Housing assistance in South Carolina for immigrants

South Carolina at a glance

South Carolina is home to about 305,101 foreign-born residents (5.8% of the state’s 5,296,225 people) and 390,376 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (7.4%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in South Carolina regardless of immigration status unless noted.

What rent actually costs in South Carolina — HUD’s official numbers

HUD's Fair Market Rents set the ceiling a Section 8 voucher covers and serve as the official rent benchmark. In South Carolina (FY 2026), the benchmark rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,001/month (median), ranging from $902 (Abbeville County, SC) to $1,816 (Beaufort County, SC HUD Metro FMR Area) across the state's 38 rent areas.

Area (largest by population)Studio1BR2BR3BR4BR
Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA$1,557$1,630$1,787$2,222$2,562
Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area$1,032$1,164$1,276$1,623$1,911
Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC HUD Metro FMR Area$1,166$1,221$1,339$1,612$1,943
Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC HUD Metro FMR Area$1,145$1,229$1,465$1,805$2,111
Spartanburg, SC HUD Metro FMR Area$1,034$1,083$1,187$1,439$1,661
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC HUD Metro FMR Area$1,469$1,538$1,686$2,076$2,637
Anderson, SC HUD Metro FMR Area$1,022$1,035$1,173$1,519$1,849
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC HUD Metro FMR Area$939$1,114$1,261$1,627$1,984

Source: HUD FY 2026 Fair Market Rents (effective 2025-10-01; 40th-percentile gross rents — Section 8 payment standards are set at 90-110% of FMR). Look up your county at huduser.gov.

Federal programs in South Carolina

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) and Public Housing share the same federal rules: low income (typically under 30-50% of Area Median Income) and at least one household member with citizenship or an eligible immigration status — mixed-status families get a prorated voucher rather than nothing. Undocumented members, DACA recipients, and F-1 students don’t count as eligible members. Full eligibility lists and documents: federal housing rules.

To apply in South Carolina: find your local Public Housing Agency at hud.gov/findpha and get on the waiting list — months to years in tight markets.

Emergency shelters

Available WITHOUT immigration status verification:

  • Homeless shelters
  • Domestic violence shelters (DV shelters have enhanced privacy)
  • Catholic Charities
  • Salvation Army
  • YWCA / YMCA
  • Local churches

National homelessness line: 211 (in many states, connects to local resources)

Do I need ITIN or SSN to rent in South Carolina?

Not necessarily. Many landlords (especially small individuals) do NOT require SSN to rent. May require: income proof, employer letter, prior landlord references, larger security deposit.

Professionally-managed apartments (large complexes) are stricter about SSN.

Last verified: 2026-06-15.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

The Section 8 math in one line

A voucher household pays about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the local payment standard (90-110% of the FMRs shown above). Housing discrimination is reportable regardless of immigration status: HUD hotline 1-800-669-9777 (hud.gov fair housing).