Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lancaster County, South Carolina
Lancaster County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,069 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $959 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,069
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 23% less than in South Carolina
- Typical rent
- $959
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 19% less than in South Carolina
- Wage needed
- $20.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $42,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 57%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% more than in South Carolina
Only here
Renting in Lancaster 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, Chesterfield County has the lowest typical rent ($762), 21% below the $959 in Lancaster County.
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Lancaster County has the 4th highest homeownership rate of the 46 counties in South Carolina (83%).
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At 57%, Lancaster County ranks 4th among the 46 counties in South Carolina for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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Lancaster County has the 5th highest typical household income of the 46 counties in South Carolina ($78,869).
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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County was $1,742 a month in September 2026: 3.5% 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 | $943 | $18.13 | $37,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $982 | $18.88 | $39,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,069 | $20.56 | $42,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,466 | $28.19 | $58,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,787 | $34.37 | $71,480 |
HUD area: Lancaster 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 6 ZIP codes in Lancaster County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 29058 to $1,600 in 29707. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,069).
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)
| 29058 | Kershaw County, SC | $800 | $830 | $910 | $1,250 | $1,530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29058 | Lancaster County, SC | $800 | $830 | $910 | $1,250 | $1,530 |
| 29067 | Kershaw County, SC | $830 | $860 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,540 |
| 29067 | Lancaster County, SC | $830 | $860 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,540 |
| 29707 | Lancaster County, SC | $1,410 | $1,470 | $1,600 | $2,190 | $2,670 |
| 29720 | Lancaster County, SC | $890 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,690 |
- 29058 · Kershaw County, SC $910$1,250
- 29058 · Lancaster County, SC $910$1,250
- 29067 · Kershaw County, SC $940$1,250
- 29067 · Lancaster County, SC $940$1,250
- 29707 · Lancaster County, SC $1,600$2,190
- 29720 · Lancaster County, SC $1,010$1,390
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 Lancaster County, 57% 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.
57%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,719 households rent in Lancaster County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 43%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lancaster 57%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lancaster County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Lancaster 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)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 1
860 homes in all; 844 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Palmetto Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2901 Pardue St, Lancaster 29720 165 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 56 · 4 bd: 29 · In service since 2011 · For families · (803) 283-9906
- Caroline Courts Public housing 1702 Caroline Ct, Lancaster 29720 140 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Lancaster · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (803) 285-7214
- Knolwood I and II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 265 Knollwood Apts Dr, Lancaster 29720 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 52 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Northwest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3058 NW Apartment Dr, Lancaster 29720 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2008
- Lancaster Assoc (lancaster Manor) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 201 Chesterfield Ave, Lancaster 29720 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (803) 286-4453
- Millers Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Miller Ridge Ln, Lancaster 29720 72 homes, 56 low-income · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Cottages at Azalea Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Pond Ridge Ln, Lancaster 29720 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2013
- Miller Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 2017 Miller St, Lancaster 29720 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2007
- Sycamore Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 3038 Miller St, Lancaster 29720 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003
- Azalea Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Monroe Hwy, Lancaster 29720 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Chesterfield Villas of Lancaster, SC Tax credit (LIHTC) 411 Chesterfield Ave, Lancaster 29720 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Lancaster Landing HUD-assisted 1784 W Meeting St, Lancaster 29720 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- The Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 402 N Catawba St, Lancaster 29720 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Parr Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 220 S Main St, Lancaster 29720 13 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 | $21,550 | $35,900 | $57,400 |
| 2 people | $24,600 | $41,000 | $65,600 |
| 3 people | $27,700 | $46,100 | $73,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,250 | $82,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,350 | $88,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,450 | $95,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,550 | $101,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,650 | $108,250 |
Area median income: $113,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lancaster County, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $849 – $1,037
- 1 bedroom $884 – $1,080
- 2 bedrooms $962 – $1,176
- 3 bedrooms $1,319 – $1,613
- 4 bedrooms $1,608 – $1,966
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 Lancaster Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 252 vouchers · 140 public housing units (803) 285-7214
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 Lancaster County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Lancaster County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lancaster 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
$2,138
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,069
- Security deposit
- $1,069
- Total
- $2,138
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 Lancaster County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $943; 1 bedroom: $982; 2 bedrooms: $1,069; 3 bedrooms: $1,466; 4 bedrooms: $1,787. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lancaster County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,069) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.56 an hour full time, or $42,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lancaster County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,250 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 Lancaster 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 $962 and $1,176 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lancaster County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 29058 to $1,600 in 29707. 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 Lancaster County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Lancaster 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 Lancaster County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lancaster County, 57% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).