Renting in Benton County, Washington: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,487; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 27% less than in Washington
Typical rent: $1,306; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 26% less than in Washington
Wage needed: $28.60; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $59,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 48%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 3% less than in Washington

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Benton County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Benton County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,306, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Walla Walla County ($1,218).

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 Benton 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 Benton County was $1,691 a month in September 2026: about the same as 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,094	$21.04	$43,760
1 bedroom	$1,230	$23.65	$49,200
2 bedrooms	$1,487	$28.60	$59,480
3 bedrooms	$2,051	$39.44	$82,040
4 bedrooms	$2,341	$45.02	$93,640

HUD area: Kennewick-Richland, WA 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 14 ZIP codes in Benton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,390 in 98944 to $1,850 in 99353. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,487).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

98944	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,030	$1,150	$1,390	$1,880	$2,150
98944	Yakima, WA	$1,030	$1,150	$1,390	$1,880	$2,150
99320	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,010	$1,150	$1,390	$1,870	$2,150
99336	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,060	$1,190	$1,440	$1,990	$2,270
99337	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,160	$1,310	$1,580	$2,180	$2,490
99338	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,260	$1,410	$1,710	$2,360	$2,690
99345	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,010	$1,150	$1,390	$1,870	$2,150
99346	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,030	$1,150	$1,410	$1,940	$2,230
99350	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,010	$1,150	$1,390	$1,870	$2,150
99350	Klickitat County, WA	$1,010	$1,150	$1,390	$1,870	$2,150
99350	Yakima, WA	$1,010	$1,150	$1,390	$1,870	$2,150
99352	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,270	$1,420	$1,720	$2,370	$2,710
99353	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,360	$1,530	$1,850	$2,550	$2,910
99354	Kennewick-Richland, WA	$1,130	$1,270	$1,540	$2,120	$2,420

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
98944 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,390$1,880
98944 · Yakima, WA $1,390$1,880
99320 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,390$1,870
99336 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,440$1,990
99337 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,580$2,180
99338 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,710$2,360
99345 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,390$1,870
99346 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,410$1,940
99350 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,390$1,870
99350 · Klickitat County, WA $1,390$1,870
99350 · Yakima, WA $1,390$1,870
99352 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,720$2,370
99353 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,850$2,550
99354 · Kennewick-Richland, WA $1,540$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 Benton County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Washington, 50%, 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.

48%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

25,267 households rent in Benton County

Spend half or more of their income 23%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
Spend less than 30% 52%

Compared with the state and the country

Benton 48%
Washington 50%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Benton County

HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Benton 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): 22
HUD-assisted: 14
public housing: 1

3,615 homes in all; 3,669 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Heatherstone Preservation Tax credit (LIHTC) 1114 W 10th Ave, Kennewick 99336 455 homes, 452 low-income · Studio: 12 · 1 bd: 140 · 2 bd: 200 · 3 bd: 103 · In service since 2019 · For people with disabilities, families
Tri-Cities Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 1770 Leslie Rd, Richland 99352 145 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 627-6167
Copper Mountain Tax credit (LIHTC) 2555 Bella Coola Ln, Richland 99352 276 homes, 273 low-income · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 138 · 3 bd: 54 · 4 bd: 30 · In service since 2019 · For people with disabilities, families
Kamiakin Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4711 W Metaline Ave, Kennewick 99336 236 homes, 233 low-income · 1 bd: 212 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2006
Copper Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 5501 W Hildebrand Blvd, Kennewick 99338 232 homes, 230 low-income · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 128 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
Heatherstone Tax credit (LIHTC) 1114 W 10th Ave, Kennewick 99336 225 homes, 223 low-income · In service since 1996 · For families
Sunny Slope Homes Public housing 6 W 6th Ave, Kennewick 99336 190 low-income homes · Run by HA City of Kennewick · Average payment: $505 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (509) 586-8576
Meadow Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 W 4th Ave, Kennewick 99336 155 homes, 152 low-income · 1 bd: 124 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
Desert Villa + Desert Villa East Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 635 S Auburn St, Kennewick 99336 155 homes, 151 low-income · 1 bd: 147 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · For older adults · (509) 591-4300
Vintage at Richland Tax credit (LIHTC) 1950 Bellerive Dr, Richland 99352 150 homes, 148 low-income · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 105 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Orchard Hills Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1845 Leslie Rd, Richland 99352 142 homes, 141 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 1994 · For families
Columbia Park Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1682 Jadwin Ave, Richland 99354 140 homes, 138 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 47 · 3 bd: 58 · 4 bd: 19 · In service since 1989 · For families · (509) 946-4000
Sandstone Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1212 W 10th Ave, Kennewick 99336 121 homes, 119 low-income · In service since 1995 · For people with disabilities, families
Parkview Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1138 W 10th Ave, Kennewick 99336 110 homes, 107 low-income · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
Parkview Apts (kennewick) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1138 W 10th Ave, Kennewick 99336 107 low-income homes · Studio: 12 · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 29 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
The Brentwood Apartments HUD-assisted 3204A W 4th Ave, Kennewick 99336 105 homes, 102 low-income · For families · (509) 783-1127
Mcmurray Park Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1780 Pike Ave, Richland 99354 100 homes, 98 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 1997 · For families
Luther Senior Center I HUD-assisted 625 Berkshire Pl, Richland 99354 75 homes, 74 low-income · For older adults · (509) 946-7515
Saint Anthony Tax credit (LIHTC) 415 Petra Ave, Prosser 99350 61 homes, 60 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 35 · In service since 2018 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Kent Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 West 5th, Kennewick 99336 51 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 13 · In service since 1999 · For people with disabilities, families
Quail Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1026 W 10th Ave, Kennewick 99336 51 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities, families
Rio de Vida Tax credit (LIHTC) 480 N River Rd, Prosser 99350 51 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2016 · For families
Three Rivers Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 651 McMurray St, Richland 99354 41 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 41 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (509) 946-4495
Prosser Gardens HUD-assisted 900 Alexander Ct, Prosser 99350 40 homes, 38 low-income · For families · (509) 786-2772
Nueva Vista Tax credit (LIHTC) 360 N Union St, Kennewick 99336 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
Nueva Vista Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 334 N Union St, Kennewick 99336 31 homes, 28 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2018 · For people experiencing homelessness · (509) 497-2377
Kennewick Garden Court HUD-assisted 955 W 5th Ave, Kennewick 99336 27 homes, 26 low-income · For older adults · (509) 396-3457
Desert Rose Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 510 14th St, Benton City 99320 26 homes, 25 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
Edison Terrace South HUD-assisted 524 N Edison St, Kennewick 99336 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (509) 736-0800
Kennewick Perry Suites HUD-assisted 66 N Perry St, Kennewick 99336 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (509) 396-9955
Tri-Cities Terrace South HUD-assisted 454 Gage Blvd, Richland 99352 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (509) 628-3454
Nueva Vista HUD-assisted 386 N Union St, Kennewick 99336 32 homes, 4 low-income · (503) 682-7788, ext. 118
Luther Senior Center East HUD-assisted 1931 Luther Pl, Richland 99354 8 homes, 2 low-income · (509) 946-7515

4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Benton 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 Benton 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kennewick-Richland, WA MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$22,150	$36,900	$59,050
2 people	$25,300	$42,200	$67,450
3 people	$28,450	$47,450	$75,900
4 people	$33,000	$52,700	$84,300
5 people	$38,680	$56,950	$91,050
6 people	$44,360	$61,150	$97,800
7 people	$50,040	$65,350	$104,550
8 people	$55,720	$69,600	$111,300

Area median income: $105,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kennewick-Richland, WA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $985 – $1,203
1 bedroom $1,107 – $1,353
2 bedrooms $1,338 – $1,636
3 bedrooms $1,846 – $2,256
4 bedrooms $2,107 – $2,575

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

HA City of Kennewick Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,144 vouchers · 190 public housing units (509) 586-8576 HA City of Kennewick: hsierra@kennewickha.org

Housing agencies in Washington Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Washington

What Washington law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

When must they return my deposit?: 30 days; RCW 59.18.280(1)(a)
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 14 days; RCW 59.12.030(3)
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?: 20 days; RCW 59.18.200(1)(a)
How much notice before a rent increase?: 30 or 90 days, depending on the case; RCW 59.18.140(3)(a)-(b)

Only a court order can remove youRCW 59.18.290(1)
Protection from retaliationRCW 59.18.240
Repair and deduct from the rentRCW 59.18.100(2)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Benton County

This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.

CC
Catholic Charities Housing Services

5301 Tieton Dr, Yakima · 57 miles away · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
(509) 759-7924

See every agency in Washington Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Benton 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 Washington, the average home bill was $114 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Benton County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,487. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,974

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,487
Security deposit: $1,487
Total: $2,974

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Benton County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,094; 1 bedroom: $1,230; 2 bedrooms: $1,487; 3 bedrooms: $2,051; 4 bedrooms: $2,341. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Benton County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,487) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.60 an hour full time, or $59,480 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Benton County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,700 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 Benton 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 $1,338 and $1,636 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Benton County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,390 in 98944 to $1,850 in 99353. 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 Benton County?

HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Benton 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 Benton County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Benton County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Washington, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Benton County, Washington

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Benton County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Benton County

The Section 8 voucher in Benton County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Washington

Where to get help with rent in Benton County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Benton County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Benton County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Benton County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Benton County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Benton County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Benton County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Benton County?