Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Stevens County, Washington
Stevens County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,121 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $898 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,121
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 45% less than in Washington
- Typical rent
- $898
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 49% less than in Washington
- Wage needed
- $21.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% less than in Washington
Only here
Renting in Stevens County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Ferry County has the lowest typical rent ($663), 26% below the $898 in Stevens County.
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11% of households in Stevens County have no internet at home, against 4% in Washington.
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 Stevens 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $855 | $16.44 | $34,200 |
| 1 bedroom | $878 | $16.88 | $35,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,121 | $21.56 | $44,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,552 | $29.85 | $62,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,874 | $36.04 | $74,960 |
HUD area: Stevens County, WA 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 20 ZIP codes in Stevens County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 99137 to $1,480 in 99173. 15 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,121).
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)
| 99013 | Lincoln County, WA | $1,000 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,880 | $2,260 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99013 | Spokane, WA | $1,000 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,880 | $2,260 |
| 99013 | Stevens County, WA | $1,000 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,880 | $2,260 |
| 99034 | Stevens County, WA | $1,030 | $1,070 | $1,360 | $1,880 | $2,280 |
| 99040 | Stevens County, WA | $950 | $1,060 | $1,290 | $1,790 | $2,160 |
| 99101 | Stevens County, WA | $850 | $870 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,870 |
| 99109 | Stevens County, WA | $880 | $900 | $1,150 | $1,590 | $1,920 |
| 99110 | Spokane, WA | $1,000 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,880 | $2,260 |
| 99110 | Stevens County, WA | $1,000 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,880 | $2,260 |
| 99114 | Stevens County, WA | $860 | $880 | $1,130 | $1,560 | $1,890 |
| 99126 | Stevens County, WA | $830 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,520 | $1,840 |
| 99129 | Stevens County, WA | $870 | $970 | $1,210 | $1,670 | $2,020 |
| 99131 | Stevens County, WA | $880 | $940 | $1,210 | $1,680 | $2,030 |
| 99137 | Stevens County, WA | $800 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,420 | $1,710 |
| 99148 | Stevens County, WA | $990 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,800 | $2,180 |
| 99151 | Stevens County, WA | $830 | $860 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,850 |
| 99157 | Stevens County, WA | $800 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,420 | $1,710 |
| 99167 | Stevens County, WA | $860 | $890 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 99173 | Stevens County, WA | $1,130 | $1,160 | $1,480 | $2,050 | $2,470 |
| 99181 | Stevens County, WA | $980 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,780 | $2,150 |
- 99013 · Lincoln County, WA $1,380$1,880
- 99013 · Spokane, WA $1,380$1,880
- 99013 · Stevens County, WA $1,380$1,880
- 99034 · Stevens County, WA $1,360$1,880
- 99040 · Stevens County, WA $1,290$1,790
- 99101 · Stevens County, WA $1,120$1,550
- 99109 · Stevens County, WA $1,150$1,590
- 99110 · Spokane, WA $1,380$1,880
- 99110 · Stevens County, WA $1,380$1,880
- 99114 · Stevens County, WA $1,130$1,560
- 99126 · Stevens County, WA $1,100$1,520
- 99129 · Stevens County, WA $1,210$1,670
- 99131 · Stevens County, WA $1,210$1,680
- 99137 · Stevens County, WA $1,020$1,420
- 99148 · Stevens County, WA $1,310$1,800
- 99151 · Stevens County, WA $1,110$1,530
- 99157 · Stevens County, WA $1,020$1,420
- 99167 · Stevens County, WA $1,140$1,580
- 99173 · Stevens County, WA $1,480$2,050
- 99181 · Stevens County, WA $1,290$1,780
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 Stevens County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,910 households rent in Stevens County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Stevens 43%
- Washington 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Stevens County
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Stevens County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 5
368 homes in all; 326 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Spokane Tribal Homes II Tax credit (LIHTC) 6433L Molly Ct, Fruitland 99129 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 13 · 4 bd: 15 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- L & S the Highlands Tax credit (LIHTC) 542 S Summit St, Colville 99114 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- L + S the Highlands Tax credit (LIHTC) 542 S Summit St, Colville 99114 36 homes, 35 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Central Colville Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 630 S Elm St, Colville 99114 26 homes, 25 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999 · For people with disabilities, families
- Chewelah Manor HUD-assisted 501 E Main Ave, Chewelah 99109 25 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 935-6966
- L & S Cedar Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 402 S 5th St E, Chewelah 99109 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1991
- L and S Cedar Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 402 S 5th St E, Chewelah 99109 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1991
- Gold Hill Manor HUD-assisted 450 E 8th Ave, Kettle Falls 99141 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (509) 738-2113
- L + S the Falls Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 E 8th Ave, Kettle Falls 99141 17 homes, 16 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- L & S the Falls Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 E 8th Ave, Kettle Falls 99141 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Colville Meadows HUD-assisted 232 Hudesman Ln, Colville 99114 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (509) 685-2344
- L & S Chewelah Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 S 5th St E, Chewelah 99109 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- L + S Chewelah Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 S 5th St E, Chewelah 99109 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Hudesman House HUD-assisted 256 Hudesman Ln, Colville 99114 14 homes, 13 low-income · For older adults · (509) 684-3140
- Columbia Apartments HUD-assisted 506 S Oak St, Colville 99114 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (509) 685-1971
- 6401 Sherwood Addition RD Tax credit (LIHTC) 6401 Sherwood Addition Rd, Wellpinit 99040 35 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 Stevens 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 Stevens 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
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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 | $20,400 | $33,950 | $54,350 |
| 2 people | $23,300 | $38,800 | $62,100 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,650 | $69,850 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,500 | $77,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,400 | $83,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,300 | $90,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,150 | $96,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,050 | $102,450 |
Area median income: $87,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Stevens County, WA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $770 – $941
- 1 bedroom $790 – $966
- 2 bedrooms $1,009 – $1,233
- 3 bedrooms $1,397 – $1,707
- 4 bedrooms $1,687 – $2,061
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 Stevens 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 Stevens County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Stevens County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Rural Resources Community Action
956 S Main St, Colville
- 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 Stevens 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
$2,242
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,121
- Security deposit
- $1,121
- Total
- $2,242
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 Stevens County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $855; 1 bedroom: $878; 2 bedrooms: $1,121; 3 bedrooms: $1,552; 4 bedrooms: $1,874. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Stevens County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,121) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.56 an hour full time, or $44,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Stevens County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,500 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 Stevens 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 $1,009 and $1,233 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Stevens County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 99137 to $1,480 in 99173. 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 Stevens County?
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Stevens 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 Stevens County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Stevens County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Washington, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).