Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Richland County, South Carolina
Richland 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 $1,228 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
- $1,228
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% more than 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
- 59%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% more than in South Carolina
Only here
Renting in Richland County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 46 counties in South Carolina, Richland County has the lowest homeownership rate: 60%.
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Richland County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,228, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Lexington County ($1,178).
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At 59%, Richland County ranks 3rd 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 Richland 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 Richland County was $1,517 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 18 ZIP codes in Richland County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 29044 to $1,780 in 29177. 14 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)
| 29016 | $1,080 | $1,230 | $1,340 | $1,690 | $1,920 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29044 | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29052 | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29061 | $1,080 | $1,230 | $1,340 | $1,690 | $1,980 |
| 29063 | $1,360 | $1,540 | $1,680 | $2,120 | $2,400 |
| 29177 | $1,440 | $1,640 | $1,780 | $2,250 | $2,560 |
| 29201 | $1,330 | $1,510 | $1,640 | $2,070 | $2,350 |
| 29203 | $970 | $1,100 | $1,200 | $1,510 | $1,720 |
| 29204 | $930 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,720 |
| 29205 | $1,030 | $1,170 | $1,270 | $1,600 | $1,820 |
| 29206 | $1,160 | $1,310 | $1,430 | $1,800 | $2,050 |
| 29207 | $1,040 | $1,160 | $1,270 | $1,600 | $1,840 |
| 29208 | $1,330 | $1,510 | $1,640 | $2,070 | $2,350 |
| 29209 | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,330 | $1,680 | $1,900 |
| 29210 | $1,040 | $1,190 | $1,290 | $1,630 | $1,850 |
| 29223 | $1,070 | $1,210 | $1,320 | $1,660 | $1,890 |
| 29225 | $1,330 | $1,510 | $1,640 | $2,070 | $2,350 |
| 29229 | $1,330 | $1,520 | $1,650 | $2,080 | $2,390 |
- 29016 $1,340$1,690
- 29044 $1,150$1,470
- 29052 $1,150$1,470
- 29061 $1,340$1,690
- 29063 $1,680$2,120
- 29177 $1,780$2,250
- 29201 $1,640$2,070
- 29203 $1,200$1,510
- 29204 $1,150$1,470
- 29205 $1,270$1,600
- 29206 $1,430$1,800
- 29207 $1,270$1,600
- 29208 $1,640$2,070
- 29209 $1,330$1,680
- 29210 $1,290$1,630
- 29223 $1,320$1,660
- 29225 $1,640$2,070
- 29229 $1,650$2,080
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 Richland 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.
66,738 households rent in Richland County
- Spend half or more of their income 32%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 41%
Compared with the state and the country
- Richland 59%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Richland County
HUD lists 82 properties with homes for low-income households in Richland 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)
- 48
- HUD-assisted
- 32
- public housing
- 8
6,869 homes in all; 6,435 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Northeast Housing Public housing 105 Rosewood Hills Dr, Columbia 29205 360 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Average payment: $388 a month · Average wait: 147 months · Homes at several sites · (803) 254-3886
- Southeast Housing Public housing 100 Lorick Cir, Columbia 29203 359 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Average payment: $543 a month · Average wait: 68 months · Homes at several sites · (803) 254-3886
- Colony Apartments (m15-Sg450980) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3545 W Beltline Blvd, Columbia 29203 300 low-income homes · 2 bd: 300 · In service since 2017 · For families · (803) 799-5679
- Austin Woods (was Cedar Wood) Tax credit (LIHTC) 7648 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia 29209 240 low-income homes · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 164 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Waters at Longcreek Tax credit (LIHTC) 1401 Longcreek Dr, Columbia 29210 220 homes, 217 low-income · 1 bd: 64 · 2 bd: 140 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2018
- Allen Benedict Court Public housing 705 Richland St, Columbia 29201 205 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Average payment: $513 a month · Average wait: 31 months · (803) 254-3886
- Gable Oaks (ashley Apts) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 901 Colleton St, Columbia 29203 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2000 · For families · (803) 754-4400
- Celia Saxon II Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 2211 Read St, Columbia 29204 196 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2006 · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Average payment: $358 a month · Average wait: 16 months · Homes at several sites · (803) 254-3886
- North Pointe Estates HUD-assisted 100 Ripplemeyer Ave, Columbia 29203 188 low-income homes · For families · (803) 754-8498
- Willow Run Apartments HUD-assisted 511 Alcott Dr, Columbia 29203 200 homes, 186 low-income · For families · (803) 754-5918
- Columbia Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4000 Plowden Rd, Columbia 29205 188 homes, 184 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 124 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2017 · For families · (803) 782-2437
- Harbison Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Columbiana Dr, Columbia 29212 179 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 95 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Wyndham Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 80 Brighton Hill Rd, Columbia 29223 178 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 58 · In service since 2007
- Finlay House HUD-assisted 2100 Blossom St, Columbia 29205 204 homes, 177 low-income · For older adults · (803) 799-6524
- Brookside Crossing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 220 Springtree Dr, Columbia 29223 162 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 108 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2010
- Christopher Towers HUD-assisted 1805 Devine St, Columbia 29201 225 homes, 154 low-income · For older adults · (803) 799-5876
- Woods Edge Apartments HUD-assisted 109 Hillpine Rd, Columbia 29212 131 homes, 130 low-income · For older adults · (803) 781-9065
- Carriage House of Columbia Apartments HUD-assisted 110 Amsterdam Dr, Columbia 29210 124 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 772-9400
- Village at River's Edge Tax credit (LIHTC) 4031 Pearl St, Columbia 29203 124 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 96 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Palmetto Terrace I & II HUD-assisted 3021 Howell Ct, Columbia 29203 112 low-income homes · For families · (803) 254-7769
- Lakeside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 401 Harbison Blvd, Columbia 29212 110 low-income homes · 1 bd: 104 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2009 · For older adults · (803) 781-8050
- Riverside Apartments HUD-assisted 3245 Lucius Rd, Columbia 29201 104 low-income homes · For families · (803) 765-9758
- Capital Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Cardamon Ct, Columbia 29203 102 low-income homes · 3 bd: 51 · 4 bd: 51 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Bay Berry Mews Tax credit (LIHTC) 4019 Lester Dr, Columbia 29203 100 low-income homes · 3 bd: 50 · 4 bd: 50 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Richland Village HUD-assisted 1234 Universal Dr, Columbia 29209 100 low-income homes · For families · (803) 783-4268
- Prescott Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 1601 Prescott Rd, Columbia 29203 88 low-income homes · For families · (803) 754-6316
- Grand Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4301 Grand St, Columbia 29203 84 low-income homes · 2 bd: 84 · In service since 2007
- Gonzales Gardens Public housing 2225 College St, Columbia 29205 83 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Average payment: $322 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (803) 254-3886
- Pinehaven Villas Apts HUD-assisted 1400 Trinity Dr, Columbia 29209 80 low-income homes · For families · (803) 776-4663
- Avalon Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1030 Atlas Rd, Columbia 29209 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Regent Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 680 Windsor Lake Way, Columbia 29223 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Carolina Apts. (THE) HUD-assisted 3201 Meadowlark Dr, Columbia 29204 70 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 754-6200
- Ensor Forest HUD-assisted 4501 Monticello Rd, Columbia 29203 69 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 765-9515
- Arrington Place (crescent Manor) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1734 Van Heise St, Columbia 29204 67 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 11 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Abernathy Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 7670 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia 29209 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Deer Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7225 Firelane Rd, Columbia 29223 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2006
- Madison Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 4020 Ulmer Rd, Columbia 29209 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2008
- Sparkleberry Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Chalice Ln, Columbia 29229 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Arcadia Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2400 Kneece Rd, Columbia 29223 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2012 · For families
- The Pointe at Lake Murray Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 Ballentine Park Rd, Irmo 29063 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Ahepa 284-I HUD-assisted 451 Pelham Dr, Columbia 29209 59 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 695-1934
- Jackson Creek Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 2406 Kneece Rd, Columbia 29223 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2016 · For families
- The Pointe at Blythewood M15-Sg450992 Tax credit (LIHTC) 425 Main St, Blythewood 29016 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2017 · For families
- The Pointe M15-Sg450992 Tax credit (LIHTC) 425 Main St, Blythewood 29016 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Veranda at North Main Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3700 N Main St, Columbia 29203 58 homes, 52 low-income · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Arrington Place HUD-assisted 1729 Carnegie St, Columbia 29204 68 homes, 48 low-income · For families · (803) 254-5230
- Madison Station II Tax credit (LIHTC) 4010 Ulmer Rd, Columbia 29209 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Cypress Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3907 Ridgewood Ave, Columbia 29203 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2010
- Oneil Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 612 Oneil Ct, Columbia 29223 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Celia Saxon I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1917 Harden St, Columbia 29204 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2005
- Ahepa 284-IV HUD-assisted 441 Pelham Dr, Columbia 29209 38 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 647-1021
- T S Martin Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1810 Germany St, Columbia 29204 35 low-income homes · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2002 · For families
- J. William Pitts Apts. HUD-assisted 150 Flora Dr, Columbia 29223 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (803) 788-5153
- ST Lawrence Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2400 Waites Rd, Columbia 29204 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Bridgewood Apts., Inc. HUD-assisted 2209A Percival Rd, Columbia 29223 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 808-3966
- Single Family Acquisition Public housing 1 Yorktown Ct, Columbia 29209 24 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Average payment: $434 a month · Homes at several sites · (803) 254-3886
- Clarence Mckinney Court HUD-assisted 114A Solomon St, Eastover 29044 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1970
- Harmon Hill HUD-assisted 1 Meadowland Ct, Columbia 29210 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 731-1346
- Dena Bank Apts. HUD-assisted 744 Zimalcrest Dr, Columbia 29210 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 786-1844
- Lexington West HUD-assisted 1203 Carter St, Columbia 29204 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1970
- Richland East HUD-assisted 33 Archie Dr, Columbia 29223 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1970
- Richland Four-Ninety HUD-assisted 8001 Caughman Rd, Columbia 29209 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1970
- Richland North HUD-assisted 100 Kensington Rd, Columbia 29203 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 799-1970
- Mid-Carolina Housing Corporation HUD-assisted 3218 Blossom St, Columbia 29205 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 419-5102
- MIRCI Group Home HUD-assisted 581 Beckman Rd, Columbia 29203 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (803) 754-4221
- Ames 10 Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992
- Ames 11 Assoc Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992
- Ames 6 Assoc Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992
- Ames 7 Assoc Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992
- Ames 8 Assoc Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992
- Ames 9 Assoc Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992
- Ames Manor 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Ames Manor 13 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Ames Manor 14 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Ames Manor 15 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Ames Manor 16 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Ames Manor 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Ames Manor 3 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Ames Manor 4 Tax credit (LIHTC) 5779 Ames Rd, Columbia 29203 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- Single Family Construction Public housing 806 Oak St, Columbia 29205 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Homes at several sites · (803) 254-3886
- Single Family West Public housing 109 Crane Creek Dr, Columbia 29203 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Columbia · Homes at several sites · (803) 254-3886
- Killian Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 508 Longtown Rd, Columbia 29229 288 homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 144 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2020 · For families
6 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 Richland 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 Richland 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 | $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
- Housing Authority of the City of Columbia Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 4,822 vouchers · 1,229 public housing units (803) 254-3886 Housing Authority of the City of Columbia: jpreston@columbiahousingsc.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Cayce Public housing · 41 public housing units (803) 254-3886 Housing Authority of the City of Cayce: ybean@columbiahousingsc.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 Richland County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Richland County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
NSC (naca Counseling Subsidiary) - Columbia, SC
810 Dutch Square Blvd Suite 220, Columbia · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Richland 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 Richland 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 Richland 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 Richland 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 Richland 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 Richland County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 29044 to $1,780 in 29177. 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 Richland County?
HUD lists 82 properties with homes for low-income households in Richland 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 Richland County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Richland County, 59% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).