Renting in Crow Wing County, Minnesota: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,172; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 22% less than in Minnesota
Typical rent: $971; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 24% less than in Minnesota
Wage needed: $22.54; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $46,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 45%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 7% less than in Minnesota

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Crow Wing County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Crow Wing County has the highest typical rent in its area: $971, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Todd County ($908).

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 Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing County was $1,242 a month in September 2026. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$816	$15.69	$32,640
1 bedroom	$899	$17.29	$35,960
2 bedrooms	$1,172	$22.54	$46,880
3 bedrooms	$1,407	$27.06	$56,280
4 bedrooms	$1,609	$30.94	$64,360

HUD area: Crow Wing 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 19 ZIP codes in Crow Wing County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 56441 to $1,460 in 56447. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,172).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

56401	Cass County, MN	$770	$850	$1,100	$1,330	$1,530
56401	Crow Wing County, MN	$770	$850	$1,100	$1,330	$1,530
56425	Cass County, MN	$950	$1,040	$1,360	$1,630	$1,870
56425	Crow Wing County, MN	$950	$1,040	$1,360	$1,630	$1,870
56441	Crow Wing County, MN	$760	$840	$1,090	$1,310	$1,500
56442	Crow Wing County, MN	$770	$850	$1,110	$1,330	$1,520
56444	Aitkin County, MN	$810	$890	$1,160	$1,390	$1,590
56444	Crow Wing County, MN	$810	$890	$1,160	$1,390	$1,590
56447	Crow Wing County, MN	$1,010	$1,110	$1,460	$1,760	$2,050
56448	Cass County, MN	$790	$860	$1,130	$1,400	$1,660
56448	Crow Wing County, MN	$790	$860	$1,130	$1,400	$1,660
56449	Crow Wing County, MN	$940	$1,040	$1,350	$1,670	$1,870
56449	Morrison County, MN	$940	$1,040	$1,350	$1,670	$1,870
56450	Crow Wing County, MN	$840	$920	$1,190	$1,430	$1,780
56450	Mille Lacs County, MN	$840	$920	$1,190	$1,430	$1,780
56455	Crow Wing County, MN	$890	$980	$1,280	$1,540	$1,760
56465	Crow Wing County, MN	$780	$860	$1,120	$1,350	$1,570
56468	Cass County, MN	$830	$900	$1,180	$1,450	$1,720
56468	Crow Wing County, MN	$830	$900	$1,180	$1,450	$1,720

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
56401 · Cass County, MN $1,100$1,330
56401 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,100$1,330
56425 · Cass County, MN $1,360$1,630
56425 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,360$1,630
56441 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,090$1,310
56442 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,110$1,330
56444 · Aitkin County, MN $1,160$1,390
56444 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,160$1,390
56447 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,460$1,760
56448 · Cass County, MN $1,130$1,400
56448 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,130$1,400
56449 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,350$1,670
56449 · Morrison County, MN $1,350$1,670
56450 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,190$1,430
56450 · Mille Lacs County, MN $1,190$1,430
56455 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,280$1,540
56465 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,120$1,350
56468 · Cass County, MN $1,180$1,450
56468 · Crow Wing County, MN $1,180$1,450

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 Crow Wing County, 45% 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.

45%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

6,755 households rent in Crow Wing County

Spend half or more of their income 19%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
Spend less than 30% 55%

Compared with the state and the country

Crow Wing 45%
Minnesota 48%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Crow Wing County

HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Crow Wing 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: 7
public housing: 3

850 homes in all; 783 of them low-income, according to HUD.

North Star Apartments Public housing 410 E River Rd, Brainerd 56401 203 low-income homes · Run by Hra in and for the City of Brainerd, Minnesota · Average payment: $437 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (218) 828-3705
Mississippi Terrace Apts HUD-assisted 215 SW 4th St, Brainerd 56401 113 low-income homes · For families · (218) 829-0274
Edgewood Apartments HUD-assisted · Public housing 300 3rd Ave NE, Crosby 56441 61 low-income homes · For older adults · Run by Hra of Crosby, Minnesota · Average payment: $419 a month · Average wait: 7 months · Homes at several sites · (218) 546-5088
Parkview I & II HUD-assisted 4469 Main St, Pequot Lakes 56472 36 low-income homes · For families · (218) 568-4555
Sprucewood Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses., Baxter 56425 34 homes, 33 low-income · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2014 · For people experiencing homelessness
Timberland Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Brainerd 56401 30 homes, 29 low-income · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2003 · For families
Franklin Center (fka Franklin Artist Lofts) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Kingwood St, Brainerd 56401 25 low-income homes · Studio: 7 · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
Ironton Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 500 8th Ave, Ironton 56455 25 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 546-6886
Northern Lights Apartments HUD-assisted 511 D St NE, Brainerd 56401 25 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (218) 829-8663
College Drive Townhouses HUD-assisted 733 Brian Ln, Brainerd 56401 24 low-income homes · For families · (218) 547-3307
Ridgeview II Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Brainerd 56401 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 1994
Sibley Terrace Public housing 31203 N Oak St, Pequot Lakes 56472 24 low-income homes · Run by Hra of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota · Average payment: $418 a month · (218) 568-4555
College Drive Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Brian Ln, Brainerd 56401 24 homes, 23 low-income · In service since 2009 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
Excelsior Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 7276 Excelsior Rd, Baxter 56425 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1993
Grand Oaks Court Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Baxter 56425 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2010 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
Grand Oaks Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Baxter 56425 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2005 · For families
Trail Ridge II (fka Valley View Th) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Brainerd 56401 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1996
Trail Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Brainerd 56401 18 homes, 17 low-income · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 1993
Ironton Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Ironton 56455 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2001
Pinewood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 23313 Cross Dr, Deerwood 56444 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2014 · For people with disabilities, families
Pine Shadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 744 Church ST, Nisswa 56468 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1994
Brainerd South Apartments HUD-assisted 1987 S 7th St, Brainerd 56401 60 homes · For families · (218) 828-3705

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Crow Wing County, MN.
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: $96,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Crow Wing County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $734 – $898
1 bedroom $809 – $989
2 bedrooms $1,055 – $1,289
3 bedrooms $1,266 – $1,548
4 bedrooms $1,448 – $1,770

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 in and for the City of Brainerd, Minnesota Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 324 vouchers · 203 public housing units (218) 828-3705 Hra in and for the City of Brainerd, Minnesota: eric@brainerdhra.org
Hra of Crosby, Minnesota Public housing · 59 public housing units (218) 824-3425 Hra of Crosby, Minnesota: eric@brainerdhra.org
Hra of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota Public housing · 24 public housing units (218) 568-4555 Hra of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: ayochum@pequotlakes-mn.gov

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 rule

Compare 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 Crow Wing County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Crow Wing County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

LS
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

716 E Street, Brainerd
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 1 more
(888) 577-2227

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Crow Wing 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

See every agency in Minnesota Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Crow Wing 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Crow Wing County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,172. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,344

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,172
Security deposit: $1,172
Total: $2,344

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Crow Wing County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $816; 1 bedroom: $899; 2 bedrooms: $1,172; 3 bedrooms: $1,407; 4 bedrooms: $1,609. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Crow Wing County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,172) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.54 an hour full time, or $46,880 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing 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 $1,055 and $1,289 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Crow Wing County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 56441 to $1,460 in 56447. 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 Crow Wing County?

HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Crow Wing County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Crow Wing County, Minnesota

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Crow Wing County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Crow Wing County

The Section 8 voucher in Crow Wing County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Minnesota

Where to get help with rent in Crow Wing County

Rental assistance programs

Renter's Credit

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Crow Wing County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Crow Wing County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Crow Wing County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Crow Wing County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Crow Wing County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Crow Wing County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Crow Wing County?