Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Wilson County, Tennessee
Wilson 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 $1,486 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
- $1,486
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 25% 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
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Tennessee
Only here
Renting in Wilson County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Wilson County has the 2nd highest typical household income of the 95 counties in Tennessee ($95,839).
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Among the neighboring counties, Trousdale County has the lowest typical rent ($853), 43% below the $1,486 in Wilson County.
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Wilson County has the 4th highest typical rent of the 95 counties in Tennessee ($1,486).
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 Wilson 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 Wilson County was $1,812 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 9 ZIP codes in Wilson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 37184 to $2,280 in 37122. 1 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)
| 37016 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,190 | $1,240 | $1,350 | $1,730 | $2,100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37087 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,230 | $1,280 | $1,400 | $1,800 | $2,170 |
| 37087 | Smith County, TN | $1,230 | $1,280 | $1,400 | $1,800 | $2,170 |
| 37090 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,500 | $1,560 | $1,700 | $2,180 | $2,640 |
| 37090 | Smith County, TN | $1,500 | $1,560 | $1,700 | $2,180 | $2,640 |
| 37122 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $2,010 | $2,090 | $2,280 | $2,930 | $3,550 |
| 37184 | DeKalb County, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37184 | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 37184 | Smith County, TN | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
- 37016 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,350$1,730
- 37087 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,400$1,800
- 37087 · Smith County, TN $1,400$1,800
- 37090 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,700$2,180
- 37090 · Smith County, TN $1,700$2,180
- 37122 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $2,280$2,930
- 37184 · DeKalb County, TN $1,190$1,500
- 37184 · Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $1,190$1,500
- 37184 · Smith County, 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 Wilson County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
13,592 households rent in Wilson County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Wilson 49%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Wilson County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Wilson 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)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 1
1,676 homes in all; 1,671 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Upton Heights Public housing 101 Inman Ct, Lebanon 37087 327 low-income homes · Run by Lebanon Housing Authority · Average payment: $475 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (615) 444-1872
- Rollingwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Hillcreek Dr, Lebanon 37087 154 low-income homes · 2 bd: 122 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities, families
- Willow Creek Apts (mt Juliet) Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Willow Creek Dr, Mt Juliet 37122 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities, families
- Forest View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 119 Belinda Pkwy, Mt Juliet 37122 130 low-income homes · 2 bd: 75 · 3 bd: 55 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Greentree Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1640 W Main St, Lebanon 37087 130 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 78 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Peyton Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 160 Peyton Rd, Lebanon 37087 120 low-income homes · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For families
- The Ridge at Lebanon Tax credit (LIHTC) W. Baddour Parkway & 502 Fairview Ave., Lebanon 37087 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities
- Saddlebrook Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Carver Ln, Lebanon 37087 91 low-income homes · 1 bd: 68 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Spring Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 908 Spring Hill Cir, Lebanon 37087 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities, families
- Northwood Park Apartments HUD-assisted 223 Western Ave, Lebanon 37087 80 low-income homes · For families · (615) 444-2455
- Wood Falls Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Carver Ln, Lebanon 37087 76 low-income homes · 2 bd: 45 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 2018
- Maple Crossing Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Maple Crossing Dr, Lebanon 37087 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 24
- Meadows of Lebanon Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Meadows Dr, Lebanon 37087 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Lebanon Square HUD-assisted 310 Hill St, Lebanon 37087 47 homes, 46 low-income · For older adults · (615) 443-4405
- Peyton Manor HUD-assisted 460 Peyton Rd, Lebanon 37087 35 homes, 34 low-income · For older adults · (615) 547-6570
- Prospect Manor HUD-assisted 1417 Allison Dr, Lebanon 37087 12 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (615) 444-0597
- Clearview Residential Apartments HUD-assisted 1404 Winter Dr, Lebanon 37087 2 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (615) 444-4300
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 Wilson 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 Wilson 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
- Lebanon Housing Authority Public housing · 327 public housing units (615) 444-1872 Lebanon Housing Authority: lhaoffice@lhatn.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 Wilson County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
You Can Make It Home Ownership Center, Inc.
660 Fitzhugh Blvd Ste 105, Smyrna · 15 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
-
Dominion Financial Management
661 Fitzhugh Blvd, Smyrna · 15 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 6 more
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Life of Victory International Christian Ministries
144 Bain Dr Ste 200, La Vergne · 20 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Wilson 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 Wilson 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 Wilson 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 Wilson 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 Wilson 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 Wilson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 37184 to $2,280 in 37122. 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 Wilson County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Wilson 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 Wilson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wilson County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).