Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Georgetown County, South Carolina
Georgetown County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,158 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,204 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.27 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,158
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% less than in South Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,204
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% more than in South Carolina
- Wage needed
- $22.27
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $46,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 59%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 13% more than in South Carolina
Only here
Renting in Georgetown County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Georgetown County has the 2nd largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 46 counties in South Carolina (59%).
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Nearby, in Marion County, the typical rent is $669: 44% less than in Georgetown County ($1,204).
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At 84%, Georgetown County ranks 3rd among the 46 counties in South Carolina for the highest homeownership rate.
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 Georgetown 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 Georgetown County was $1,793 a month in September 2026: 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 | $842 | $16.19 | $33,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $885 | $17.02 | $35,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,158 | $22.27 | $46,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,380 | $26.54 | $55,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,936 | $37.23 | $77,440 |
HUD area: Georgetown County, SC. 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 6 ZIP codes in Georgetown County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 29440 to $1,570 in 29585. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,158).
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)
| 29440 | Georgetown County, SC | $820 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,750 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29440 | Williamsburg County, SC | $820 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,750 |
| 29554 | Florence, SC | $860 | $860 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,750 |
| 29554 | Georgetown County, SC | $860 | $860 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,750 |
| 29554 | Williamsburg County, SC | $860 | $860 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,750 |
| 29585 | Georgetown County, SC | $1,140 | $1,200 | $1,570 | $1,870 | $2,620 |
- 29440 · Georgetown County, SC $1,090$1,300
- 29440 · Williamsburg County, SC $1,090$1,300
- 29554 · Florence, SC $1,090$1,300
- 29554 · Georgetown County, SC $1,090$1,300
- 29554 · Williamsburg County, SC $1,090$1,300
- 29585 · Georgetown County, SC $1,570$1,870
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 Georgetown County, 59% 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.
59%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,353 households rent in Georgetown County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 38%
- Spend less than 30% 41%
Compared with the state and the country
- Georgetown 59%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Georgetown County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Georgetown 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
- 4
- public housing
- 2
777 homes in all; 763 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Westside Apts Public housing 1 McCaffrey Ct, Georgetown 29440 180 homes, 179 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Georgetown · Average payment: $388 a month · Average wait: 28 months · (843) 546-9621
- Maryville South Apts Public housing 34 Hinds St, Georgetown 29440 115 homes, 114 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Georgetown · Average payment: $424 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (843) 546-9621
- Arbor Place HUD-assisted 100 S Beech Ave, Andrews 29510 48 low-income homes · For families · (843) 264-3107
- Cypress Lane Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 W Gapway Rd, Andrews 29510 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Georgetown Landing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2107 Lincoln St, Georgetown 29440 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2007
- Plantation Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 185 Montford Dr, Georgetown 29440 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2010
- Millner Elderly Housing, Inc. HUD-assisted 200 Montford Dr, Georgetown 29440 48 homes, 47 low-income · For older adults · (843) 527-1137
- ST. Elizabeth Place HUD-assisted 215 Baskervill Dr, Pawleys Island 29585 48 homes, 47 low-income · For older adults · (843) 237-1100
- Georgetown Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 215 Martin St, Georgetown 29440 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Hickory Knoll Tax credit (LIHTC) 2800 Church St, Georgetown 29440 50 homes, 40 low-income · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Companion at Thornton Hall Tax credit (LIHTC) 2119 Lincoln St, Georgetown 29440 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Devonshire Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 715 N Farr Ave, Andrews 29510 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Bethel Apartments Inc HUD-assisted 1810 Gilbert St, Georgetown 29440 30 low-income homes · For families · (843) 546-2134
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 Georgetown 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 Georgetown 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 | $18,000 | $30,000 | $47,950 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,250 | $54,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,550 | $61,650 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,800 | $68,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,250 | $74,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,650 | $79,500 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $53,100 | $84,950 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,500 | $90,450 |
Area median income: $85,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Georgetown County, SC. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $758 – $926
- 1 bedroom $797 – $974
- 2 bedrooms $1,042 – $1,274
- 3 bedrooms $1,242 – $1,518
- 4 bedrooms $1,742 – $2,130
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 Georgetown Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 167 vouchers · 293 public housing units (843) 546-9621 Housing Authority of Georgetown: acollington@gtownhousing.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 Georgetown 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 · 54 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 · 55 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 · 59 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 Georgetown 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
$2,316
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,158
- Security deposit
- $1,158
- Total
- $2,316
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 Georgetown County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $842; 1 bedroom: $885; 2 bedrooms: $1,158; 3 bedrooms: $1,380; 4 bedrooms: $1,936. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Georgetown County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,158) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.27 an hour full time, or $46,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Georgetown County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,800 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 Georgetown 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 $1,042 and $1,274 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Georgetown County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 29440 to $1,570 in 29585. 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 Georgetown County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Georgetown 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 Georgetown County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Georgetown County, 59% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).