Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Rutherford County, Tennessee
Rutherford 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 $1,502 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
- $1,502
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 26% more 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
- 52%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% more than in Tennessee
Only here
Renting in Rutherford County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Rutherford County has the 3rd highest typical rent of the 95 counties in Tennessee ($1,502).
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Among the neighboring counties, Cannon County has the lowest typical rent ($908), 40% below the $1,502 in Rutherford County.
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Rutherford County has the 6th highest typical household income of the 95 counties in Tennessee ($85,470).
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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford County was $1,715 a month in September 2026: 1.8% 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 17 ZIP codes in Rutherford County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 37118 to $2,270 in 37037. 5 ZIP codes are 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)
| 37037 | Coffee County, TN | $2,000 | $2,080 | $2,270 | $2,910 | $3,530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37037 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $2,000 | $2,080 | $2,270 | $2,910 | $3,530 |
| 37060 | Bedford County, TN | $1,420 | $1,510 | $1,640 | $2,130 | $2,580 |
| 37060 | Marshall County, TN | $1,420 | $1,510 | $1,640 | $2,130 | $2,580 |
| 37060 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,420 | $1,510 | $1,640 | $2,130 | $2,580 |
| 37085 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,410 | $1,470 | $1,600 | $2,050 | $2,490 |
| 37086 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,830 | $1,910 | $2,080 | $2,670 | $3,240 |
| 37118 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,260 | $1,620 | $1,960 |
| 37127 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,420 | $1,480 | $1,610 | $2,070 | $2,510 |
| 37128 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,650 | $1,720 | $1,870 | $2,400 | $2,910 |
| 37129 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,680 | $1,750 | $1,910 | $2,450 | $2,970 |
| 37130 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,380 | $1,430 | $1,560 | $2,000 | $2,430 |
| 37132 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,380 | $1,430 | $1,560 | $2,000 | $2,430 |
| 37149 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,210 | $1,260 | $1,370 | $1,760 | $2,130 |
| 37153 | Bedford County, TN | $1,510 | $1,580 | $1,730 | $2,210 | $2,700 |
| 37153 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,510 | $1,580 | $1,730 | $2,210 | $2,700 |
| 37167 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,450 | $1,510 | $1,650 | $2,120 | $2,570 |
- 37037 · Coffee County, TN $2,270$2,910
- 37037 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $2,270$2,910
- 37060 · Bedford County, TN $1,640$2,130
- 37060 · Marshall County, TN $1,640$2,130
- 37060 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,640$2,130
- 37085 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,600$2,050
- 37086 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $2,080$2,670
- 37118 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,260$1,620
- 37127 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,610$2,070
- 37128 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,870$2,400
- 37129 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,910$2,450
- 37130 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,560$2,000
- 37132 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,560$2,000
- 37149 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,370$1,760
- 37153 · Bedford County, TN $1,730$2,210
- 37153 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,730$2,210
- 37167 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,650$2,120
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 Rutherford County, 52% 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.
52%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
45,536 households rent in Rutherford County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 31%
- Spend less than 30% 48%
Compared with the state and the country
- Rutherford 52%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Rutherford County
HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Rutherford County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 19
- HUD-assisted
- 9
2,702 homes in all; 2,640 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Imperial Garden Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1 Imperial Blvd, Smyrna 37167 300 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 176 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families · (615) 459-0999
- Westbrooks Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 515 N Walnut St, Murfreesboro 37130 230 low-income homes · 1 bd: 230 · In service since 2020 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (615) 890-9862
- Spring Valley Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1400 Manor Dr, Murfreesboro 37130 176 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 114 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2019 · For families · (615) 896-9793
- Cedar Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Madison Dr, La Vergne 37086 150 low-income homes · 3 bd: 150 · In service since 1994
- King's Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1710 E Northfield Blvd, Murfreesboro 37130 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities, families
- Rutherford Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Rutherford Point Cir, La Vergne 37086 130 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 78 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Brookwood Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2743 S Rutherford Blvd, Murfreesboro 37130 122 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 70 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Chaney Way Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 250 Joe B Jackson Pkwy, Murfreesboro 37127 114 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 74 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities
- Cason Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1647 Cason Ln, Murfreesboro 37128 112 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2017
- Green Meadow Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 425 Warrior Dr, Murfreesboro 37128 112 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Northfield Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2032 Empress Dr, Murfreesboro 37130 108 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- The Park at Leigh Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Ashton Cir, Smyrna 37167 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- Abbington at Stones River Tax credit (LIHTC) 1335 Bradyville Pike, Murfreesboro 37130 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
- Rutherford Woodlands Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1310 N Rutherford Blvd, Murfreesboro 37130 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2016
- Meadow Wood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Nissan Dr, Smyrna 37167 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 1992 · For people with disabilities, families
- Midtown Estates HUD-assisted 109 S Kings Hwy, Murfreesboro 37129 88 homes, 87 low-income · For families · (615) 896-2470
- Colony Square Apartments HUD-assisted 500A Rock Springs Rd, Smyrna 37167 80 low-income homes · For families · (615) 459-2949
- Colony Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Rock Springs Rd, Smyrna 37167 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2008
- Oakland Court I HUD-assisted 827 N Academy St, Murfreesboro 37130 76 low-income homes · For families · (615) 225-9482
- Oakland Court II HUD-assisted E. Lokey Street, Murfreesboro 37130 74 low-income homes · For families · (615) 225-9477
- Sherwood Forest Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Friar Tuck Cir, Smyrna 37167 70 low-income homes · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities
- AHEPA 343 Apartments HUD-assisted 121 Mason Cir, La Vergne 37086 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (615) 793-4272
- Parkside Apartments HUD-assisted 520 E Castle St, Murfreesboro 37130 46 low-income homes · For families · (615) 893-9414
- The Pointe at Edale Tax credit (LIHTC) 2009 Bradyville Pike, Murfreesboro 37130 60 homes
- The Pointe at Eastdale Tax credit (LIHTC) 2011 Bradyville Pike, Murfreesboro 37130 In service since 2013 · For older adults
3 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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
- Murfreesboro Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 947 vouchers (615) 893-9414 Murfreesboro Housing Authority: trowe@mha-tn.og
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 Rutherford County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Rutherford County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Life of Victory International Christian Ministries
144 Bain Dr Ste 200, La Vergne · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
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Dominion Financial Management
661 Fitzhugh Blvd, Smyrna
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 6 more
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You Can Make It Home Ownership Center, Inc.
660 Fitzhugh Blvd Ste 105, Smyrna
- 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 37118 to $2,270 in 37037. 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 Rutherford County?
HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Rutherford County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Rutherford County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rutherford County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).