Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Carver County, Minnesota
Carver County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,734 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,514 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $33.35 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,734
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 15% more than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $1,514
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% more than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $33.35
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $69,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in Minnesota
Only here
Renting in Carver County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Of the 87 counties in Minnesota, Carver County has the highest typical household income: $125,946.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Sibley County has the lowest typical rent ($855), 44% below the $1,514 in Carver County.
-
Carver County has the 4th highest typical rent of the 87 counties in Minnesota ($1,514).
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 Carver 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 Carver County was $1,982 a month in September 2026: 2.6% 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 | $1,265 | $24.33 | $50,600 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,427 | $27.44 | $57,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,734 | $33.35 | $69,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,264 | $43.54 | $90,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,538 | $48.81 | $101,520 |
HUD area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 17 ZIP codes in Carver County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 55339 to $2,600 in 55386. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,734).
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)
| 55315 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,260 | $1,420 | $1,730 | $2,260 | $2,530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55317 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,560 | $1,760 | $2,140 | $2,790 | $3,130 |
| 55318 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,310 | $1,470 | $1,790 | $2,340 | $2,620 |
| 55322 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,200 | $1,350 | $1,640 | $2,140 | $2,400 |
| 55339 | McLeod County, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55339 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55339 | Sibley County, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55360 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,280 | $1,440 | $1,750 | $2,290 | $2,560 |
| 55367 | McLeod County, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55367 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55368 | McLeod County, MN | $1,130 | $1,280 | $1,550 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55368 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,130 | $1,280 | $1,550 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55386 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,900 | $2,140 | $2,600 | $3,390 | $3,810 |
| 55387 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,220 | $1,370 | $1,670 | $2,180 | $2,440 |
| 55388 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55397 | McLeod County, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55397 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
- 55315 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,730$2,260
- 55317 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $2,140$2,790
- 55318 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,790$2,340
- 55322 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,640$2,140
- 55339 · McLeod County, MN $1,540$2,040
- 55339 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55339 · Sibley County, MN $1,540$2,040
- 55360 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,750$2,290
- 55367 · McLeod County, MN $1,540$2,040
- 55367 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55368 · McLeod County, MN $1,550$2,040
- 55368 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,550$2,040
- 55386 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $2,600$3,390
- 55387 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,670$2,180
- 55388 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55397 · McLeod County, MN $1,540$2,040
- 55397 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $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 Carver County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,627 households rent in Carver County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Carver 43%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Carver County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Carver County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 7
1,058 homes in all; 852 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Waybury Apartments HUD-assisted 110340 Geske Rd, Chaska 55318 114 low-income homes · For older adults · (952) 448-5022
- Carver Ridge Townhomes (fka Northcreek Townhomes) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Chaska 55318 92 homes, 82 low-income · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 77 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2000
- Carver Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1593 Hartwell Dr, Carver 55315 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Clover Field Marketplace (fka the Sinclair) Tax credit (LIHTC) 2910 Hemingway Dr, Chaska 55318 117 homes, 59 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2009 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Chaska Manor, Inc. HUD-assisted 407 Oak St N, Chaska 55318 59 low-income homes · For older adults · (952) 361-0310
- The Landings HUD-assisted 105 E 1st St, Chaska 55318 54 low-income homes · For older adults
- Interlaken Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 925 Airport Rd, Waconia 55387 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Gateway Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 721 Lake Susan Dr, Chanhassen 55317 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2007
- Evergreen Apts. -- Waconia, MN HUD-assisted 100 W 3rd St, Waconia 55387 46 low-income homes · For older adults · (952) 442-5276
- Creeks Run Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 421 Yellow Brick Cir, Chaska 55318 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 25 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2014
- East Creek Carriage Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Chaska 55318 39 homes, 38 low-income · Studio: 4 · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 1998
- Creeks Run Townhomes - Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 525 Yellow Brick Cir, Chaska 55318 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2017 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Crosstown Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Chaska 55318 34 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004
- Brickstone Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Chaska 55318 30 homes, 29 low-income · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 1999
- Waters Edge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Watertown 55388 30 homes, 29 low-income · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2001
- VILLAGE TOWNHOUSES aka Chaska Village TH's HUD-assisted 1131 Crosstown Blvd, Chaska 55318 28 low-income homes · For families · (952) 448-6812
- Mora Evergreen Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Mora 55387 24 homes, 23 low-income · In service since 1992
- Carver Place HUD-assisted 1591 Hartwell Dr, Carver 55315 60 homes, 14 low-income · (952) 448-9676
- Lake Grace Apartments HUD-assisted 1108 Village Rd, Chaska 55318 91 homes, 5 low-income · (952) 368-3308
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 Carver County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Carver 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 | $27,650 | $46,050 | $73,650 |
| 2 people | $31,600 | $52,600 | $84,200 |
| 3 people | $35,550 | $59,200 | $94,700 |
| 4 people | $39,450 | $65,750 | $105,200 |
| 5 people | $42,650 | $71,050 | $113,650 |
| 6 people | $45,800 | $76,300 | $122,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $81,550 | $130,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $86,800 | $138,900 |
Area median income: $131,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,139 – $1,392
- 1 bedroom $1,284 – $1,570
- 2 bedrooms $1,561 – $1,907
- 3 bedrooms $2,038 – $2,490
- 4 bedrooms $2,284 – $2,792
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
- Carver County Cda Public housing (952) 448-7715 Carver County Cda: julief@carvercda.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 Carver County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Build Wealth Minnesota, Inc
2121 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis · 27 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Cambodian and French.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
-
Isuroon
1600 E Lake St, Minneapolis · 28 miles away
Also serves in Arabic and other languages.
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Carver 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 Carver 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
$3,468
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,734
- Security deposit
- $1,734
- Total
- $3,468
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 Carver County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,265; 1 bedroom: $1,427; 2 bedrooms: $1,734; 3 bedrooms: $2,264; 4 bedrooms: $2,538. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Carver County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,734) without spending more than 30% of income takes $33.35 an hour full time, or $69,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Carver County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $65,750 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 Carver 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 $1,561 and $1,907 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Carver County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 55339 to $2,600 in 55386. 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 Carver County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Carver County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Carver County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Carver County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).