
- Protection from retaliationS.C. Code §27-40-910(a)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Aiken County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Southeastern Housing & Community Development Fka Southeastern Housing Foundation
986 Doyle St, Orangeburg · 45 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Aiken 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 South Carolina, the average home bill was $150 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
$2,658
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,329
- Security deposit
- $1,329
- Total
- $2,658
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 Aiken County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $997; 1 bedroom: $1,202; 2 bedrooms: $1,329; 3 bedrooms: $1,672; 4 bedrooms: $2,035. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Aiken County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,329) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.56 an hour full time, or $53,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Aiken County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,200 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 Aiken 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 $1,196 and $1,462 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Aiken County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 29129 to $1,340 in 29803. 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 Aiken County?
HUD lists 38 properties with homes for low-income households in Aiken 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 Aiken County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Aiken County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).