Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Laurens County, South Carolina
Laurens County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,119 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $880 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.52 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,119
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% less than in South Carolina
- Typical rent
- $880
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 25% less than in South Carolina
- Wage needed
- $21.52
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in South Carolina
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 Laurens 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 Laurens County was $1,092 a month in September 2026: 1.5% 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 | $875 | $16.83 | $35,000 |
| 1 bedroom | $924 | $17.77 | $36,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,119 | $21.52 | $44,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,333 | $25.63 | $53,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,571 | $30.21 | $62,840 |
HUD area: Laurens 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 14 ZIP codes in Laurens County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 29351 to $1,210 in 29645. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,119).
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)
| 29325 | Laurens County, SC | $900 | $950 | $1,150 | $1,370 | $1,610 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29332 | Laurens County, SC | $930 | $980 | $1,190 | $1,410 | $1,670 |
| 29332 | Newberry County, SC | $930 | $980 | $1,190 | $1,410 | $1,670 |
| 29351 | Laurens County, SC | $780 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,230 | $1,470 |
| 29360 | Laurens County, SC | $840 | $880 | $1,070 | $1,270 | $1,500 |
| 29370 | Laurens County, SC | $860 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,310 | $1,540 |
| 29370 | Newberry County, SC | $860 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,310 | $1,540 |
| 29384 | Laurens County, SC | $780 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,230 | $1,470 |
| 29645 | Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC | $1,050 | $1,100 | $1,210 | $1,460 | $1,750 |
| 29645 | Laurens County, SC | $1,050 | $1,100 | $1,210 | $1,460 | $1,750 |
| 29645 | Spartanburg, SC | $1,050 | $1,100 | $1,210 | $1,460 | $1,750 |
| 29692 | Abbeville County, SC | $780 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,230 | $1,470 |
| 29692 | Greenwood County, SC | $780 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,230 | $1,470 |
| 29692 | Laurens County, SC | $780 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,230 | $1,470 |
- 29325 · Laurens County, SC $1,150$1,370
- 29332 · Laurens County, SC $1,190$1,410
- 29332 · Newberry County, SC $1,190$1,410
- 29351 · Laurens County, SC $1,020$1,230
- 29360 · Laurens County, SC $1,070$1,270
- 29370 · Laurens County, SC $1,100$1,310
- 29370 · Newberry County, SC $1,100$1,310
- 29384 · Laurens County, SC $1,020$1,230
- 29645 · Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC $1,210$1,460
- 29645 · Laurens County, SC $1,210$1,460
- 29645 · Spartanburg, SC $1,210$1,460
- 29692 · Abbeville County, SC $1,020$1,230
- 29692 · Greenwood County, SC $1,020$1,230
- 29692 · Laurens County, SC $1,020$1,230
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 Laurens County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,690 households rent in Laurens County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Laurens 47%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Laurens County
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Laurens 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)
- 15
- HUD-assisted
- 12
- public housing
- 1
1,246 homes in all; 1,189 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Brown Franklin Court Public housing 218 Independence Ave, Laurens 29360 120 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Laurens · Average payment: $311 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (864) 984-0578
- Westchase Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 590 Phillips St, Clinton 29325 85 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 34 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Hilltop Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Spring St, Laurens 29360 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Laurelwood (LAURENS) Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Reedy Fork Rd, Laurens 29360 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Landau Apartments HUD-assisted 1321 S Broad St, Clinton 29325 80 homes, 60 low-income · For families · (864) 833-3215
- Clinton Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Clinton Manor Dr, Clinton 29325 60 low-income homes · For families · (864) 833-3836
- Laurens Villa Apartments HUD-assisted 309 Exchange Dr, Laurens 29360 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (864) 984-6674
- Laurens Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 700 Laurens Terrace Dr, Laurens 29360 60 homes, 58 low-income · For families · (864) 984-2411
- Countryside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Countryside Cir, Clinton 29325 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2008
- Glendale Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Glendale Manor Dr, Clinton 29325 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (864) 833-5472
- Fountain Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Chapman Rd, Fountain Inn 29644 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2006
- Meadowbrook Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Reedy Fork Rd, Laurens 29360 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2010
- Summercrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 116 Garlington St, Laurens 29360 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2008
- Fairgrounds Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 197 Fairgrounds Rd, Laurens 29360 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Clinton Green Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Houser Cir, Clinton 29325 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2010
- Tallwood I & II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 113 Tallwood Dr, Clinton 29325 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2018
- Tallwood I + II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 113 Tallwood Dr, Clinton 29325 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Colony Square Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Elizabeth St, Clinton 29325 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2010
- Fountain Hills II Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Chapman Rd, Fountain Inn 29644 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2010
- Laurens Glen Apartments HUD-assisted 900 Church St, Laurens 29360 60 homes, 29 low-income · For families · (864) 984-5717
- Belle Ville Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Jefferson St, Clinton 29325 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2010
- J Press Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 Clay St, Clinton 29325 20 homes, 16 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Laurens Co. Specialty HSG. Corp. HUD-assisted 415 Mill St, Laurens 29360 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (864) 682-2314
- Omt, Inc. HUD-assisted 101 Cinnamon Ln, Laurens 29360 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (864) 682-2314
- FLS, Inc. HUD-assisted 417 Laurens St, Joanna 29351 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (864) 682-2314
- IDIA, Inc. HUD-assisted 613 N Broad St, Clinton 29325 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 682-2314
- Sfn, Inc. HUD-assisted 206 Holmes St, Laurens 29360 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (864) 682-2314
- Shd, Inc. HUD-assisted 515 E Main St, Laurens 29360 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (864) 682-2314
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 Laurens County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Laurens County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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 | $16,800 | $28,000 | $44,750 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,000 | $51,150 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,000 | $57,550 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,950 | $63,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,150 | $69,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,350 | $74,150 |
| 7 people | $49,550 | $49,550 | $79,250 |
| 8 people | $52,750 | $52,750 | $84,350 |
Area median income: $79,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Laurens County, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $788 – $963
- 1 bedroom $832 – $1,016
- 2 bedrooms $1,007 – $1,231
- 3 bedrooms $1,200 – $1,466
- 4 bedrooms $1,414 – $1,728
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
- SC Regional Housing Authority No 1 Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,696 vouchers · 1,325 public housing units (864) 984-0578 SC Regional Housing Authority No 1: briang@scrha.net
- Housing Authority of Laurens Public housing · 120 public housing units (864) 984-0578 Housing Authority of Laurens: briang@scrha.net
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 Laurens County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Telamon Corporation - Greenville Branch
300A S Daniel Morgan Ave, Spartanburg · 32 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Regenesis Community Development Corporation F/K/A Upstate Housing Partnership
430 E Main St, Spartanburg · 33 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
-
Greenville County Human Relations Commission
301 University Rdg, Greenville · 33 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Laurens 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
$2,238
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,119
- Security deposit
- $1,119
- Total
- $2,238
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 Laurens County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $875; 1 bedroom: $924; 2 bedrooms: $1,119; 3 bedrooms: $1,333; 4 bedrooms: $1,571. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Laurens County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,119) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.52 an hour full time, or $44,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Laurens County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,950 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 Laurens 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 $1,007 and $1,231 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Laurens County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 29351 to $1,210 in 29645. 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 Laurens County?
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Laurens 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 Laurens County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Laurens County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).