Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cass County, Minnesota
Cass County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $863 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 33% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $863
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 33% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 39%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 20% less than in Minnesota
Only here
Renting in Cass County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 86%, Cass County ranks 2nd among the 87 counties in Minnesota for the highest 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 Cass 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 | $734 | $14.12 | $29,360 |
| 1 bedroom | $775 | $14.90 | $31,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,335 | $25.67 | $53,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,695 | $32.60 | $67,800 |
HUD area: Cass County, MN. 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 24 ZIP codes in Cass County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56435 to $1,160 in 56662. 13 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
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)
| 56435 | Cass County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56435 | Crow Wing County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
| 56435 | Hubbard County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
| 56452 | Cass County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
| 56466 | Cass County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,600 |
| 56466 | Morrison County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,600 |
| 56466 | Todd County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,600 |
| 56472 | Cass County, MN | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,260 | $1,470 |
| 56472 | Crow Wing County, MN | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,260 | $1,470 |
| 56473 | Cass County, MN | $800 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,460 | $1,830 |
| 56473 | Morrison County, MN | $800 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,460 | $1,830 |
| 56474 | Cass County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,630 |
| 56474 | Crow Wing County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,630 |
| 56484 | Cass County, MN | $750 | $790 | $1,040 | $1,370 | $1,740 |
| 56484 | Hubbard County, MN | $750 | $790 | $1,040 | $1,370 | $1,740 |
| 56626 | Cass County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
| 56633 | Beltrami County, MN | $790 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,440 | $1,850 |
| 56633 | Cass County, MN | $790 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,440 | $1,850 |
| 56633 | Hubbard County, MN | $790 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,440 | $1,850 |
| 56641 | Cass County, MN | $770 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,400 | $1,780 |
| 56655 | Cass County, MN | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
| 56662 | Cass County, MN | $830 | $890 | $1,160 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
| 56662 | Crow Wing County, MN | $830 | $890 | $1,160 | $1,470 | $1,770 |
| 56672 | Cass County, MN | $770 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,400 | $1,770 |
- 56435 · Cass County, MN $1,010$1,340
- 56435 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,010$1,340
- 56435 · Hubbard County, MN $1,010$1,340
- 56452 · Cass County, MN $1,010$1,340
- 56466 · Cass County, MN $1,010$1,370
- 56466 · Morrison County, MN $1,010$1,370
- 56466 · Todd County, MN $1,010$1,370
- 56472 · Cass County, MN $1,030$1,260
- 56472 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,030$1,260
- 56473 · Cass County, MN $1,110$1,460
- 56473 · Morrison County, MN $1,110$1,460
- 56474 · Cass County, MN $1,010$1,320
- 56474 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,010$1,320
- 56484 · Cass County, MN $1,040$1,370
- 56484 · Hubbard County, MN $1,040$1,370
- 56626 · Cass County, MN $1,010$1,340
- 56633 · Beltrami County, MN $1,110$1,440
- 56633 · Cass County, MN $1,110$1,440
- 56633 · Hubbard County, MN $1,110$1,440
- 56641 · Cass County, MN $1,060$1,400
- 56655 · Cass County, MN $1,010$1,340
- 56662 · Cass County, MN $1,160$1,470
- 56662 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,160$1,470
- 56672 · Cass County, MN $1,060$1,400
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 Cass County, 39% 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.
39%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,778 households rent in Cass County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 61%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cass 39%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cass County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Cass 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)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 4
523 homes in all; 508 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Four Seasons/Scattered Public housing 225 1st St NW, Cass Lake 56633 50 low-income homes · Run by Hra of Cass Lake, Minnesota · Homes at several sites · (218) 335-2674
- Leech Lake Homes V Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cass Lake 56633 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2009
- Norway Brook Apartments Public housing 312 1st St S, Pine River 56474 40 low-income homes · Run by Hra of Pine River, Minnesota · Average payment: $462 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (218) 587-4929
- Quam Court Public housing 211 Michigan Ave W, Walker 56484 32 low-income homes · Run by HRA of WALKER, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $406 a month · (218) 547-1822
- Heartland Apartments HUD-assisted 445 Snell Ave, Pine River 56474 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 587-4929
- Highland Apartments -- (WALKER) HUD-assisted 107 Highland Ave W, Walker 56484 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 751-6881
- Leech Lake Homes I Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cass Lake 56633 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Leech Lake Homes IV Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cass Lake 56633 25 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2007
- Leech Lake Homes Vi Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cass Lake 56633 25 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Leech Lake Vii Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Pike Bay 56633 25 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2014
- Cass Lake Square Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cass Lake 56633 24 homes, 21 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1998
- Leech Lake Homes II Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cass Lake 56633 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Leech Lake Homes III Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cass Lake 56633 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Northland Apartments HUD-assisted 207 Cedar St NE, Remer 56672 19 low-income homes · For families · (612) 930-5461
- Pine River Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 350 Main St, Pine River 56474 18 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Lakeview Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Walker 56484 18 homes, 17 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2000
- Birch Lake Apartments HUD-assisted 213 MN-371, Hackensack 56452 19 homes, 12 low-income · For families · (218) 741-5450
- Kinler Square Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Gillespie Ave, Pine River 56474 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2002
- Pine Mountain Apartments Public housing 109 Hazel St N, Backus 56435 12 low-income homes · Run by Cass County Hra · Average payment: $421 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (218) 947-3993
- Cedar Street Complex Tax credit (LIHTC) Rr1 Box 143, Remer 56672 12 homes, 11 low-income · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1994
- Pine River Square Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Pine River 56474 12 homes, 9 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1997
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 Cass 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 Cass 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 | $20,600 | $34,300 | $54,900 |
| 2 people | $23,550 | $39,200 | $62,750 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,100 | $70,600 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,000 | $78,400 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,950 | $84,700 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,850 | $90,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,800 | $97,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,700 | $103,500 |
Area median income: $88,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cass County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $661 – $807
- 1 bedroom $698 – $853
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,202 – $1,469
- 4 bedrooms $1,526 – $1,865
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
- Cass County Hra Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 141 vouchers · 12 public housing units (218) 947-3993 Cass County Hra: casscountyhra@uslink.net
- Hra of Cass Lake, Minnesota Public housing · 50 public housing units (218) 335-2674 Hra of Cass Lake, Minnesota: clhra@arvig.net
- Hra of Pine River, Minnesota Public housing · 40 public housing units (218) 587-4929 Hra of Pine River, Minnesota: pineriverhra@gmail.com
- HRA of WALKER, MINNESOTA Public housing · 32 public housing units (218) 547-1822 HRA of WALKER, MINNESOTA: WALHA@ARVIG.NET
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 Cass County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
716 E Street, Brainerd · 41 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 1 more
-
Kootasca Community Action, Inc.
822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids · 43 miles away
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Homebuyer education workshops
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Cass 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 Cass 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
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
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 Cass County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $734; 1 bedroom: $775; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,335; 4 bedrooms: $1,695. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cass County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cass County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,000 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 Cass 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 $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Cass County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56435 to $1,160 in 56662. 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 Cass County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Cass 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 Cass County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cass County, 39% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).