Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Skagit County, Washington
Skagit County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,668 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,536 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.08 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,668
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Washington
- Typical rent
- $1,536
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% less than in Washington
- Wage needed
- $32.08
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $66,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% more than in Washington
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 Skagit 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 Skagit County was $2,185 a month in September 2026: 4.2% 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 | $1,162 | $22.35 | $46,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,275 | $24.52 | $51,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,668 | $32.08 | $66,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,310 | $44.42 | $92,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,578 | $49.58 | $103,120 |
HUD area: Mount Vernon-Anacortes, 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 16 ZIP codes in Skagit County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,550 in 98235 to $1,950 in 98232. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,668).
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)
| 98221 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,350 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,690 | $3,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98221 | San Juan County, WA | $1,350 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,690 | $3,000 |
| 98232 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,350 | $1,490 | $1,950 | $2,700 | $2,940 |
| 98233 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,230 | $1,350 | $1,770 | $2,450 | $2,740 |
| 98235 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,090 | $1,190 | $1,550 | $2,160 | $2,400 |
| 98237 | Bellingham, WA | $1,320 | $1,350 | $1,620 | $2,250 | $2,710 |
| 98237 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,320 | $1,350 | $1,620 | $2,250 | $2,710 |
| 98238 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,160 | $2,340 |
| 98255 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,200 | $1,310 | $1,700 | $2,350 | $2,640 |
| 98257 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,160 | $2,340 |
| 98263 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,200 | $1,310 | $1,700 | $2,350 | $2,640 |
| 98267 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,160 | $2,340 |
| 98273 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,160 | $2,340 |
| 98274 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,340 | $1,480 | $1,930 | $2,670 | $2,980 |
| 98284 | Bellingham, WA | $1,320 | $1,350 | $1,700 | $2,350 | $2,710 |
| 98284 | Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $1,320 | $1,350 | $1,700 | $2,350 | $2,710 |
- 98221 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,940$2,690
- 98221 · San Juan County, WA $1,940$2,690
- 98232 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,950$2,700
- 98233 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,770$2,450
- 98235 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,550$2,160
- 98237 · Bellingham, WA $1,620$2,250
- 98237 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,620$2,250
- 98238 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,550$2,160
- 98255 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,700$2,350
- 98257 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,550$2,160
- 98263 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,700$2,350
- 98267 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,550$2,160
- 98273 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,550$2,160
- 98274 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,930$2,670
- 98284 · Bellingham, WA $1,700$2,350
- 98284 · Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $1,700$2,350
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 Skagit County, 54% 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
15,665 households rent in Skagit County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Skagit 54%
- Washington 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Skagit County
HUD lists 58 properties with homes for low-income households in Skagit 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)
- 51
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 3
2,693 homes in all; 2,546 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Arbor Park Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 S Laventure Rd, Mount Vernon 98274 180 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 152 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities
- Arbor Park Apartment Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 S Laventure Rd, Mount Vernon 98274 180 homes, 176 low-income · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 152 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities
- Boh Preservation Portfolio Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Hulbush Ln, Burlington 98233 166 homes, 164 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 82 · 3 bd: 49 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Sand Point Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Hulbush Ln, Burlington 98233 166 homes, 164 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 82 · 3 bd: 50 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Vintage at MT. Vernon Tax credit (LIHTC) 2110 Urban Avenue, Mount Vernon 98273 154 homes, 152 low-income · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 98 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Summerglen Tax credit (LIHTC) 1630 N 26th St, Mount Vernon 98273 153 homes, 151 low-income · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 81 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 1997
- Scattered Sites Public housing 719 Q Ave, Anacortes 98221 112 homes, 111 low-income · Run by HA City of Anacortes · Average payment: $583 a month · Average wait: 30 months · Homes at several sites · (360) 293-7831
- Mount Vernon Manor HUD-assisted 2405 Austin Ln, Mount Vernon 98273 85 low-income homes · For older adults · (360) 424-5810
- Villa Kathleen, Evergreen Manor, and Fircrest Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 535 N Pine St, Burlington 98233 84 homes, 83 low-income · 1 bd: 78 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Ridgeview Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 William Way, Mount Vernon 98273 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 73 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Ridgeview Terrace Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 William Way, Mount Vernon 98273 80 homes, 77 low-income · 1 bd: 73 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Hillsview Public housing 830 Township St, Sedro Woolley 98284 60 low-income homes · Run by HA City of Sedro Woolley · Average payment: $391 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (206) 574-1100
- Alpine Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 N 17th St, Mount Vernon 98273 60 homes, 59 low-income · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Highland Greens Senior Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 3100 N 30th St, Mount Vernon 98273 51 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Raspberry Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 20340 Sanchez Ln, Burlington 98233 51 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 39 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Highland Greens Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3100 N 30th St, Mount Vernon 98273 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- La Casa de San Jose Tax credit (LIHTC) 2419 Continental Pl, Mount Vernon 98273 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- La Casa de San Jose Tax credit (LIHTC) 2419 Continental Pl, Mount Vernon 98273 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Logan Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Sapp Rd, Sedro Woolley 98284 47 homes, 46 low-income · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Salem Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2619 N Laventure Rd, Mount Vernon 98273 47 homes, 46 low-income · 1 bd: 43 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1999 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Bayview Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 808 29th St, Anacortes 98221 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2003
- Bayview Apts - Anacortes Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 29th St, Anacortes 98221 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2003 · For families
- WW - La Venture Workforce Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1917 N Laventure Rd, Mount Vernon 98273 42 low-income homes · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2012
- Woodgate Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 308 Woodgate Pl, Burlington 98233 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2013
- Kulshan Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 2315 Kulshan View Dr, Mount Vernon 98273 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Second and Pine Tax credit (LIHTC) 2315 Kulshan View Dr, Mount Vernon 98273 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Skagit Village Apartments HUD-assisted 2107 N Laventure Rd, Mount Vernon 98273 36 homes, 35 low-income · For families · (360) 424-4051
- Anacortes Manor HUD-assisted 1110 24th St, Anacortes 98221 35 low-income homes · For older adults · (360) 293-7755
- Harborview Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1110 27th Ct, Anacortes 98221 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2009
- Raspberry Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 20282 Lafayette Rd, Burlington 98233 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Raspberry Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 20282 Lafayette Rd, Burlington 98233 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Laventure Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 422 N Laventure Rd, Mount Vernon 98273 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2007
- Villa Santa Maria - Mount Vernon Tax credit (LIHTC) 3700 E College Way, Mount Vernon 98273 30 homes, 29 low-income · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Wilson Hotel Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 806 Commercial Ave, Anacortes 98221 25 low-income homes · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 19 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities
- Bayview Apartments HUD-assisted 808 29th St, Anacortes 98221 46 homes, 24 low-income · For families · (360) 293-6251
- Murdock Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 N Murdock St, Sedro Woolley 98284 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2007
- Murdock Court Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 N Murdock St, Sedro Woolley 98284 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2007
- Silverwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 1103 29th St, Anacortes 98221 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Cedar Grove I Public housing 804 Bingham Pl, Sedro Woolley 98284 20 low-income homes · Run by HA City of Sedro Woolley · Average payment: $541 a month · (206) 574-1100
- La Casa de Santa Rosa Tax credit (LIHTC) 565 Township St, Sedro Woolley 98284 15 low-income homes · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Milwaukee Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 209 Milwaukee St, Mount Vernon 98273 15 low-income homes · Studio: 15 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Milwaukee Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 209 Milwaukee St, Mount Vernon 98273 15 homes, 14 low-income · Studio: 15 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- La Casa del Padre Miguel Tax credit (LIHTC) 418 N Laventure Rd, Mount Vernon 98273 10 low-income homes · 3 bd: 6 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 1999 · For people with disabilities, families
- 450 Norris PL Tax credit (LIHTC) 450 S Norris St, Burlington 98233 8 homes
- 458 Norris PL Tax credit (LIHTC) 458 S Norris St, Burlington 98233 8 homes
- 466 Norris PL Tax credit (LIHTC) 466 S Norris St, Burlington 98233 8 homes
- 474 Norris PL Tax credit (LIHTC) 474 S Norris St, Burlington 98233 8 homes
- 498 Norris PL Tax credit (LIHTC) 498 S Norris St, Burlington 98233 8 homes
- 802 -30th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 802 30th St, Anacortes 98221 8 homes
- 490 Norris PL Tax credit (LIHTC) 490 S Norris St, Burlington 98233 6 homes
- 803-28th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 803 28th St, Anacortes 98221 6 homes
- 804 -30th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 804 30th St, Anacortes 98221 6 homes
- 806 -29th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 806 29th St, Anacortes 98221 6 homes
- 807 -28th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 807 28th St, Anacortes 98221 6 homes
- 808 -29th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 808 29th St, Anacortes 98221 6 homes
- 482 Norris PL Tax credit (LIHTC) 482 S Norris St, Burlington 98233 4 homes
- 801-28th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 28th St, Anacortes 98221 4 homes
- 809 -28th ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 809 28th St, Anacortes 98221 4 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 Skagit County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Skagit 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)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $25,250 | $42,050 | $67,350 |
| 2 people | $28,850 | $48,100 | $76,950 |
| 3 people | $32,450 | $54,100 | $86,550 |
| 4 people | $36,050 | $60,100 | $96,150 |
| 5 people | $38,950 | $64,950 | $103,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $69,750 | $111,550 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $74,550 | $119,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $79,350 | $126,950 |
Area median income: $120,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,046 – $1,278
- 1 bedroom $1,148 – $1,403
- 2 bedrooms $1,501 – $1,835
- 3 bedrooms $2,079 – $2,541
- 4 bedrooms $2,320 – $2,836
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
- Housing Authority of Skagit County Section 8 vouchers · 757 vouchers (360) 428-1959 Housing Authority of Skagit County: mcorey@skagitcountyha.org
- HA City of Anacortes Public housing · 112 public housing units (360) 293-7831 HA City of Anacortes: brian@anacorteshousing.com
- HA City of Sedro Woolley Public housing · 80 public housing units (206) 574-1100 HA City of Sedro Woolley: judij@kcha.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 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 Skagit County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Kulshan Community Land Trust
1715 C St, Bellingham · 37 miles away
- Pre-purchase counseling
-
Parkview Services
4720 200th St SW Ste 200, Lynnwood · 50 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, and other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Workshops for new owners
- and 2 more
-
Opal Community Land Trust
286 Enchanted Forest Rd, Eastsound · 53 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Skagit 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
$3,336
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,668
- Security deposit
- $1,668
- Total
- $3,336
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 Skagit County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,162; 1 bedroom: $1,275; 2 bedrooms: $1,668; 3 bedrooms: $2,310; 4 bedrooms: $2,578. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Skagit County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,668) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.08 an hour full time, or $66,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Skagit County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $60,100 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 Skagit 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 $1,501 and $1,835 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Skagit County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,550 in 98235 to $1,950 in 98232. 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 Skagit County?
HUD lists 58 properties with homes for low-income households in Skagit 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 Skagit County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Skagit County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Washington, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).