Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Freeborn County, Minnesota
Freeborn County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,033 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $849 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.87 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,033
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 31% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $849
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 34% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $19.87
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,320 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
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 Freeborn 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 Freeborn County was $1,054 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 | $719 | $13.83 | $28,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $790 | $15.19 | $31,600 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,033 | $19.87 | $41,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,355 | $26.06 | $54,200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,555 | $29.90 | $62,200 |
HUD area: Freeborn 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 16 ZIP codes in Freeborn County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56089 to $1,300 in 56020. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,033).
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)
| 56007 | Freeborn County, MN | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56009 | Faribault County, MN | $910 | $990 | $1,300 | $1,710 | $1,960 |
| 56009 | Freeborn County, MN | $910 | $990 | $1,300 | $1,710 | $1,960 |
| 56016 | Freeborn County, MN | $750 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,610 |
| 56020 | Freeborn County, MN | $910 | $990 | $1,300 | $1,710 | $1,960 |
| 56029 | Freeborn County, MN | $730 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,380 | $1,580 |
| 56032 | Freeborn County, MN | $890 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $1,930 |
| 56035 | Freeborn County, MN | $710 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 56035 | Steele County, MN | $710 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 56036 | Freeborn County, MN | $760 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,640 |
| 56042 | Freeborn County, MN | $710 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 56042 | Steele County, MN | $710 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 56042 | Waseca County, MN | $710 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,640 |
| 56043 | Freeborn County, MN | $730 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,370 | $1,570 |
| 56045 | Freeborn County, MN | $790 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,500 | $1,720 |
| 56089 | Freeborn County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,540 |
- 56007 · Freeborn County, MN $1,030$1,350
- 56009 · Faribault County, MN $1,300$1,710
- 56009 · Freeborn County, MN $1,300$1,710
- 56016 · Freeborn County, MN $1,070$1,400
- 56020 · Freeborn County, MN $1,300$1,710
- 56029 · Freeborn County, MN $1,050$1,380
- 56032 · Freeborn County, MN $1,280$1,680
- 56035 · Freeborn County, MN $1,030$1,400
- 56035 · Steele County, MN $1,030$1,400
- 56036 · Freeborn County, MN $1,090$1,430
- 56042 · Freeborn County, MN $1,030$1,400
- 56042 · Steele County, MN $1,030$1,400
- 56042 · Waseca County, MN $1,030$1,400
- 56043 · Freeborn County, MN $1,040$1,370
- 56045 · Freeborn County, MN $1,140$1,500
- 56089 · Freeborn County, MN $1,010$1,340
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 Freeborn 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.
2,633 households rent in Freeborn County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Freeborn 45%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Freeborn County
HUD lists 8 properties with homes for low-income households in Freeborn 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)
- 4
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 1
680 homes in all; 603 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Shadey Oakes Public housing 800 S 4th Ave, Albert Lea 56007 179 homes, 176 low-income · Run by Hra in and for the City of Albert Lea, Minnesota · Average payment: $374 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (507) 377-4375
- Senior Court-Senior Tower HUD-assisted 915 Maplehill Dr, Albert Lea 56007 152 homes, 113 low-income · For older adults · (507) 373-5391
- Trailside Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Albert Lea 56007 110 homes, 108 low-income · 1 bd: 55 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, families
- TRAILSIDE APARTMENTS aka Channel View HUD-assisted 204 E Front St, Albert Lea 56007 110 homes, 80 low-income · For families · (507) 373-5533
- Gray Gables Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Albert Lea 56007 45 homes, 44 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 1996
- The Lofts at Lea Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 139 E William St, Albert Lea 56007 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2006
- Pickerel Park Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Albert Lea 56007 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2001
- Albert Lea Senior Housing HUD-assisted 608 S Washington Ave, Albert Lea 56007 23 homes, 22 low-income · For older adults · (651) 645-7271
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 Freeborn 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 Freeborn 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: $91,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Freeborn County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $647 – $791
- 1 bedroom $711 – $869
- 2 bedrooms $930 – $1,136
- 3 bedrooms $1,220 – $1,491
- 4 bedrooms $1,400 – $1,711
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 Albert Lea, Minnesota Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 159 vouchers · 176 public housing units (507) 377-4375 Hra in and for the City of Albert Lea, Minnesota: jeanne@albertleahra.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 Freeborn County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership Mankato Branch
140 Homestead Rd, Mankato · 46 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
-
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
710 South 2nd Street, Mankato · 47 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
-
Three Rivers Community Action, Inc.
1414 Northstar Dr, Zumbrota · 55 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Homebuyer education workshops
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Freeborn 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 Freeborn 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
$2,066
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,033
- Security deposit
- $1,033
- Total
- $2,066
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 Freeborn County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $719; 1 bedroom: $790; 2 bedrooms: $1,033; 3 bedrooms: $1,355; 4 bedrooms: $1,555. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Freeborn County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,033) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.87 an hour full time, or $41,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Freeborn 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 Freeborn 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 $930 and $1,136 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Freeborn County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56089 to $1,300 in 56020. 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 Freeborn County?
HUD lists 8 properties with homes for low-income households in Freeborn 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 Freeborn County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Freeborn County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).