Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Goodhue County, Minnesota
Goodhue County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,172 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $966 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.54 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,172
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 22% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $966
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 25% 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
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more 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 Goodhue 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 Goodhue County was $1,348 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 | $816 | $15.69 | $32,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $966 | $18.58 | $38,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,172 | $22.54 | $46,880 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,613 | $31.02 | $64,520 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,959 | $37.67 | $78,360 |
HUD area: Goodhue 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 Goodhue County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 55983 to $1,760 in 55026. 17 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)
| 55009 | Goodhue County, MN | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55009 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55018 | Goodhue County, MN | $1,160 | $1,350 | $1,650 | $2,250 | $2,750 |
| 55018 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,160 | $1,350 | $1,650 | $2,250 | $2,750 |
| 55018 | Rice County, MN | $1,160 | $1,350 | $1,650 | $2,250 | $2,750 |
| 55026 | Goodhue County, MN | $1,230 | $1,450 | $1,760 | $2,420 | $2,940 |
| 55027 | Goodhue County, MN | $920 | $1,080 | $1,310 | $1,800 | $2,180 |
| 55027 | Wabasha County, MN | $920 | $1,080 | $1,310 | $1,800 | $2,180 |
| 55066 | Goodhue County, MN | $840 | $1,000 | $1,210 | $1,670 | $2,020 |
| 55089 | Goodhue County, MN | $1,210 | $1,430 | $1,730 | $2,360 | $2,840 |
| 55089 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,210 | $1,430 | $1,730 | $2,360 | $2,840 |
| 55946 | Goodhue County, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,770 | $2,130 |
| 55946 | Rice County, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,770 | $2,130 |
| 55946 | Rochester, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,770 | $2,130 |
| 55946 | Steele County, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,770 | $2,130 |
| 55963 | Goodhue County, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,770 | $2,130 |
| 55963 | Rochester, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,770 | $2,130 |
| 55983 | Goodhue County, MN | $710 | $840 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 55992 | Goodhue County, MN | $710 | $840 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
- 55009 · Goodhue County, MN $1,540$2,040
- 55009 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 55018 · Goodhue County, MN $1,650$2,250
- 55018 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,650$2,250
- 55018 · Rice County, MN $1,650$2,250
- 55026 · Goodhue County, MN $1,760$2,420
- 55027 · Goodhue County, MN $1,310$1,800
- 55027 · Wabasha County, MN $1,310$1,800
- 55066 · Goodhue County, MN $1,210$1,670
- 55089 · Goodhue County, MN $1,730$2,360
- 55089 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,730$2,360
- 55946 · Goodhue County, MN $1,270$1,770
- 55946 · Rice County, MN $1,270$1,770
- 55946 · Rochester, MN $1,270$1,770
- 55946 · Steele County, MN $1,270$1,770
- 55963 · Goodhue County, MN $1,270$1,770
- 55963 · Rochester, MN $1,270$1,770
- 55983 · Goodhue County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 55992 · Goodhue 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 Goodhue 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.
4,179 households rent in Goodhue County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Goodhue 50%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Goodhue County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Goodhue 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)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
919 homes in all; 863 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Jordan Towers/Scattered Public housing 433 W 4th St, Red Wing 55066 119 low-income homes · Run by Hra of Red Wing, Minnesota · Average payment: $535 a month · Average wait: 15 months · Homes at several sites · (651) 388-7571
- Jordan Tower II HUD-assisted 440 W 5th St, Red Wing 55066 104 homes, 102 low-income · For older adults · (612) 388-7571
- Maple Hills Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 521 Maple St, Red Wing 55066 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2009 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Maple Hills Apartments HUD-assisted 521A Maple St, Red Wing 55066 96 low-income homes · For families · (651) 388-2821
- Eagle Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 582 Tyler Rd S, Red Wing 55066 48 homes, 47 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Zumbrota Towers HUD-assisted 93 E 4th St, Zumbrota 55992 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (507) 732-5151
- Trailside Acres (fka Halter Acres I - II) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Red Wing 55066 48 homes, 44 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities
- Freeborn Manor HUD-assisted 224 Hoffman St W, Cannon Falls 55009 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (507) 263-4716
- Lake City Apartments HUD-assisted 1109 N High St, Lake City 55041 40 low-income homes · For families · (651) 345-5470
- Park Street Apartments HUD-assisted 321 Park St W, Cannon Falls 55009 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (507) 263-4773
- Fox Meadows HUD-assisted 600 N Main St, Pine Island 55963 32 low-income homes · For families · (507) 356-8979
- Cooperidge/Wapasa Apartments HUD-assisted 201 E 7th St, Red Wing 55066 28 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (651) 388-1500
- Cannon Falls Congregate (stonehouse) Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Minnesota St W, Cannon Falls 55009 32 homes, 24 low-income · In service since 1996
- Cannon Valley Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cannon Falls 55009 24 low-income homes · In service since 1990
- Jefferson Heights Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Zumbrota 55992 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
- Pheasant Run Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Red Wing 55066 20 homes, 19 low-income · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1995
- Riverside Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1120 N Oak St, Lake City 55041 18 low-income homes · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 1998
- Bridge Run Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cannon Falls 55009 18 homes, 17 low-income · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2012
- Trailside Acres HUD-assisted 223 Sargent Dr, Red Wing 55066 43 homes, 5 low-income · (651) 388-4747
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 Goodhue 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 Goodhue 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 | $24,000 | $39,950 | $63,950 |
| 2 people | $27,400 | $45,650 | $73,050 |
| 3 people | $30,850 | $51,350 | $82,200 |
| 4 people | $34,250 | $57,050 | $91,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,650 | $98,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $66,200 | $105,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,750 | $113,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $75,350 | $120,550 |
Area median income: $114,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Goodhue County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $734 – $898
- 1 bedroom $869 – $1,063
- 2 bedrooms $1,055 – $1,289
- 3 bedrooms $1,452 – $1,774
- 4 bedrooms $1,763 – $2,155
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 of Red Wing, Minnesota Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 169 vouchers · 119 public housing units (651) 388-7571
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 Goodhue County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Goodhue County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Three Rivers Community Action, Inc.
1414 Northstar Dr, Zumbrota · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Homebuyer education workshops
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Goodhue 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 Goodhue 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
$2,344
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,172
- Security deposit
- $1,172
- Total
- $2,344
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 Goodhue County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $816; 1 bedroom: $966; 2 bedrooms: $1,172; 3 bedrooms: $1,613; 4 bedrooms: $1,959. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Goodhue 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 Goodhue County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $57,050 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 Goodhue 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 Goodhue County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 55983 to $1,760 in 55026. 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 Goodhue County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Goodhue 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 Goodhue County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Goodhue County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).