Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Dorchester County, South Carolina
Dorchester County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,884 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,463 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $36.23 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,884
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 35% more than in South Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,463
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 24% more than in South Carolina
- Wage needed
- $36.23
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $75,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 56%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% more than in South Carolina
Only here
Renting in Dorchester County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Clarendon County has the lowest typical rent ($763), 48% below the $1,463 in Dorchester County.
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Dorchester County has the 4th highest typical rent of the 46 counties in South Carolina ($1,463).
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At 56%, Dorchester County ranks 5th among the 46 counties in South Carolina for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester County was $1,768 a month in September 2026: 5.2% 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 | $1,661 | $31.94 | $66,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,731 | $33.29 | $69,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,884 | $36.23 | $75,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,336 | $44.92 | $93,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,687 | $51.67 | $107,480 |
HUD area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC 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 11 ZIP codes in Dorchester County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,170 in 29437 to $1,860 in 29485. No ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,884).
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)
| 29420 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,630 | $1,700 | $1,850 | $2,290 | $2,640 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29437 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 29448 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 29471 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,020 | $1,070 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 29471 | Orangeburg County, SC | $1,020 | $1,070 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 29472 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,250 | $1,300 | $1,430 | $1,770 | $2,040 |
| 29472 | Colleton County, SC | $1,250 | $1,300 | $1,430 | $1,770 | $2,040 |
| 29477 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,050 | $1,090 | $1,190 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
| 29477 | Orangeburg County, SC | $1,050 | $1,090 | $1,190 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
| 29483 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,390 | $1,450 | $1,580 | $1,960 | $2,250 |
| 29485 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,640 | $1,710 | $1,860 | $2,310 | $2,650 |
- 29420 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,850$2,290
- 29437 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,170$1,460
- 29448 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,170$1,460
- 29471 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,170$1,460
- 29471 · Orangeburg County, SC $1,170$1,460
- 29472 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,430$1,770
- 29472 · Colleton County, SC $1,430$1,770
- 29477 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,190$1,470
- 29477 · Orangeburg County, SC $1,190$1,470
- 29483 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,580$1,960
- 29485 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,860$2,310
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 Dorchester County, 56% 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.
56%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
15,458 households rent in Dorchester County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 33%
- Spend less than 30% 44%
Compared with the state and the country
- Dorchester 56%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Dorchester County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Dorchester County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 15
- HUD-assisted
- 8
1,371 homes in all; 1,360 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Appian Way Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8465 Patriot Blvd, N Charleston 29420 204 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 96 · In service since 2007
- Planter's Retreat Tax credit (LIHTC) 4370 Ladson Rd, Ladson 29456 192 low-income homes · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 96 · In service since 2006
- Canebreak, A LP Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1300 Central Ave, Summerville 29483 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2005 · For families · (843) 873-0435
- Haven Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 523 Orangeburg Rd, Summerville 29483 104 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2009 · For families · (843) 875-1890
- Redemption Towers HUD-assisted 300 Springview Ln, Summerville 29485 96 homes, 95 low-income · For older adults · (843) 871-6011
- Azalea Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 527 Orangeburg Rd, Summerville 29483 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Boone West Apartments HUD-assisted 1310 Boone Hill Rd, Summerville 29483 62 low-income homes · For families · (843) 851-3241
- Cedarwood Apts. HUD-assisted 300 Reed St, Saint George 29477 60 low-income homes · For families · (843) 563-9572
- Willow Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) 8180 Windsor Hill Blvd, North Charleston 29420 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2003
- Lake Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Lake Pointe Ave, Summerville 29483 56 homes, 55 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 19 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Cedar Key Tax credit (LIHTC) 246 Pidgeon Bay Rd, Summerville 29483 56 homes, 48 low-income · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Cambridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 559 Orangeburg Rd, Summerville 29483 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2008
- Willow Trace at Windsor Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 8184 Windsor Hill Blvd, N Charleston 29420 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2007
- Villas at Oakbrook Tax credit (LIHTC) 2041 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville 29485 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2018
- Summerville Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 350 Luden Dr, Summerville 29485 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 1997
- Winfield Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 138 Judge St, Harleyville 29448 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Dorchester Village HUD-assisted 651 SW Railroad Ave, Saint George 29477 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (843) 563-2915
- Woodland Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 113 Sharon Ln, St George 29477 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2010
- Happy Homes, Inc. HUD-assisted 707 Parsons Rd, Summerville 29483 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (843) 534-1056
- Palmetto Place, Inc. HUD-assisted 553 Orangeburg Rd, Summerville 29483 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (843) 832-8321
- Sharon Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 Sharon Ln, St George 29477 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2015 · For families
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 Dorchester County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Dorchester County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $24,700 | $41,150 | $65,800 |
| 2 people | $28,200 | $47,000 | $75,200 |
| 3 people | $31,750 | $52,900 | $84,600 |
| 4 people | $35,250 | $58,750 | $94,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $63,450 | $101,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $68,150 | $109,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $72,850 | $116,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $77,550 | $124,100 |
Area median income: $117,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,495 – $1,827
- 1 bedroom $1,558 – $1,904
- 2 bedrooms $1,696 – $2,072
- 3 bedrooms $2,102 – $2,570
- 4 bedrooms $2,418 – $2,956
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Dorchester County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Dorchester County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Origin SC
8084 Rivers Ave, North Charleston · 23 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
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Credit.org - North Charleston, SC Branch
5935 Rivers Ave, North Charleston · 26 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Charleston Trident Urban League, Inc.
2133 N Hillside Dr, Charleston · 31 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Dorchester 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
$3,768
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,884
- Security deposit
- $1,884
- Total
- $3,768
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 Dorchester County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,661; 1 bedroom: $1,731; 2 bedrooms: $1,884; 3 bedrooms: $2,336; 4 bedrooms: $2,687. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Dorchester County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,884) without spending more than 30% of income takes $36.23 an hour full time, or $75,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Dorchester County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,750 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 Dorchester 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 $1,696 and $2,072 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Dorchester County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,170 in 29437 to $1,860 in 29485. 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 Dorchester County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Dorchester County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Dorchester County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dorchester County, 56% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).