Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Douglas County, Minnesota
Douglas County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,027 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $927 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.75 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,027
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 32% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $927
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 28% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $19.75
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,080 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
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 Douglas 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 Douglas County was $1,527 a month in September 2026. 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 | $770 | $14.81 | $30,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $785 | $15.10 | $31,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,027 | $19.75 | $41,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,422 | $27.35 | $56,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,500 | $28.85 | $60,000 |
HUD area: Douglas 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 17 ZIP codes in Douglas County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56326 to $1,050 in 56315. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,027).
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)
| 56308 | Douglas County, MN | $780 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56308 | Pope County, MN | $780 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,520 |
| 56315 | Douglas County, MN | $790 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,530 |
| 56315 | Otter Tail County, MN | $790 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,530 |
| 56319 | Douglas County, MN | $780 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,410 | $1,530 |
| 56319 | Todd County, MN | $780 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,410 | $1,530 |
| 56326 | Douglas County, MN | $750 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,480 |
| 56326 | Grant County, MN | $750 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,480 |
| 56326 | Otter Tail County, MN | $750 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,480 |
| 56332 | Douglas County, MN | $770 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,510 |
| 56343 | Douglas County, MN | $750 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,500 |
| 56343 | Grant County, MN | $750 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,500 |
| 56343 | Pope County, MN | $750 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,500 |
| 56343 | Stevens County, MN | $750 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,500 |
| 56354 | Douglas County, MN | $760 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,490 |
| 56354 | Otter Tail County, MN | $760 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,490 |
| 56355 | Douglas County, MN | $760 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,490 |
- 56308 · Douglas County, MN $1,040$1,440
- 56308 · Pope County, MN $1,040$1,440
- 56315 · Douglas County, MN $1,050$1,450
- 56315 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,050$1,450
- 56319 · Douglas County, MN $1,030$1,410
- 56319 · Todd County, MN $1,030$1,410
- 56326 · Douglas County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56326 · Grant County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56326 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56332 · Douglas County, MN $1,040$1,440
- 56343 · Douglas County, MN $1,010$1,390
- 56343 · Grant County, MN $1,010$1,390
- 56343 · Pope County, MN $1,010$1,390
- 56343 · Stevens County, MN $1,010$1,390
- 56354 · Douglas County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56354 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56355 · Douglas County, MN $1,010$1,410
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 Douglas 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.
4,125 households rent in Douglas 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
- Douglas 43%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Douglas County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Douglas 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 2
498 homes in all; 493 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Viking Towers Public housing 805 Fillmore St, Alexandria 56308 130 low-income homes · Run by HRA of ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $363 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (320) 762-1311
- Bethel Manor II HUD-assisted 906 Ash St, Alexandria 56308 69 low-income homes · For older adults · (320) 763-7200
- Bethel Manor I HUD-assisted 910 Ash St, Alexandria 56308 63 low-income homes · For older adults · (320) 763-7200
- Wiltoka Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Alexandria 56308 48 homes, 46 low-income · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1992
- Maple Ridge Manor HUD-assisted 314 Unumb Ct, Alexandria 56308 40 low-income homes · For families · (320) 762-2800
- Douglas County Public housing 312A 2nd St W, Brandon 56315 28 low-income homes · Run by Douglas County Hra · Average payment: $378 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (320) 762-3848
- Winona Shores HUD-assisted 1010 Lark St, Alexandria 56308 27 low-income homes · For older adults · (320) 763-1120
- Deer Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Alexandria 56308 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2014 · For people with disabilities, families
- Lincoln Square - Alexandria Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Alexandria 56308 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1997
- Sunrise Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1616 7th Ave E, Alexandria 56308 18 homes, 17 low-income · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 1996
- ASI Alexandria HUD-assisted 410 34th Ave E, Alexandria 56308 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (651) 645-7271
- Osakis Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 W 8th Ave, Osakis 56360 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1999
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 Douglas 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 Douglas 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 | $22,250 | $37,100 | $59,300 |
| 2 people | $25,400 | $42,400 | $67,800 |
| 3 people | $28,600 | $47,700 | $76,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,950 | $84,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,200 | $91,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,450 | $98,300 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,700 | $105,050 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,900 | $111,850 |
Area median income: $105,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Douglas County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $693 – $847
- 1 bedroom $707 – $864
- 2 bedrooms $924 – $1,130
- 3 bedrooms $1,280 – $1,564
- 4 bedrooms $1,350 – $1,650
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
- Douglas County Hra Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 276 vouchers · 28 public housing units (320) 762-3848 Douglas County Hra: emajean.ford@douglascountyhra.org
- HRA of ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA Public housing · 130 public housing units (320) 762-1311 HRA of ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA: jeff@alexandriahra.com
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 Douglas County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Douglas County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Douglas 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 Douglas 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
$2,054
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,027
- Security deposit
- $1,027
- Total
- $2,054
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 Douglas County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $770; 1 bedroom: $785; 2 bedrooms: $1,027; 3 bedrooms: $1,422; 4 bedrooms: $1,500. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Douglas County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,027) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.75 an hour full time, or $41,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Douglas County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,950 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 Douglas 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 $924 and $1,130 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Douglas County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56326 to $1,050 in 56315. 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 Douglas County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Douglas 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 Douglas County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Douglas County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).