Housing assistance in Utah for immigrants

Utah at a glance

Utah is home to about 302,552 foreign-born residents (8.9% of the state’s 3,392,331 people) and 539,620 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (15.9%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Utah regardless of immigration status unless noted.

What rent actually costs in Utah — 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 Utah (FY 2026), the benchmark rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,153/month (median), ranging from $973 (Emery County, UT) to $2,185 (Summit County, UT) across the state's 26 rent areas.

Area (largest by population)Studio1BR2BR3BR4BR
Salt Lake City, UT HUD Metro FMR Area$1,259$1,456$1,747$2,333$2,666
Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT MSA$1,257$1,265$1,460$2,031$2,449
Ogden, UT MSA$1,208$1,281$1,614$2,163$2,612
St. George, UT MSA$1,210$1,218$1,575$2,072$2,624
Logan, UT-ID MSA$940$946$1,241$1,726$2,082
Tooele County, UT HUD Metro FMR Area$902$946$1,241$1,667$2,082
Box Elder County, UT$771$983$1,118$1,555$1,875
Iron County, UT$819$888$1,120$1,558$1,879

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 Utah

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 Utah: 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 Utah?

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).