Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Benton County, Minnesota
Benton County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,233 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $982 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.71 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,233
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $982
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $23.71
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% less than in Minnesota
Only here
Renting in Benton County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Morrison County, the typical rent is $788: 20% less than in Benton County ($982).
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At 67%, Benton County ranks 6th among the 87 counties in Minnesota for the lowest homeownership rate.
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 Benton 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 Benton County was $1,003 a month in September 2026. 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 | $884 | $17.00 | $35,360 |
| 1 bedroom | $961 | $18.48 | $38,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,233 | $23.71 | $49,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,656 | $31.85 | $66,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,961 | $37.71 | $78,440 |
HUD area: St. Cloud, MN 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 9 ZIP codes in Benton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 56367 to $1,540 in 56379. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,233).
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)
| 56329 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56329 | Morrison County, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 56329 | St. Cloud, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 56357 | Mille Lacs County, MN | $930 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,660 | $2,100 |
| 56357 | St. Cloud, MN | $930 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,660 | $2,100 |
| 56367 | Morrison County, MN | $900 | $980 | $1,260 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 56367 | St. Cloud, MN | $900 | $980 | $1,260 | $1,690 | $2,000 |
| 56379 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 56379 | St. Cloud, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
- 56329 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 56329 · Morrison County, MN $1,540$2,040
- 56329 · St. Cloud, MN $1,540$2,040
- 56357 · Mille Lacs County, MN $1,300$1,660
- 56357 · St. Cloud, MN $1,300$1,660
- 56367 · Morrison County, MN $1,260$1,690
- 56367 · St. Cloud, MN $1,260$1,690
- 56379 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 56379 · St. Cloud, MN $1,540$2,040
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 Benton County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, 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.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,562 households rent in Benton County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- Benton 40%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Benton County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Benton 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 1
667 homes in all; 627 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Wilson Apartments Public housing 41 3rd Ave NE, Saint Cloud 56304 126 low-income homes · Run by HRA of ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $300 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (320) 202-3174
- Russell Arms/Benton Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Sauk Rapids 56379 91 homes, 79 low-income · In service since 2006
- Riverside Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Riverside Dr SE, Saint Cloud 56304 85 homes, 79 low-income · 1 bd: 82 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Russell Arms/ Benton Heights HUD-assisted 1217 1st Ave N, Sauk Rapids 56379 91 homes, 71 low-income · For families · (320) 230-2187
- Good Shepherd Homes HUD-assisted 1211 4th Ave N, Sauk Rapids 56379 58 low-income homes · For older adults · (320) 259-3494
- SHEPHERD OAK WEST /Good Shepherd Luth Hm HUD-assisted 220 13th St N, Sauk Rapids 56379 46 homes, 45 low-income · For older adults · (320) 259-3494
- Shepherd Oak Apartments HUD-assisted 310 13th St N, Sauk Rapids 56379 42 low-income homes · For older adults · (320) 259-3494
- Dewey Place/the Pines HUD-assisted 455 Dewey St, Foley 56329 36 low-income homes · For families · (320) 968-7791
- North Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Sauk Rapids 56379 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- NORTH MEADOWS APTS -- Sauk Rapids HUD-assisted 1215 2nd Ave N, Sauk Rapids 56379 36 low-income homes · For families · (320) 654-8297
- Benton Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 1st Ave NE, Rice 56367 12 homes, 11 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1995
- Pine Street Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 280 Pine St, Foley 56329 8 low-income homes · In service since 1992
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 Benton 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 Benton 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 | $22,550 | $37,500 | $60,000 |
| 2 people | $25,750 | $42,850 | $68,600 |
| 3 people | $28,950 | $48,200 | $77,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,550 | $85,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,850 | $92,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $62,150 | $99,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,450 | $106,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,700 | $113,150 |
Area median income: $107,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: St. Cloud, MN MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $796 – $972
- 1 bedroom $865 – $1,057
- 2 bedrooms $1,110 – $1,356
- 3 bedrooms $1,490 – $1,822
- 4 bedrooms $1,765 – $2,157
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 Benton 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 Minnesota
What Minnesota 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?
- 21 days
- Minn. Stat. §504B.178, subd. 3(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- Minn. Stat. §504B.321, subd. 1a(a)
- Only a court order can remove youMinn. Stat. §504B.375, subd. 1
- Protection from retaliationMinn. Stat. §504B.441
Help
Where to get help with rent in Benton County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Build Wealth Minnesota, Inc
2121 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis · 60 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Cambodian and French.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Benton County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Renter's Credit
Run by Minnesota Department of Revenue
Minnesota refundable credit for renters, claimed on the state tax return; it can be claimed with a Social Security number or an ITIN
Up to $2,720
See details
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Benton 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 Minnesota, the average home bill was $110 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
$2,466
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,233
- Security deposit
- $1,233
- Total
- $2,466
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 Benton County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $884; 1 bedroom: $961; 2 bedrooms: $1,233; 3 bedrooms: $1,656; 4 bedrooms: $1,961. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Benton County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,233) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.71 an hour full time, or $49,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Benton County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,550 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 Benton 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 $1,110 and $1,356 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Benton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 56367 to $1,540 in 56379. 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 Benton County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Benton 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 Benton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Benton County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).