Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Dakota County, Minnesota
Dakota 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 $1,548 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
- $1,548
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 21% 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
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% more than in Minnesota
Only here
Renting in Dakota County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Dakota County has the 3rd highest typical rent of the 87 counties in Minnesota ($1,548).
-
Among the neighboring counties, Goodhue County has the lowest typical rent ($966), 38% below the $1,548 in Dakota County.
-
Dakota County has the 5th highest typical household income of the 87 counties in Minnesota ($106,318).
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 Dakota 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 Dakota County was $1,711 a month in September 2026: 1.6% 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 21 ZIP codes in Dakota County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 55031 to $2,170 in 55044. 13 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)
| 55024 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,270 | $1,430 | $1,740 | $2,270 | $2,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55031 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55033 | Goodhue County, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55033 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55044 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,580 | $1,790 | $2,170 | $2,830 | $3,180 |
| 55065 | Goodhue County, MN | $1,390 | $1,570 | $1,910 | $2,490 | $2,800 |
| 55065 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,390 | $1,570 | $1,910 | $2,490 | $2,800 |
| 55068 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,430 | $1,610 | $1,960 | $2,560 | $2,870 |
| 55075 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55076 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,200 | $1,360 | $1,650 | $2,150 | $2,410 |
| 55077 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,310 | $1,480 | $1,800 | $2,350 | $2,630 |
| 55085 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55118 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,180 | $1,330 | $1,620 | $2,120 | $2,370 |
| 55120 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,360 | $1,540 | $1,870 | $2,440 | $2,740 |
| 55121 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,430 | $1,610 | $1,960 | $2,560 | $2,870 |
| 55122 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,340 | $1,510 | $1,840 | $2,400 | $2,690 |
| 55123 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,400 | $1,580 | $1,920 | $2,510 | $2,810 |
| 55124 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,490 | $1,680 | $2,040 | $2,660 | $2,990 |
| 55150 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55306 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,420 | $1,600 | $1,940 | $2,530 | $2,840 |
| 55337 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,360 | $1,540 | $1,870 | $2,440 | $2,740 |
- 55024 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,740$2,270
- 55031 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55033 · Goodhue County, MN $1,540$2,040
- 55033 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55044 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $2,170$2,830
- 55065 · Goodhue County, MN $1,910$2,490
- 55065 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,910$2,490
- 55068 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,960$2,560
- 55075 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55076 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,650$2,150
- 55077 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,800$2,350
- 55085 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55118 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,620$2,120
- 55120 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,870$2,440
- 55121 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,960$2,560
- 55122 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,840$2,400
- 55123 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,920$2,510
- 55124 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $2,040$2,660
- 55150 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55306 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,940$2,530
- 55337 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,870$2,440
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 Dakota County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
43,687 households rent in Dakota County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Dakota 50%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Dakota County
HUD lists 74 properties with homes for low-income households in Dakota 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)
- 55
- HUD-assisted
- 20
- public housing
- 4
4,696 homes in all; 4,135 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Blackberry Pointe Apartments (fka Brentwood Hills) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Inver Grove Heights 55077 219 low-income homes · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2005
- 092020ni -- Chancellor Manor HUD-assisted 14250 Irving Ave S, Burnsville 55306 200 homes, 196 low-income · For families · (952) 435-7111
- Chancellor Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Burnsville 55306 200 homes, 189 low-income · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2009 · For families
- The Winslow Tax credit (LIHTC) 1631 Marthaler Ln, West Saint Paul 55118 172 low-income homes · 1 bd: 109 · 2 bd: 63 · In service since 2020
- John Carroll Public housing 300 Grand Ave W, South St Paul 55075 166 homes, 165 low-income · Run by Hra of the City of South ST Paul, Minnesota · Average payment: $399 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (651) 554-3270
- The Sanctuary at West Saint Paul Tax credit (LIHTC) 1746 Oakdale Ave, West Saint Paul 55118 164 low-income homes · Studio: 24 · 1 bd: 144 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Legends of Apple Valley Tax credit (LIHTC) 14050 Granite Ave, Apple Valley 55124 163 low-income homes · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 57 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Covington Court Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, West Saint Paul 55118 160 homes, 158 low-income · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 60 · In service since 1993
- Nan Mckay Public housing 200 Marie Ave, South St Paul 55075 132 low-income homes · Run by Hra of the City of South ST Paul, Minnesota · Average payment: $405 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (651) 554-3270
- Portland N&S/Biscayne Townhomes/Office Public housing 20008 Ideal Way, Lakeville 55044 123 low-income homes · Run by Dakota County Cda · Average payment: $959 a month · Average wait: 43 months · Homes at several sites · (651) 675-4400
- Oak Ridge Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1199 Bahls Dr, Hastings 55033 109 low-income homes · 1 bd: 109 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (651) 437-1367
- Colleen Loney Manor Public housing 1675 Livingston Ave, West St Paul 55118 80 low-income homes · Run by Dakota County Cda · Average payment: $463 a month · Average wait: 36 months · (651) 675-4400
- Apple Valley Villa HUD-assisted 14610 Garrett Ave, Apple Valley 55124 208 homes, 72 low-income · For older adults · (952) 431-7800
- Spruce Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 300 Spruce St, Farmington 55024 61 low-income homes · 1 bd: 55 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2006 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (651) 463-2511
- Grande Market Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 12700 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville 55337 113 homes, 60 low-income · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 67 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Mount Carmel Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1560 Bellows St, West Saint Paul 55118 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 87 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (651) 451-0030
- Andrews Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Burnsville 55337 57 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 29 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities
- Whitney Grove Townhomes HUD-assisted 7690 Whitney Dr, Apple Valley 55124 56 low-income homes · For families · (952) 432-4644
- Whitney Grove Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 7710 Whitney Dr, Apple Valley 55124 56 homes, 55 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2017
- Lakeville Court Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Lakeville 55044 52 homes, 51 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1996
- Inver Hills Family Townhomes and Riverview Ridge Family Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Eagam 55123 51 low-income homes · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Hearthstone Apartments (fka Regatta Commons) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Apple Valley 55124 228 homes, 50 low-income · In service since 2004
- Lakeshore Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Eagan 55121 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities, families
- Lakeville Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 18010 Kenwood Trl, Lakeville 55044 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2017 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Wexford Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 15850 Chippendale Ave W, Rosemount 55068 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2020 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Timber Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 14032 Plymouth Ave, Burnsville 55337 49 homes, 48 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 1995
- Northwood Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Eagan 55121 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Quarry View Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Apple Valley 55124 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2011
- Camber Hill Townhomes HUD-assisted 404 Camber Ave, South Saint Paul 55075 44 low-income homes · For families · (651) 451-1487
- Ebenezer Ridge Point Apts. HUD-assisted 13800 Community Dr, Burnsville 55337 42 low-income homes · For older adults · (952) 898-1989
- Oak Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Eagan 55122 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Meadowlark Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Lakeville 55044 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Prairie Crossing Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Lakeville 55044 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Prairie Estates HUD-assisted 6153 1/2 Carmen Ave, Inver Grove Heights 55076 40 low-income homes · For families · (651) 451-2662
- Prestwick Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Rosemount 55068 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2020 · For people with disabilities, families
- PRAIRIE VIEW HEIGHTS aka Good Samaritan IGH HUD-assisted 8121 College Trl, Inver Grove Heights 55076 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (651) 554-3074
- Glenbrook Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Apple Valley 55124 39 low-income homes · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Rosemount Plaza HUD-assisted 2900 145th St W, Rosemount 55068 39 low-income homes · For older adults · (651) 423-5995
- Artspace Hastings Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 121 Tyler St, Hastings 55033 37 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Haralson Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 15420 Founders Ln, Apple Valley 55124 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Keystone Crossing Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Lakeville 55044 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2016
- Park Place Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Rosemount 55068 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2011
- Erin Place Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Eagan 55122 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Heart of the City Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Burnsville 55337 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Carbury Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Rosemount 55068 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Chowen Bend Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Burnsville 55337 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Chowen Bend Townhomes HUD-assisted 12600-12646 Chowen Ave S, Burnsville 55337 32 low-income homes · For families · (952) 882-8619
- Cliff Hill Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2604 East 117th Street, Burnsville 55337 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2008
- Cliff Hill Townhouses HUD-assisted 2062 E 117th St, Burnsville 55337 32 low-income homes · For families · (952) 890-0212
- Pleasant Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Hastings 55033 31 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Cedar Valley Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Lakeville 55044 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Guardian Angels Block Redevelopment Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Hastings 55033 30 low-income homes · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Lafayette Family Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Inver Grove Heights 55076 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Country Lane Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Lakeville 55044 29 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2001
- Farmington Family Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Farmington 55024 32 homes, 28 low-income · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2001
- Marketplace Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Hastings 55033 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Rosemount Greens Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Rosemount 55068 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Rosemount Townhouses HUD-assisted 3810 145th St W, Rosemount 55068 28 low-income homes · For families · (651) 423-4636
- Chasewood Family Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Apple Valley 55124 27 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Twin Ponds II Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Eagan 55123 26 low-income homes · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2012
- Horizon Heights HUD-assisted 10 Horizon Hts, Burnsville 55337 25 low-income homes · For families · (952) 890-0233
- Twin Ponds Family Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Farmington 55024 25 low-income homes · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Waterford Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 2930 146th St W, Rosemount 55068 108 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2009
- Fairfield Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 20720 Holt Ave, Lakeville 55044 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (952) 469-1414
- Hillside Gables Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Mendota Heights 55120 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Spruce Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Inver Grove Heights 55077 24 low-income homes · In service since 1995
- West Apartments HUD-assisted 1501 W 143rd St, Burnsville 55306 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (651) 645-7271
- Parkside Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Rochester 55337 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002
- Cedar Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Eagan 55122 104 homes, 22 low-income · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Parkside Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Rosemount 55068 22 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 1992 · For families
- West Village Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Hastings 55033 21 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Clark Place Townhomes (fka Kaposia Terrace Townhomes) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, South Saint Paul 55075 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Leahs Apartments HUD-assisted 12721 Greenwood Dr, Burnsville 55337 17 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (651) 645-7271
- Apple Grove Court HUD-assisted 8005 147th St W, Apple Valley 55124 17 homes, 16 low-income · For people with disabilities · (952) 997-2558
5 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 Dakota County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Dakota 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
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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)
-
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
- Dakota County Cda Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,838 vouchers · 203 public housing units (651) 675-4400 Dakota County Cda: info@dakotacda.org
- Hra of the City of South ST Paul, Minnesota Public housing · 297 public housing units (651) 554-3270
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 Dakota County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Dakota County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Dakota County Community Development Agency
1228 Town Centre Dr, Eagan
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 55031 to $2,170 in 55044. 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 Dakota County?
HUD lists 74 properties with homes for low-income households in Dakota 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 Dakota County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dakota County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).