Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lawrence County, Tennessee
Lawrence County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,008 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $763 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.38 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,008
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 27% less than in Tennessee
- Typical rent
- $763
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 36% less than in Tennessee
- Wage needed
- $19.38
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in Tennessee
Only here
Renting in Lawrence County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Wayne County has the lowest typical rent ($619), 19% below the $763 in Lawrence County.
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14% of households in Lawrence County have no internet at home, against 8% in Tennessee.
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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence County was $1,168 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 | $766 | $14.73 | $30,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $771 | $14.83 | $30,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,008 | $19.38 | $40,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,201 | $23.10 | $48,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,347 | $25.90 | $53,880 |
HUD area: Lawrence County, TN. 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 Lawrence County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 38469 to $1,370 in 38468. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,008).
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)
| 38456 | Giles County, TN | $770 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,230 | $1,400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38456 | Lawrence County, TN | $770 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,230 | $1,400 |
| 38457 | Lawrence County, TN | $940 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,490 | $1,670 |
| 38464 | Giles County, TN | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
| 38464 | Lawrence County, TN | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
| 38464 | Wayne County, TN | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
| 38468 | Giles County, TN | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,630 | $1,830 |
| 38468 | Lawrence County, TN | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,630 | $1,830 |
| 38469 | Lawrence County, TN | $760 | $760 | $1,000 | $1,190 | $1,330 |
| 38481 | Lawrence County, TN | $760 | $760 | $1,000 | $1,190 | $1,330 |
| 38483 | Giles County, TN | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,220 | $1,540 | $1,730 |
| 38483 | Lawrence County, TN | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,220 | $1,540 | $1,730 |
| 38483 | Lewis County, TN | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,220 | $1,540 | $1,730 |
| 38483 | Maury County, TN | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,220 | $1,540 | $1,730 |
| 38486 | Lawrence County, TN | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
| 38486 | Wayne County, TN | $770 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
- 38456 · Giles County, TN $1,020$1,230
- 38456 · Lawrence County, TN $1,020$1,230
- 38457 · Lawrence County, TN $1,250$1,490
- 38464 · Giles County, TN $1,010$1,210
- 38464 · Lawrence County, TN $1,010$1,210
- 38464 · Wayne County, TN $1,010$1,210
- 38468 · Giles County, TN $1,370$1,630
- 38468 · Lawrence County, TN $1,370$1,630
- 38469 · Lawrence County, TN $1,000$1,190
- 38481 · Lawrence County, TN $1,000$1,190
- 38483 · Giles County, TN $1,220$1,540
- 38483 · Lawrence County, TN $1,220$1,540
- 38483 · Lewis County, TN $1,220$1,540
- 38483 · Maury County, TN $1,220$1,540
- 38486 · Lawrence County, TN $1,010$1,210
- 38486 · Wayne County, TN $1,010$1,210
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 Lawrence County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,814 households rent in Lawrence County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lawrence 47%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lawrence County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Lawrence 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)
- 4
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 1
562 homes in all; 503 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- M. L. Lumpkins Homes Public housing 263 Waterloo St, Lawrenceburg 38464 303 low-income homes · Run by Lawrenceburg Housing Authority · Average payment: $375 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (931) 762-7532
- Lawrenceburg Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Springer Road, Lawrenceburg 38464 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 1988 · For families
- Park Ridge Estates of Lawrenceburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Richsmith Dr, Lawrenceburg 38464 44 low-income homes · 3 bd: 27 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, families
- Berkley Spring Tax credit (LIHTC) 14 Good Hope Rd, Lawrenceburg 38464 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities
- Loretto Lions Retirement Home HUD-assisted 605 2nd Ave S, Loretto 38469 20 homes, 19 low-income · For older adults
- New Hope Apartments HUD-assisted 1057 Old Florence Rd, Lawrenceburg 38464 19 homes, 18 low-income · For people with disabilities · (931) 766-1785
- Crockett Senior Housing HUD-assisted 1067 Old Florence Rd, Lawrenceburg 38464 18 homes, 17 low-income · For older adults · (931) 766-0722
- Loretto Lions Retirement Home II HUD-assisted 605 2nd Ave S, Loretto 38469 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (931) 853-4052
- Canter Chase Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Clearview Ave, Lawrenceburg 38464 56 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 | $16,400 | $27,300 | $43,700 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,200 | $49,950 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,100 | $56,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,000 | $62,400 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $42,150 | $67,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $45,250 | $72,400 |
| 7 people | $48,400 | $48,400 | $77,400 |
| 8 people | $51,500 | $51,500 | $82,400 |
Area median income: $77,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lawrence County, TN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $689 – $843
- 1 bedroom $694 – $848
- 2 bedrooms $907 – $1,109
- 3 bedrooms $1,081 – $1,321
- 4 bedrooms $1,212 – $1,482
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
- Lawrenceburg Housing Authority Public housing · 303 public housing units (931) 762-7532 Lawrenceburg Housing Authority: houseaut@lawrenceburgha.org
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 Lawrence County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Lawrence County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lawrence 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
$2,016
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,008
- Security deposit
- $1,008
- Total
- $2,016
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 Lawrence County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $766; 1 bedroom: $771; 2 bedrooms: $1,008; 3 bedrooms: $1,201; 4 bedrooms: $1,347. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lawrence County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,008) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.38 an hour full time, or $40,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lawrence County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,000 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 Lawrence 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 $907 and $1,109 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lawrence County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 38469 to $1,370 in 38468. 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 Lawrence County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lawrence County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).