Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Carlton County, Minnesota
Carlton County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,207 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,009 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.21 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,207
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $1,009
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 21% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $23.21
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in Minnesota
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 Carlton 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $841 | $16.17 | $33,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $961 | $18.48 | $38,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,207 | $23.21 | $48,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,671 | $32.13 | $66,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,017 | $38.79 | $80,680 |
HUD area: Duluth, MN-WI 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 14 ZIP codes in Carlton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 55718 to $1,590 in 55733. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,207).
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)
| 55707 | Duluth, MN-WI | $790 | $910 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55718 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55720 | Duluth, MN-WI | $850 | $970 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $2,040 |
| 55726 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55733 | Duluth, MN-WI | $1,110 | $1,270 | $1,590 | $2,200 | $2,660 |
| 55749 | Duluth, MN-WI | $840 | $910 | $1,160 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55749 | Pine County, MN | $840 | $910 | $1,160 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55757 | Duluth, MN-WI | $830 | $900 | $1,150 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55767 | Duluth, MN-WI | $780 | $890 | $1,120 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 55767 | Pine County, MN | $780 | $890 | $1,120 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 55780 | Duluth, MN-WI | $810 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,610 | $1,940 |
| 55797 | Duluth, MN-WI | $970 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,920 | $2,320 |
| 55798 | Aitkin County, MN | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55798 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
- 55707 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,140$1,580
- 55718 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 55720 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,220$1,690
- 55726 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 55733 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,590$2,200
- 55749 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,160$1,530
- 55749 · Pine County, MN $1,160$1,530
- 55757 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,150$1,530
- 55767 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,120$1,540
- 55767 · Pine County, MN $1,120$1,540
- 55780 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,160$1,610
- 55797 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,390$1,920
- 55798 · Aitkin County, MN $1,110$1,530
- 55798 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
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 Carlton County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,817 households rent in Carlton County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Carlton 47%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Carlton County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Carlton 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)
- 4
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 3
381 homes in all; 372 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Larson Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 810 Cloquet Ave, Cloquet 55720 85 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (218) 879-3759
- Aspen Arms Public housing 950 14th St, Cloquet 55720 80 homes, 74 low-income · Run by Hra of Cloquet, Minnesota · Average payment: $397 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (218) 879-3353
- Hillside Manor East HUD-assisted 700 4th St, Moose Lake 55767 41 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 485-8516
- Hillside Manor Public housing 708 4th St, Moose Lake 55767 40 low-income homes · Run by Hra of Moose Lake, Minnesota · Average payment: $300 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (218) 485-4142
- Sahlman East HUD-assisted 1741 Sahlman Ave, Cloquet 55720 36 low-income homes · For families · (218) 879-8446
- White Pine Aparments Tax credit (LIHTC) 930 14th St, Cloquet 55720 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2019 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Maplewood Court Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cloquet 55720 22 homes, 21 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1993
- Settlers Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cloquet 55720 22 homes, 21 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2001
- Woodland Pines Public housing 201 Spruce Ave, Carlton 55718 20 homes, 19 low-income · Run by HRA of CARLTON, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $368 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (218) 879-3353
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Carlton County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Carlton County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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 | $21,250 | $35,400 | $56,650 |
| 2 people | $24,300 | $40,450 | $64,750 |
| 3 people | $27,350 | $45,500 | $72,850 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,550 | $80,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,600 | $87,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,650 | $93,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,700 | $100,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,750 | $106,800 |
Area median income: $101,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Duluth, MN-WI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $757 – $925
- 1 bedroom $865 – $1,057
- 2 bedrooms $1,086 – $1,328
- 3 bedrooms $1,504 – $1,838
- 4 bedrooms $1,815 – $2,219
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
- Hra of Cloquet, Minnesota Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 159 vouchers · 74 public housing units (218) 879-3353 Hra of Cloquet, Minnesota: shari@cloquetcarltonhra.org
- Hra of Moose Lake, Minnesota Public housing · 40 public housing units (218) 485-4142 Hra of Moose Lake, Minnesota: mlmanorw@gmail.com
- HRA of CARLTON, MINNESOTA Public housing · 19 public housing units (218) 879-3353 HRA of CARLTON, MINNESOTA: shari@cloquetcarltonhra.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 Carlton County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Action Duluth
2424 W 5th St, Duluth · 28 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
-
One Roof Community Housing
12 E 4th St, Duluth · 30 miles away
- Workshops for new owners
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
-
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
1330 E Superior St, Duluth · 31 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Carlton County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
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 Carlton 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
$2,414
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,207
- Security deposit
- $1,207
- Total
- $2,414
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 Carlton County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $841; 1 bedroom: $961; 2 bedrooms: $1,207; 3 bedrooms: $1,671; 4 bedrooms: $2,017. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Carlton County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,207) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.21 an hour full time, or $48,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Carlton County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,550 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 Carlton 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 $1,086 and $1,328 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Carlton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 55718 to $1,590 in 55733. 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 Carlton County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Carlton 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 Carlton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Carlton County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).