Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Carter County, Tennessee
Carter County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,211 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $739 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,211
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 12% less than in Tennessee
- Typical rent
- $739
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% less than in Tennessee
- Wage needed
- $23.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 36%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 25% less than in Tennessee
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 Carter 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 Carter County was $1,285 a month in September 2026. 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 | $942 | $18.12 | $37,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $948 | $18.23 | $37,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,211 | $23.29 | $48,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,461 | $28.10 | $58,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,609 | $30.94 | $64,360 |
HUD area: Johnson City, TN MSA. 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 Carter County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 37658 to $1,220 in 37682. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,211).
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)
| 37643 | Johnson City, TN | $800 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37658 | Johnson City, TN | $800 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
| 37682 | Johnson City, TN | $950 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,470 | $1,620 |
| 37687 | Johnson City, TN | $800 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,300 | $1,430 |
| 37694 | Johnson City, TN | $800 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
| 37694 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $800 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
- 37643 · Johnson City, TN $1,030$1,260
- 37658 · Johnson City, TN $1,020$1,260
- 37682 · Johnson City, TN $1,220$1,470
- 37687 · Johnson City, TN $1,050$1,300
- 37694 · Johnson City, TN $1,020$1,260
- 37694 · Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA $1,020$1,260
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 Carter County, 36% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, 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.
36%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,059 households rent in Carter County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 64%
Compared with the state and the country
- Carter 36%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Carter County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Carter 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 7
- public housing
- 1
1,126 homes in all; 1,081 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Rolling Hills Estate Public housing 1300A Arney St, Elizabethton 37643 326 low-income homes · Run by Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency · Average payment: $336 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (423) 543-3571
- Lynnridge Apartments HUD-assisted 1272 Bluefield Ave, Elizabethton 37643 101 homes, 100 low-income · For families · (423) 543-2031
- Lynnridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1293 Bluefield Ave, Elizabethton 37643 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 66 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Lynnwood Apartments HUD-assisted 1235 Bluefield Ave, Elizabethton 37643 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 543-2031
- Lynnwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 Bluefield Ave, Elizabethton 37643 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Pinecrest Apartments HUD-assisted 525 Joy Ct, Johnson City 37601 95 low-income homes · For families · (423) 232-4784
- The Courtyard HUD-assisted 710 E Second St, Elizabethton 37643 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 543-2274
- Mountain Hollow Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Mountain Hollow Ct, Elizabethton 37643 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Franklin Place HUD-assisted 100 Franklin Place Dr, Elizabethton 37643 46 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 542-2491
- Village East Apartments HUD-assisted 200 Northeast St, Elizabethton 37643 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (770) 616-7689
- Summerdale Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1726 Dave Buck Rd, Johnson City 37601 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Mekkahs Meadow HUD-assisted 180 Bishop Rd, Johnson City 37601 20 homes, 19 low-income · For older adults · (423) 929-2925
- Pennington Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 3133 Rocky Top Rd, Johnson City 37601 42 homes · In service since 2013 · For older adults
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 Carter 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 Carter 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 | $16,950 | $28,250 | $45,150 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,300 | $51,600 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,300 | $58,050 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $40,300 | $64,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,550 | $69,700 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,750 | $74,850 |
| 7 people | $50,000 | $50,000 | $80,000 |
| 8 people | $53,200 | $53,200 | $85,150 |
Area median income: $76,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Johnson City, TN MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $848 – $1,036
- 1 bedroom $853 – $1,043
- 2 bedrooms $1,090 – $1,332
- 3 bedrooms $1,315 – $1,607
- 4 bedrooms $1,448 – $1,770
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
- Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 319 vouchers · 326 public housing units (423) 543-3571 Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency: ehdatn@gmail.com
Housing agencies in Tennessee Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Tennessee
What Tennessee 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.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- T.C.A. §66-28-505(a)(1)-(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- T.C.A. §66-28-512(b)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Carter County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Eastern Eight Community Development Corp.
3 Limited Centre St, Johnson City · 15 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
-
Telamon Corporation - Tennessee Branch
100 Erin Ln, Bulls Gap · 51 miles away · Spanish
- 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 Carter 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 Tennessee, the average home bill was $143 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
$2,422
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,211
- Security deposit
- $1,211
- Total
- $2,422
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 Carter County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $942; 1 bedroom: $948; 2 bedrooms: $1,211; 3 bedrooms: $1,461; 4 bedrooms: $1,609. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Carter County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,211) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.29 an hour full time, or $48,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Carter County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,300 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 Carter 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 $1,090 and $1,332 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Carter County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 37658 to $1,220 in 37682. 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 Carter County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Carter 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 Carter County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Carter County, 36% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).