Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Dickson County, Tennessee
Dickson County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,798 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,015 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $34.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,798
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 30% more than in Tennessee
- Typical rent
- $1,015
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% less than in Tennessee
- Wage needed
- $34.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $71,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 33%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 33% less than in Tennessee
Only here
Renting in Dickson County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Houston County, the typical rent is $735: 28% less than in Dickson County ($1,015).
-
Dickson County has the 7th smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 93 counties in Tennessee with this figure (33%).
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 Dickson 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 Dickson County was $1,771 a month in September 2026: 4.9% 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 | $1,585 | $30.48 | $63,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,650 | $31.73 | $66,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,798 | $34.58 | $71,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,309 | $44.40 | $92,360 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,799 | $53.83 | $111,960 |
HUD area: Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN 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 11 ZIP codes in Dickson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 37036 to $1,310 in 37055. No ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,798).
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)
| 37029 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,070 | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,550 | $1,880 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37036 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37051 | Clarksville, TN-KY | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37051 | Houston County, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37051 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37055 | Hickman County, TN | $1,150 | $1,200 | $1,310 | $1,680 | $2,040 |
| 37055 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,150 | $1,200 | $1,310 | $1,680 | $2,040 |
| 37165 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37181 | Houston County, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37181 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37187 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,040 | $1,070 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
- 37029 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,210$1,550
- 37036 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,190$1,500
- 37051 · Clarksville, TN-KY $1,190$1,500
- 37051 · Houston County, TN $1,190$1,500
- 37051 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,190$1,500
- 37055 · Hickman County, TN $1,310$1,680
- 37055 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,310$1,680
- 37165 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,190$1,500
- 37181 · Houston County, TN $1,190$1,500
- 37181 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,190$1,500
- 37187 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,190$1,500
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 Dickson County, 33% 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.
33%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,292 households rent in Dickson County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 16%
- Spend less than 30% 67%
Compared with the state and the country
- Dickson 33%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Dickson County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Dickson 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)
- 6
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 1
557 homes in all; 488 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Trails of Dickson I Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Colt Dr, Dickson 37055 126 low-income homes · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1996
- Evan Heights Apts Public housing 1111 E Walnut St, Dickson 37055 125 low-income homes · Run by Dickson Housing Authority · Average payment: $423 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (615) 446-9371
- Dickson Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 503 Candlewood Dr, Dickson 37055 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Trails of Dickson II Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Remington, Dickson 37055 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2003 · For families
- High House Village Apartments HUD-assisted 105 Jones Creek Rd, Dickson 37055 48 homes, 43 low-income · For families · (615) 446-5340
- Walnut Street Apts HUD-assisted 301 E Walnut St, Dickson 37055 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (615) 446-0580
- Spring Haven Apartments HUD-assisted 301 Spring St, Dickson 37055 32 low-income homes · For families · (615) 446-5340
- Cedar Pointe (white Bluff) Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Owens St, White Bluff 37187 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities
- Wakeman Crossing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Church St, White Bluff 37187 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1993
- Beasley Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Beasley DR, Dickson 37055 64 homes
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 Dickson 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 Dickson 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 | $24,400 | $40,650 | $65,050 |
| 2 people | $27,900 | $46,450 | $74,350 |
| 3 people | $31,400 | $52,250 | $83,650 |
| 4 people | $34,850 | $58,050 | $92,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $62,700 | $100,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $67,350 | $107,800 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $72,000 | $115,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $76,650 | $122,650 |
Area median income: $116,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,427 – $1,744
- 1 bedroom $1,485 – $1,815
- 2 bedrooms $1,618 – $1,978
- 3 bedrooms $2,078 – $2,540
- 4 bedrooms $2,519 – $3,079
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
- Dickson Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,377 vouchers · 125 public housing units (615) 446-9371 Dickson Housing Authority: bernadette.mekalska@dicksonhousing.gov
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 Dickson County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Good Neighbor Foundation
129 W Fowlkes St, Franklin · 31 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Arabic.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 3 more
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New Level Community Development Corporation
1112 Jefferson St, Nashville · 32 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 4 more
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Affordable Housing Resources of Nashville, Inc
1 Vantage Way Ste C130, Nashville · 32 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Dickson 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
$3,596
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,798
- Security deposit
- $1,798
- Total
- $3,596
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 Dickson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,585; 1 bedroom: $1,650; 2 bedrooms: $1,798; 3 bedrooms: $2,309; 4 bedrooms: $2,799. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Dickson County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,798) without spending more than 30% of income takes $34.58 an hour full time, or $71,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Dickson County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,050 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 Dickson 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 $1,618 and $1,978 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Dickson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 37036 to $1,310 in 37055. 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 Dickson County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Dickson 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 Dickson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dickson County, 33% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).