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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Beaufort County, South Carolina

Beaufort County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,010 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,653 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $38.65 an hour, full time.

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Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$2,010
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
45% more than in South Carolina
Typical rent
$1,653
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
40% more than in South Carolina
Wage needed
$38.65
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $80,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households
53%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
1% more than in South Carolina

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates

Only here

Renting in Beaufort County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Beaufort County has the 2nd highest typical rent of the 46 counties in South Carolina ($1,653).

  2. Beaufort County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,653, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Charleston County ($1,620).

  3. Beaufort County has the 3rd highest typical household income of the 46 counties in South Carolina ($86,573).

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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort County was $1,990 a month in September 2026: 1.2% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size Fair rent per month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $1,772 $34.08 $70,880
1 bedroom $1,844 $35.46 $73,760
2 bedrooms $2,010 $38.65 $80,400
3 bedrooms $2,395 $46.06 $95,800
4 bedrooms $2,880 $55.38 $115,200

HUD area: Beaufort County, 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 15 ZIP codes in Beaufort County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,640 in 29920 to $2,760 in 29909. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,010).

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)

  • 29902 · Beaufort County, SC $1,690$2,010
  • 29904 · Beaufort County, SC $1,840$2,190
  • 29905 · Beaufort County, SC $1,770$2,100
  • 29906 · Beaufort County, SC $1,840$2,190
  • 29907 · Beaufort County, SC $2,250$2,680
  • 29909 · Beaufort County, SC $2,760$3,290
  • 29909 · Jasper County, SC $2,760$3,290
  • 29910 · Beaufort County, SC $2,470$2,940
  • 29915 · Beaufort County, SC $2,100$2,500
  • 29920 · Beaufort County, SC $1,640$1,960
  • 29926 · Beaufort County, SC $2,040$2,430
  • 29928 · Beaufort County, SC $1,940$2,310
  • 29935 · Beaufort County, SC $1,780$2,120
  • 29940 · Beaufort County, SC $1,640$1,960
  • 29941 · Beaufort County, SC $1,640$1,960

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Beaufort County, 53% 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.

53%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

19,806 households rent in Beaufort County

  • Spend half or more of their income 25%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
  • Spend less than 30% 47%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Beaufort 53%
  • South Carolina 52%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Beaufort County

HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Beaufort 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)
21
HUD-assisted
6
public housing
2

1,771 homes in all; 1,713 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Yemassee Heights Public housing 21 Castle Hall Rd, Yemassee 29945 148 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Beaufort · Average payment: $564 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (843) 525-7059
  • Sandlewood Terrace Public housing 8 Southwood Park Dr, Hilton Head Island 29926 145 homes, 143 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Beaufort · Average payment: $506 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (843) 525-7059
  • Hilton Head Gardens HUD-assisted 11 Southwood Park Dr, Hilton Head 29926 112 low-income homes · For families · (843) 681-2911
  • Mossy Oaks Village Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 27 Johnny Morrall Cir, Beaufort 29902 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families · (843) 524-2922
  • Cross Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 325 Ambrose Run, Beaufort 29906 144 homes, 88 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2009
  • Spanish Trace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2400 Southside Blvd, Beaufort 29902 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For families · (843) 524-1629
  • Shell Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 297 Midtown Dr, Beaufort 29906 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2005
  • Vista View One Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 39 Haigler Blvd, Bluffton 29910 72 low-income homes · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 1997
  • White Oak Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Haigler Blvd, Bluffton 29910 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2007
  • Laurel Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1640 Ribaut Rd, Port Royal 29935 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
  • May River Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 5670 Patriot Ln, Bluffton 29910 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2012 · For families
  • Port Royal Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Grober Hill Rd, Beaufort 29906 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2012 · For families
  • Waters at Ribaut HUD-assisted 2500 Duke St, Beaufort 29902 60 low-income homes · For families · (843) 524-7815
  • Ashley Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1714 Greenlawn Dr, Beaufort 29902 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2015 · For families
  • Magnolia Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 314 Laurel Bay Rd, Beaufort 29906 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2001 · For families
  • Sea Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 61 Hazel Farm Rd, Beaufort 29907 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2016 · For families
  • 90 Dillon Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 90 Dillon Rd, Hilton Head 29926 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2017 · For families
  • Marsh Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1630 Ribaut Rd, Port Royal 29935 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2018 · For families
  • Simmons Cay Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 57 Simmonsville Rd, Bluffton 29910 48 low-income homes · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 1998
  • Wilderness Cove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1305 Talbird Rd, Beaufort 29902 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2005
  • 123 Club Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 Old Salem Rd, Beaufort 29902 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2017 · For families
  • May River Village Apartments Phase 2 M14-Sg450963 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5736 Patriot Ln, Bluffton 29910 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2015 · For families
  • Hallmark Homes at Malphrus Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 Malphrus Rd, Bluffton 29910 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2008
  • Simmons Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 57 Simmonsville Rd, Bluffton 29910 32 low-income homes · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2001 · For families
  • Wilderness Too Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1305 Talbird Rd, Beaufort 29902 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2006
  • Cottages @ Beaufort II HUD-assisted 2306 Southside Blvd, Beaufort 29902 18 low-income homes · For older adults · (843) 470-1600
  • Cottages at Beaufort I HUD-assisted 2304 Southside Blvd, Beaufort 29902 17 low-income homes · For older adults · (843) 470-1600

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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. 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. HUD

  2. 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). 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)

  3. Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)

  4. 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. 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)

  5. When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. 24 CFR §982.508

  6. Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
$23,750 $39,550 $63,300
$27,150 $45,200 $72,350
$30,550 $50,850 $81,400
$33,900 $56,500 $90,400
$38,680 $61,050 $97,650
$44,360 $65,550 $104,900
$50,040 $70,100 $112,100
$55,720 $74,600 $119,350

Area median income: $113,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Beaufort County, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $1,595 – $1,949
  • 1 bedroom $1,660 – $2,028
  • 2 bedrooms $1,809 – $2,211
  • 3 bedrooms $2,156 – $2,635
  • 4 bedrooms $2,592 – $3,168

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 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 rule

Compare 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 Beaufort County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Beaufort County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

  • CCCS of the Savannah Area, Inc.- SC Branch

    15 Sams Point Rd, Beaufort

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 4 more
    (843) 379-2227
See every agency in South Carolina Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Beaufort 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

Open the full tool

Your move

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Adjust advanced details
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$4,020

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$2,010
Security deposit
$2,010
Total
$4,020

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.
Guide: the security depositGuide: avoiding rental scamsFamily budgetHow much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Beaufort County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,772; 1 bedroom: $1,844; 2 bedrooms: $2,010; 3 bedrooms: $2,395; 4 bedrooms: $2,880. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Beaufort County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,010) without spending more than 30% of income takes $38.65 an hour full time, or $80,400 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Beaufort County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,500 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 Beaufort 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 $1,809 and $2,211 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Beaufort County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,640 in 29920 to $2,760 in 29909. 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 Beaufort County?

HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Beaufort 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 Beaufort County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Beaufort County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).