Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lexington County, South Carolina
Lexington County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,226 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,178 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,226
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 12% less than in South Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,178
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in South Carolina
- Wage needed
- $23.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,040 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in South Carolina
Only here
Renting in Lexington County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Saluda County, the typical rent is $851: 28% less than in Lexington County ($1,178).
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 Lexington 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 Lexington County was $1,662 a month in September 2026: 2.2% 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 | $992 | $19.08 | $39,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,126 | $21.65 | $45,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,226 | $23.58 | $49,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,546 | $29.73 | $61,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,754 | $33.73 | $70,160 |
HUD area: Columbia, 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 16 ZIP codes in Lexington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 29053 to $1,820 in 29036. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,226).
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)
| 29033 | Columbia, SC | $1,120 | $1,280 | $1,390 | $1,750 | $1,990 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29036 | Columbia, SC | $1,470 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,300 | $2,610 |
| 29036 | Newberry County, SC | $1,470 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,300 | $2,610 |
| 29053 | Columbia, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29054 | Columbia, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29070 | Columbia, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29070 | Newberry County, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29072 | Columbia, SC | $1,150 | $1,300 | $1,420 | $1,790 | $2,030 |
| 29073 | Columbia, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29123 | Columbia, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29160 | Columbia, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29160 | Orangeburg County, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29169 | Columbia, SC | $960 | $1,090 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,720 |
| 29170 | Columbia, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29172 | Columbia, SC | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29212 | Columbia, SC | $1,160 | $1,310 | $1,430 | $1,800 | $2,050 |
- 29033 · Columbia, SC $1,390$1,750
- 29036 · Columbia, SC $1,820$2,300
- 29036 · Newberry County, SC $1,820$2,300
- 29053 · Columbia, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29054 · Columbia, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29070 · Columbia, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29070 · Newberry County, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29072 · Columbia, SC $1,420$1,790
- 29073 · Columbia, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29123 · Columbia, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29160 · Columbia, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29160 · Orangeburg County, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29169 · Columbia, SC $1,190$1,500
- 29170 · Columbia, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29172 · Columbia, SC $1,150$1,470
- 29212 · Columbia, SC $1,430$1,800
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 Lexington County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
27,563 households rent in Lexington County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lexington 48%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lexington County
HUD lists 30 properties with homes for low-income households in Lexington 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)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 16
- public housing
- 2
1,418 homes in all; 1,415 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Waters at Berryhill Tax credit (LIHTC) 18 Berryhill Rd, Columbia 29210 180 homes, 178 low-income · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 100 · In service since 2018 · For families
- River Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 5324 Bush River Rd, Columbia 29212 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2009 · For families · (803) 798-8280
- Abbott Arms Apartments HUD-assisted 2011 Wilkinson St, Cayce 29033 97 low-income homes · For families · (803) 796-3456
- Park North Apartments HUD-assisted 200 Brookhill W, Lexington 29072 84 low-income homes · For families · (803) 359-9083
- Irmo Village HUD-assisted 700 Chipwood Ct, Irmo 29063 80 low-income homes · For families · (803) 781-8040
- Ramblewood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 131 Pinewood Dr, Batesburg 29006 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2017 · For families · (803) 532-2500
- Leesville Gardens HUD-assisted 120 S Lee St, Leesville 29070 60 low-income homes · For families · (803) 532-5775
- Asbury Arms HUD-assisted 100 Asbury Ln, West Columbia 29169 56 homes, 55 low-income · For older adults · (803) 794-8052
- Autumnwood Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 207 Topsider Ct, Lexington 29072 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2019
- Ahepa 284-II HUD-assisted 130 Jimmy Love Ln, Columbia 29212 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 216-0228
- Cinnaberry Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1424 Fork Ave, Irmo 29063 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2018
- Fern Hall Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 Brevard Pkwy, Lexington 29073 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2008
- Hampton's Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 515 Northwood Rd, Lexington 29072 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Pebble Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 136 Library Hill Ln, Lexington 29072 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Wescott Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 5608 Wescott Rd, Columbia 29212 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Town & Country Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Roberts St, Lexington 29072 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2009
- Ahepa 284-III HUD-assisted 120 Jimmy Love Ln, Columbia 29212 43 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 750-6742
- Cayce Public housing 1202 Lucas St, Cayce 29033 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Cayce · Average payment: $352 a month · Average wait: 27 months · Homes at several sites · (803) 254-3886
- Elm Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 295 N Lawrence Ave, Swansea 29160 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1999 · For people with disabilities, families
- Fern Hall Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Fern Hall Dr, Lexington 29073 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Scarlett Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Old Chapin Rd, Lexington 29072 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Gault Grove Apts. HUD-assisted 1010 Hafley Ct, Cayce 29033 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 786-1844
- Sandstone HUD-assisted 6130 Bush River Rd, Columbia 29212 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 786-1844
- Lexington Four-Ninety HUD-assisted 530 Gunter St, Batesburg 29006 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1970
- Lexington South HUD-assisted 425 Hendrix St, Lexington 29072 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1971
- Williams Place HUD-assisted 2201 Commerce Dr, Cayce 29033 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 779-5363
- Sandwood Apartments, Inc. HUD-assisted 1151A Comanchee Trl, West Columbia 29169 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1970
- Lexington Residential Alternative HUD-assisted 181 Brookwood Dr, Batesburg 29006 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1971
- Middle ST Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1522 Middle St, Cayce 29033 3 low-income homes · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1990
- Scattered Site Public housing 539 Riverside Ln, Cayce 29033 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Cayce · Homes at several sites · (803) 254-3886
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 Lexington 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 Lexington 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 | $19,400 | $32,350 | $51,750 |
| 2 people | $22,200 | $37,000 | $59,150 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,600 | $66,550 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,200 | $73,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $49,900 | $79,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $53,600 | $85,750 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $57,300 | $91,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $61,000 | $97,550 |
Area median income: $92,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $893 – $1,091
- 1 bedroom $1,013 – $1,239
- 2 bedrooms $1,103 – $1,349
- 3 bedrooms $1,391 – $1,701
- 4 bedrooms $1,579 – $1,929
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 State Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 2,217 vouchers (803) 896-8888 SC State Housing Authority: Section8@SCHousing.com
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 Lexington County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Southeastern Housing & Community Development Fka Southeastern Housing Foundation
986 Doyle St, Orangeburg · 37 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lexington 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
$2,452
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,226
- Security deposit
- $1,226
- Total
- $2,452
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 Lexington County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $992; 1 bedroom: $1,126; 2 bedrooms: $1,226; 3 bedrooms: $1,546; 4 bedrooms: $1,754. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lexington County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,226) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.58 an hour full time, or $49,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lexington County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,200 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 Lexington 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 $1,103 and $1,349 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lexington County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 29053 to $1,820 in 29036. 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 Lexington County?
HUD lists 30 properties with homes for low-income households in Lexington 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 Lexington County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lexington County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).