Missouri Section 8 Fair Market Rent Benchmarks by County (FY2027)
Guidance reviewed October 2, 2026. Tables show HUD FY2027 benchmarks.
This page compares HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rent benchmarks by county in Missouri. A county benchmark is not an adopted housing-authority payment standard or a household subsidy. HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rents are effective October 1, 2026; the 2-bedroom figure is as low as $962 in Adair County and as high as $1,546 in Ray County, with the median county at $962. Use the administering agency’s current schedule, including any applicable ZIP standards or exceptions, for a proposed tenancy.
Year over year, 114 of the 116 counties with figures in both years went up and 2 went down. Jasper County had the biggest jump, $947 to $1,153 (+21.8%). Boone County took the biggest cut, $1,160 to $1,076 (-7.2%). Two metros in Missouri are on HUD's mandatory Small Area FMR list (Kansas City, MO-KS; St. Louis, MO-IL), where designated agencies use ZIP-based benchmarks in setting standards. The county figure remains a separate HUD benchmark, not the average of approved voucher payments.
From HUD benchmark to household calculation. Obtain the administering agency's adopted payment standard and effective date. Gross rent is contract rent plus the applicable utility allowance. Assistance generally uses the lower of gross rent or the applicable standard, less the agency-determined total tenant payment. The usual bedroom rule uses the lower of voucher size and actual unit size. A 40% adjusted-income limit applies at initial occupancy when gross rent exceeds the standard; it is not a permanent cap on every later household payment. See 24 CFR 982.505 and 982.508.
FY2027 Fair Market Rents by Metro Area in Missouri
HUD groups counties into FMR areas; a metro's figure applies to every county inside it. "ZIP-level" marks mandatory Small Area FMR metros.
| FMR area | Studio | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR | 2 BR vs FY2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bates County, MO | $834 | $839 | $1,098 | $1,402 | $1,835 | +18.4% |
| Callaway County, MO | $853 | $858 | $1,123 | $1,338 | $1,570 | +7.8% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $757 | $833 | $1,012 | $1,401 | $1,692 | +2.0% |
| Columbia, MO | $749 | $959 | $1,076 | $1,459 | $1,676 | -7.2% |
| Cooper County, MO | $695 | $735 | $962 | $1,278 | $1,387 | +0.4% |
| Dallas County, MO | $805 | $845 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Howard County, MO | $689 | $757 | $990 | $1,180 | $1,536 | -5.2% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $731 | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,548 | +5.7% |
| Joplin, MO | $904 | $910 | $1,153 | $1,501 | $1,635 | +21.8% |
| Kansas City, MO-KS (ZIP-level) | $1,257 | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Moniteau County, MO | $731 | $736 | $963 | $1,333 | $1,508 | +4.4% |
| Polk County, MO | $773 | $778 | $962 | $1,330 | $1,516 | +8.3% |
| Springfield, MO | $908 | $913 | $1,113 | $1,539 | $1,768 | +1.6% |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $850 | $857 | $1,101 | $1,406 | $1,629 | +2.2% |
| St. Louis, MO-IL (ZIP-level) | $1,064 | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
FY2027 Fair Market Rents for Every County in Missouri
All 116 counties, alphabetical. Studio figures are in the metro table above.
| County | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR | 2 BR vs FY2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adair County | $798 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Andrew County | $857 | $1,101 | $1,406 | $1,629 | +2.2% |
| Atchison County | $735 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,596 | +8.3% |
| Audrain County | $775 | $962 | $1,283 | $1,501 | +8.3% |
| Barry County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Barton County | $775 | $962 | $1,262 | $1,267 | +8.3% |
| Bates County | $839 | $1,098 | $1,402 | $1,835 | +18.4% |
| Benton County | $767 | $1,003 | $1,318 | $1,436 | +8.0% |
| Bollinger County | $833 | $1,012 | $1,401 | $1,692 | +2.0% |
| Boone County | $959 | $1,076 | $1,459 | $1,676 | -7.2% |
| Buchanan County | $857 | $1,101 | $1,406 | $1,629 | +2.2% |
| Butler County | $735 | $962 | $1,259 | $1,264 | +7.5% |
| Caldwell County | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Callaway County | $858 | $1,123 | $1,338 | $1,570 | +7.8% |
| Camden County | $790 | $1,033 | $1,430 | $1,593 | +10.0% |
| Cape Girardeau County | $833 | $1,012 | $1,401 | $1,692 | +2.0% |
| Carroll County | $735 | $962 | $1,190 | $1,540 | +8.3% |
| Carter County | $735 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Cass County | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Cedar County | $735 | $962 | $1,324 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Chariton County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Christian County | $913 | $1,113 | $1,539 | $1,768 | +1.6% |
| Clark County | $735 | $962 | $1,238 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Clay County | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Clinton County | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Cole County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,548 | +5.7% |
| Cooper County | $735 | $962 | $1,278 | $1,387 | +0.4% |
| Crawford County | $758 | $962 | $1,305 | $1,518 | +8.3% |
| Dade County | $784 | $962 | $1,253 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Dallas County | $845 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Daviess County | $735 | $962 | $1,193 | $1,366 | +8.3% |
| DeKalb County | $857 | $1,101 | $1,406 | $1,629 | +2.2% |
| Dent County | $763 | $998 | $1,189 | $1,497 | +11.9% |
| Douglas County | $735 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Dunklin County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,573 | +8.3% |
| Franklin County | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
| Gasconade County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,353 | +8.3% |
| Gentry County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Greene County | $913 | $1,113 | $1,539 | $1,768 | +1.6% |
| Grundy County | $735 | $962 | $1,283 | $1,442 | +8.3% |
| Harrison County | $735 | $962 | $1,249 | $1,264 | +8.3% |
| Henry County | $735 | $962 | $1,259 | $1,264 | +8.3% |
| Hickory County | $864 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Holt County | $735 | $962 | $1,200 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Howard County | $757 | $990 | $1,180 | $1,536 | -5.2% |
| Howell County | $735 | $962 | $1,306 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Iron County | $880 | $962 | $1,187 | $1,479 | +8.3% |
| Jackson County | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Jasper County | $910 | $1,153 | $1,501 | $1,635 | +21.8% |
| Jefferson County | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
| Johnson County | $856 | $1,033 | $1,430 | $1,727 | +7.0% |
| Knox County | $735 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Laclede County | $763 | $998 | $1,323 | $1,638 | +10.5% |
| Lafayette County | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Lawrence County | $746 | $976 | $1,292 | $1,505 | +9.9% |
| Lewis County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Lincoln County | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
| Linn County | $735 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,264 | +8.3% |
| Livingston County | $735 | $962 | $1,230 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Macon County | $778 | $1,018 | $1,223 | $1,494 | +8.8% |
| Madison County | $813 | $1,063 | $1,267 | $1,595 | +13.7% |
| Maries County | $862 | $962 | $1,312 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Marion County | $810 | $1,060 | $1,376 | $1,393 | +11.3% |
| McDonald County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Mercer County | $744 | $973 | $1,263 | $1,460 | +9.6% |
| Miller County | $890 | $973 | $1,269 | $1,340 | +8.4% |
| Mississippi County | $735 | $962 | $1,311 | $1,544 | +8.3% |
| Moniteau County | $736 | $963 | $1,333 | $1,508 | +4.4% |
| Monroe County | $768 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,449 | +8.3% |
| Montgomery County | $735 | $962 | $1,327 | $1,406 | +8.3% |
| Morgan County | $809 | $962 | $1,259 | $1,264 | +8.3% |
| New Madrid County | $735 | $962 | $1,176 | $1,264 | +8.1% |
| Newton County | $910 | $1,153 | $1,501 | $1,635 | +21.8% |
| Nodaway County | $772 | $991 | $1,269 | $1,656 | +9.4% |
| Oregon County | $735 | $962 | $1,293 | $1,421 | +8.3% |
| Osage County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,548 | +5.7% |
| Ozark County | $735 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,264 | +8.3% |
| Pemiscot County | $735 | $962 | $1,302 | $1,337 | +8.3% |
| Perry County | $960 | $1,045 | $1,368 | $1,373 | +9.8% |
| Pettis County | $821 | $1,068 | $1,403 | $1,521 | +9.2% |
| Phelps County | $781 | $973 | $1,299 | $1,374 | +4.3% |
| Pike County | $784 | $1,025 | $1,221 | $1,347 | +11.7% |
| Platte County | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Polk County | $778 | $962 | $1,330 | $1,516 | +8.3% |
| Pulaski County | $898 | $1,175 | $1,627 | $1,868 | +10.6% |
| Putnam County | $835 | $962 | $1,271 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Ralls County | $741 | $969 | $1,217 | $1,454 | +9.1% |
| Randolph County | $742 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,551 | +8.3% |
| Ray County | $1,366 | $1,546 | $2,020 | $2,419 | +13.8% |
| Reynolds County | $735 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,264 | +8.3% |
| Ripley County | $830 | $962 | $1,312 | $1,582 | +8.3% |
| Saline County | $735 | $962 | $1,231 | $1,264 | +8.3% |
| Schuyler County | $748 | $979 | $1,166 | $1,287 | +10.2% |
| Scotland County | $836 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Scott County | $785 | $1,027 | $1,243 | $1,372 | +10.4% |
| Shannon County | $735 | $962 | $1,163 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Shelby County | $751 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,559 | +8.3% |
| St. Charles County | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
| St. Clair County | $735 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| St. Francois County | $755 | $988 | $1,195 | $1,298 | +9.3% |
| St. Louis city | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
| St. Louis County | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
| Ste. Genevieve County | $840 | $974 | $1,161 | $1,628 | +5.6% |
| Stoddard County | $735 | $962 | $1,281 | $1,286 | +8.3% |
| Stone County | $789 | $1,032 | $1,429 | $1,725 | +11.8% |
| Sullivan County | $735 | $962 | $1,250 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
| Sullivan part | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
| Taney County | $861 | $1,126 | $1,437 | $1,582 | +9.4% |
| Texas County | $735 | $962 | $1,279 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Vernon County | $760 | $994 | $1,256 | $1,491 | +7.7% |
| Warren County | $1,104 | $1,349 | $1,731 | $1,997 | +10.8% |
| Washington County | $884 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,511 | +8.3% |
| Wayne County | $884 | $962 | $1,146 | $1,608 | +8.3% |
| Webster County | $913 | $1,113 | $1,539 | $1,768 | +1.6% |
| Worth County | $767 | $1,003 | $1,302 | $1,505 | +13.0% |
| Wright County | $735 | $962 | $1,332 | $1,443 | +8.3% |
Where the Limit Moved Most From FY2026 to FY2027
Biggest increases (2-bedroom):
| County | FY2026 | FY2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasper County | $947 | $1,153 | +21.8% |
| Newton County | $947 | $1,153 | +21.8% |
| Bates County | $927 | $1,098 | +18.4% |
| Caldwell County | $1,358 | $1,546 | +13.8% |
| Cass County | $1,358 | $1,546 | +13.8% |
Biggest cuts (2-bedroom):
| County | FY2026 | FY2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boone County | $1,160 | $1,076 | -7.2% |
| Howard County | $1,044 | $990 | -5.2% |
A change in a HUD benchmark does not by itself change an existing lease or the agency’s adopted standard. The timing for a household depends on the agency policy, transaction and required individual notices. For an existing assistance contract, federal payment-standard reduction rules also apply; ask the specialist for the written determination and effective date.
HUD benchmarks compared with advertised market rents in Missouri
The comparison below contrasts a HUD benchmark with a market-rent index. It does not establish an agency’s adopted standard, approved owner rent, landlord participation or current rental availability. Use agency documents and the actual proposed unit for a household budget.
| Metro | ZIPs with data | Median premium | ZIPs above market |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 68 | -8.5% | 21% |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 66 | -10.5% | 21% |
A benchmark above a market index is a research lead, not evidence of faster matching or a guaranteed affordable unit. Compare current asking rent, utilities, household costs and agency rent review before applying.
The Largest Housing Authorities in Missouri
Confirm which agency will administer the proposed tenancy, especially after a portability move. This existing directory is a starting point; confirm contact details and program availability with the agency.
- Housing Authority of Kansas City (Kansas City), about 8,700 vouchers, (816) 968-4100
- Housing Authority of St. Louis County (Saint Louis), about 7,500 vouchers, (314) 428-3200
- St. Louis Housing Authority (Saint Louis), about 7,500 vouchers, (314) 286-4355
- St. Francois County Public Housing Agency (Park Hills), about 2,500 vouchers, (573) 431-5391
- Lincoln County Public Housing Agency (Bowling Green), about 2,300 vouchers, (573) 324-2055
- St. Clair County Housing Authority (Appleton City), about 2,200 vouchers, (660) 476-2185
- Housing Authority of the City of Columbia (Columbia), about 1,900 vouchers, (573) 443-2556
- Housing Authority of the City of Independence (Independence), about 1,700 vouchers, (816) 836-9200
Can a Landlord Refuse a Voucher in Missouri?
Missouri Revised Statutes §441.043, effective August 28, 2025, limits city and county ordinances requiring private landlords to accept housing assistance. The statute includes exceptions, and other fair-housing laws and property-program requirements can matter. Do not assume every refusal is lawful; save the criteria and written reason and seek current help for the property.
Kansas City: confirm the administering agency
HAKC in Missouri publishes a 2026 ZIP schedule; Kansas-side agencies have their own documents. A metro-wide benchmark does not establish either agency's subsidy. Use the Kansas City payment guide for HAKC examples and the city guide for agency and transfer routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Section 8 pay in Missouri? The county amounts above are HUD benchmarks. Your agency’s adopted standard, applicable ZIP, bedroom rule, utility allowance and household contribution determine the calculation. Confirm the written amount for the proposed unit.
Which Missouri county has the highest HUD two-bedroom benchmark? Ray County, at $1,546 for a 2-bedroom ($2,020 for a 3-bedroom) in FY2027. The lowest is Adair County at $962.
Did HUD county rent benchmarks go up in Missouri for FY2027? Mostly yes: the 2-bedroom figure rose in 114 counties, fell in 2, and held in 0. The biggest increase was Jasper County (+21.8%). The biggest cut was Boone County (-7.2%).
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 in Missouri? Missouri Revised Statutes §441.043, effective August 28, 2025, limits city and county ordinances requiring private landlords to accept housing assistance. The statute includes exceptions, and other fair-housing laws and property-program requirements can matter. Do not assume every refusal is lawful; save the criteria and written reason and seek current help for the property.
Where is my housing authority's actual payment standard? Use the administering agency’s current document library or lookup and confirm the effective date with the specialist. Schedules may change during a calendar year and can differ by program, unit size and ZIP.
See also our Missouri Section 8 overview; ZIP-level payment standards for Kansas City; metro guides for St. Louis; the national 2-bedroom table for the 40 largest metros; HUD's FY2027 FMR dataset.
Holding a voucher in Missouri? Browse voucher-friendly listings by ZIP code and bedroom size.
Missouri landlord? List your property free. The table is a HUD market benchmark; the authority separately reviews the proposed rent and household assistance.
Sources for this article (4)
- 24 CFR 982.505 (ecfr.gov)
- 982.508 (ecfr.gov)
- Missouri Revised Statutes §441.043 (revisor.mo.gov)
- HUD's FY2027 FMR dataset (huduser.gov)
Stay Updated on Housing
Get the latest on fair market rents, voucher programs, and finding housing.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
VoucherMatch Editorial Team
Every rule, date and dollar amount in this article is checked against the agency document it comes from, and the sources are listed above. How VoucherMatch articles are researched and corrected
Find apartments
Listings on VoucherMatch come from landlords who say up front which vouchers they accept.
Related Articles
Tennessee Section 8 Fair Market Rent Benchmarks by County (FY2027)
Compare Tennessee HUD rent benchmarks by county, then find the agency schedule, utility allowance and household calculation needed for a proposed tenancy.
13 min readOhio Section 8 Fair Market Rent Benchmarks by County (FY2027)
Compare HUD county rent benchmarks, then find the separate agency schedules and household calculation needed for a proposed voucher tenancy.
14 min readArizona Section 8 Fair Market Rent Benchmarks by County (FY2027)
Compare arizona HUD market benchmarks by county and find the separate agency documents needed for an actual voucher calculation.
7 min readCalifornia Section 8 Fair Market Rent Benchmarks by County (FY2027)
Compare california HUD market benchmarks by county and find the separate agency documents needed for an actual voucher calculation.
13 min readTexas Section 8 Fair Market Rent Benchmarks by County (FY2027)
Compare texas HUD market benchmarks by county and find the separate agency documents needed for an actual voucher calculation.
28 min readMassachusetts Section 8 Fair Market Rent Benchmarks by Town (FY2027)
Compare Massachusetts HUD market benchmarks by town and find the separate agency documents needed for an actual voucher calculation.
36 min readFind Your Next Home
Explore section 8 apartments and local rental guidance.