Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Blue Earth County, Minnesota
Blue Earth County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,230 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,123 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.65 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,230
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $1,123
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 12% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $23.65
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Minnesota
Only here
Renting in Blue Earth County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Blue Earth County has the 2nd lowest homeownership rate of the 87 counties in Minnesota (61%).
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Blue Earth County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,123, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Nicollet County ($970).
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 Blue Earth 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 Blue Earth County was $1,274 a month in September 2026: 6% more than 12 months ago. 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 | $1,016 | $19.54 | $40,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,023 | $19.67 | $40,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,230 | $23.65 | $49,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,703 | $32.75 | $68,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,744 | $33.54 | $69,760 |
HUD area: Mankato, 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 20 ZIP codes in Blue Earth County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 56010 to $1,670 in 56078. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,230).
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)
| 56001 | Mankato, MN | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,870 | $1,910 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56010 | Faribault County, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56010 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56024 | Mankato, MN | $1,350 | $1,360 | $1,630 | $2,260 | $2,310 |
| 56034 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $890 | $1,070 | $1,480 | $1,730 |
| 56037 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56055 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56063 | Le Sueur County, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,070 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56063 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,070 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56063 | Waseca County, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,070 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56065 | Faribault County, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56065 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56065 | Waseca County, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56068 | Faribault County, MN | $880 | $990 | $1,180 | $1,610 | $1,730 |
| 56068 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $990 | $1,180 | $1,610 | $1,730 |
| 56068 | Waseca County, MN | $880 | $990 | $1,180 | $1,610 | $1,730 |
| 56078 | Mankato, MN | $1,320 | $1,360 | $1,670 | $2,280 | $2,320 |
| 56078 | Waseca County, MN | $1,320 | $1,360 | $1,670 | $2,280 | $2,320 |
| 56080 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56090 | Mankato, MN | $980 | $990 | $1,190 | $1,650 | $1,770 |
- 56001 · Mankato, MN $1,350$1,870
- 56010 · Faribault County, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56010 · Mankato, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56024 · Mankato, MN $1,630$2,260
- 56034 · Mankato, MN $1,070$1,480
- 56037 · Mankato, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56055 · Mankato, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56063 · Le Sueur County, MN $1,070$1,470
- 56063 · Mankato, MN $1,070$1,470
- 56063 · Waseca County, MN $1,070$1,470
- 56065 · Faribault County, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56065 · Mankato, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56065 · Waseca County, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56068 · Faribault County, MN $1,180$1,610
- 56068 · Mankato, MN $1,180$1,610
- 56068 · Waseca County, MN $1,180$1,610
- 56078 · Mankato, MN $1,670$2,280
- 56078 · Waseca County, MN $1,670$2,280
- 56080 · Mankato, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56090 · Mankato, MN $1,190$1,650
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 Blue Earth County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,667 households rent in Blue Earth County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Blue Earth 48%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Blue Earth County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Blue Earth 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)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 2
1,326 homes in all; 1,108 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- ORNESS PLAZA and SCATTERED FAMILY SITE Public housing 900 Hope St, Mankato 56001 130 low-income homes · Run by Mankato Eda · Average payment: $488 a month · Average wait: 17 months · Homes at several sites · (507) 387-8623
- Gus Johnson Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 413 N 4th St, Mankato 56001 108 low-income homes · 1 bd: 107 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2015 · For older adults · (507) 345-1497
- Homestead Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Mankato 56001 120 homes, 96 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
- Walnut Towers Aka the Alma HUD-assisted 105 E Walnut St, Mankato 56001 86 low-income homes · For older adults · (507) 388-8764
- Eastport HUD-assisted 1001 Eastport Dr, Mankato 56001 78 low-income homes · For families · (507) 345-5141
- Eastport Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1400 Pohl RD, Mankato 56001 78 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2014
- Colonial Square HUD-assisted 300 Ramsey St, Mankato 56001 77 low-income homes · For families · (507) 345-1321
- Cherry Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Glenwood Ave, Mankato 56001 83 homes, 63 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2008 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Rosa Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 520 Timberwolf Dr, Mankato 56001 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2019 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Sibley Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Sibley Pkwy, Mankato 56001 60 homes, 53 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2013 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Dublin Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 920 Patriot Dr, Mankato 56001 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness · (651) 291-1750
- Lake Crystal Towers HUD-assisted 203 S Main St, Lake Crystal 56055 43 low-income homes · For older adults · (507) 726-6516
- The Durham Apartments HUD-assisted 621 S 2nd St, Mankato 56001 41 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (651) 639-9799
- Dublin Road Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Mankato 56002 40 homes, 31 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Homestead Apartments HUD-assisted 150 Homestead Rd, Mankato 56001 120 homes, 26 low-income · For families · (507) 625-5573
- Halter Villa III Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Marshall 56001 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993
- Mankato Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Mankato 56002 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000
- Breckenridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Breckenridge Path, Eagle Lake 56024 18 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2012
- Breckenridge Townhomes Public housing 120 Breckenridge Path, Eagle Lake 56024 18 homes, 9 low-income · Run by Blue Earth County Eda · Homes at several sites · (507) 387-8623
- Eagle Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Eagle Lake 56024 12 homes, 9 low-income · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1998
- Rosa Place HUD-assisted 510 Timberwolf Dr, Mankato 56001 56 homes, 4 low-income · (507) 519-3161
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
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 Blue Earth County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Blue Earth County. 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 | $22,400 | $37,300 | $59,650 |
| 2 people | $25,600 | $42,600 | $68,200 |
| 3 people | $28,800 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,250 | $85,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,550 | $92,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,800 | $98,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,050 | $105,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,300 | $112,500 |
Area median income: $106,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Mankato, MN MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $914 – $1,118
- 1 bedroom $921 – $1,125
- 2 bedrooms $1,107 – $1,353
- 3 bedrooms $1,533 – $1,873
- 4 bedrooms $1,570 – $1,918
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
- Mankato Eda Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,151 vouchers · 130 public housing units (507) 387-8623 Mankato Eda: nbokelmann@mankatomn.gov
- Blue Earth County Eda Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 268 vouchers · 18 public housing units (507) 387-8623 Blue Earth County Eda: nbokelmann@mankatomn.gov
- Faribault County Hra Section 8 vouchers · 213 vouchers (507) 345-0450 Faribault County Hra: BRIT@MNVAC.ORG
- Le Sueur County Hra Section 8 vouchers · 118 vouchers (507) 345-0450 Le Sueur County Hra: brit@mnvac.org
Housing agencies in Minnesota Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
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 Blue Earth County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Blue Earth County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership Mankato Branch
140 Homestead Rd, Mankato · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
710 South 2nd Street, Mankato
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Blue Earth 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 Blue Earth 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
$2,460
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,230
- Security deposit
- $1,230
- Total
- $2,460
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 Blue Earth County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,016; 1 bedroom: $1,023; 2 bedrooms: $1,230; 3 bedrooms: $1,703; 4 bedrooms: $1,744. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Blue Earth County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,230) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.65 an hour full time, or $49,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Blue Earth County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,250 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 Blue Earth 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 $1,107 and $1,353 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Blue Earth County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 56010 to $1,670 in 56078. 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 Blue Earth County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Blue Earth 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 Blue Earth County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Blue Earth County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).