Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lewis County, Washington
Lewis County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,435 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,097 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.60 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,435
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 30% less than in Washington
- Typical rent
- $1,097
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% less than in Washington
- Wage needed
- $27.60
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Washington
Only here
Renting in Lewis County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Wahkiakum County has the lowest typical rent ($853), 22% below the $1,097 in Lewis County.
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 Lewis 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 Lewis County was $1,456 a month in September 2026: 3.5% 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 | $999 | $19.21 | $39,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,097 | $21.10 | $43,880 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,435 | $27.60 | $57,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,870 | $35.96 | $74,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,177 | $41.87 | $87,080 |
HUD area: Lewis County, WA. 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 23 ZIP codes in Lewis County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,160 in 98564 to $1,770 in 98531. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,435).
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)
| 98336 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,180 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98355 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,180 |
| 98356 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,180 |
| 98361 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,180 |
| 98377 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,180 |
| 98531 | Lewis County, WA | $1,390 | $1,520 | $1,770 | $2,360 | $2,960 |
| 98531 | Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $1,390 | $1,520 | $1,770 | $2,360 | $2,960 |
| 98532 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,860 | $2,170 |
| 98533 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,180 |
| 98538 | Lewis County, WA | $1,150 | $1,260 | $1,650 | $2,150 | $2,500 |
| 98539 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,860 | $2,170 |
| 98542 | Lewis County, WA | $990 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,840 | $2,140 |
| 98544 | Lewis County, WA | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,470 | $1,920 | $2,240 |
| 98564 | Lewis County, WA | $800 | $880 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $1,650 |
| 98565 | Lewis County, WA | $1,140 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $2,140 | $2,490 |
| 98570 | Lewis County, WA | $990 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,850 | $2,150 |
| 98572 | Lewis County, WA | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,500 | $1,950 | $2,280 |
| 98572 | Pacific County, WA | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,500 | $1,950 | $2,280 |
| 98582 | Lewis County, WA | $910 | $1,000 | $1,300 | $1,700 | $1,980 |
| 98585 | Lewis County, WA | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,180 |
| 98591 | Lewis County, WA | $930 | $1,020 | $1,330 | $1,730 | $2,020 |
| 98593 | Lewis County, WA | $1,020 | $1,120 | $1,470 | $1,920 | $2,230 |
| 98596 | Lewis County, WA | $1,070 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $1,990 | $2,320 |
- 98336 · Lewis County, WA $1,440$1,880
- 98355 · Lewis County, WA $1,440$1,880
- 98356 · Lewis County, WA $1,440$1,880
- 98361 · Lewis County, WA $1,440$1,880
- 98377 · Lewis County, WA $1,440$1,880
- 98531 · Lewis County, WA $1,770$2,360
- 98531 · Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $1,770$2,360
- 98532 · Lewis County, WA $1,430$1,860
- 98533 · Lewis County, WA $1,440$1,880
- 98538 · Lewis County, WA $1,650$2,150
- 98539 · Lewis County, WA $1,430$1,860
- 98542 · Lewis County, WA $1,410$1,840
- 98544 · Lewis County, WA $1,470$1,920
- 98564 · Lewis County, WA $1,160$1,520
- 98565 · Lewis County, WA $1,640$2,140
- 98570 · Lewis County, WA $1,420$1,850
- 98572 · Lewis County, WA $1,500$1,950
- 98572 · Pacific County, WA $1,500$1,950
- 98582 · Lewis County, WA $1,300$1,700
- 98585 · Lewis County, WA $1,440$1,880
- 98591 · Lewis County, WA $1,330$1,730
- 98593 · Lewis County, WA $1,470$1,920
- 98596 · Lewis County, WA $1,530$1,990
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 Lewis County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,978 households rent in Lewis County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lewis 50%
- Washington 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lewis County
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Lewis 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
- 10
1,157 homes in all; 1,127 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Vintage at Chehalis Tax credit (LIHTC) 1590 N National Ave, Chehalis 98532 150 homes, 148 low-income · 1 bd: 67 · 2 bd: 83 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Ives & Harrison Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 3115 Ives Rd, Centralia 98531 74 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 43 · 4 bd: 11 · In service since 2011
- Villa Los Milagros Tax credit (LIHTC) 3115 Ives Rd, Centralia 98531 74 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 43 · 4 bd: 11 · In service since 2011
- Brindlewood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1401 Johnson Rd, Centralia 98531 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2007 · For families · (360) 736-2388
- Chehalis Avenue Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 366 SW 3rd St, Chehalis 98532 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 19 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2017 · For families · (360) 748-3281
- Allegre Villa and Sandstone Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 207 E Walnut St, Winlock 98596 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Southcreek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 Scammon Creek Rd, Centralia 98531 52 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Southcreek II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1013 Scammon Creek Rd, Centralia 98531 52 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Villa San Juan Bautista Tax credit (LIHTC) 2613 Cooks Hill Rd, Centralia 98531 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2010
- Lewis & Clark Apts HUD-assisted 117 W Magnolia St, Centralia 98531 54 homes, 47 low-income · For older adults · (360) 736-5358
- La Casa de la Familia Santa Tax credit (LIHTC) 1809 N Pearl St, Centralia 98531 46 homes, 45 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Providence Place HUD-assisted 350 SE Washington Ave, Chehalis 98532 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (360) 740-7518
- Cambridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1429 Johnson Rd, Centralia 98531 38 homes, 35 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Reliable Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2207 Harrison Ave, Centralia 98531 36 homes, 35 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 2018 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Virginia Station Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 Virginia Dr, Centralia 98531 36 homes, 35 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Chehalis Manor HUD-assisted 300 S Market Blvd, Chehalis 98532 33 homes, 32 low-income · For older adults · (360) 748-6261
- Harrison Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1402 Harrison Ave, Centralia 98531 31 homes, 30 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Chehalis Valley Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1025 SW 20th St, Chehalis 98532 26 homes, 25 low-income · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 1999 · For people with disabilities, families
- Russell Road Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2802 Russell Rd, Centralia 98531 26 homes, 25 low-income · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Centralia Manor HUD-assisted 303 W Pine St, Centralia 98531 25 low-income homes · For older adults · (360) 736-8185
- Park Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Haywire Rd, Napavine 98565 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1992 · For people with disabilities, families
- Russell Road II Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 2802 Russell Rd, Centralia 98531 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Corridor Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2802 Russell Rd, Centralia 98531 21 homes, 20 low-income · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 11 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Providence Blanchet House HUD-assisted 1700 Providence Ln, Centralia 98531 21 homes, 20 low-income · For older adults · (360) 330-8748
- Providence Rossi House HUD-assisted 1720 Providence Ln, Centralia 98531 16 homes, 15 low-income · For older adults · (360) 330-8748
- Tilton River Court HUD-assisted 302 1st St, Morton 98356 14 low-income homes · For older adults · (360) 496-1971
- Cascade Court HUD-assisted 1605 Johnson Rd, Centralia 98531 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (360) 807-6151
2 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 Lewis County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Lewis County; the state's agencies can help you. 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
-
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)
-
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 | $21,900 | $36,500 | $58,350 |
| 2 people | $25,000 | $41,700 | $66,700 |
| 3 people | $28,150 | $46,900 | $75,050 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,100 | $83,350 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,300 | $90,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,450 | $96,700 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,650 | $103,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,800 | $110,050 |
Area median income: $107,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lewis County, WA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $899 – $1,099
- 1 bedroom $987 – $1,207
- 2 bedrooms $1,292 – $1,579
- 3 bedrooms $1,683 – $2,057
- 4 bedrooms $1,959 – $2,395
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Lewis County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 ruleCompare 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 Lewis County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Tacoma/ Pierce County Habitat for Humanity
4824 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma · 44 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lewis 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
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
$2,870
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,435
- Security deposit
- $1,435
- Total
- $2,870
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 Lewis County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $999; 1 bedroom: $1,097; 2 bedrooms: $1,435; 3 bedrooms: $1,870; 4 bedrooms: $2,177. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lewis County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,435) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.60 an hour full time, or $57,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lewis County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,100 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 Lewis 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 $1,292 and $1,579 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lewis County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,160 in 98564 to $1,770 in 98531. 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 Lewis County?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Lewis 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 Lewis County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lewis County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Washington, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).