Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Isanti County, Minnesota
Isanti 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 $1,273 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
- $1,273
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as 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
- 4% more than in Minnesota
Only here
Renting in Isanti County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Mille Lacs County has the lowest typical rent ($903), 29% below the $1,273 in Isanti County.
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Isanti County has the 9th highest homeownership rate of the 87 counties in Minnesota (84%).
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 Isanti 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 Isanti County was $1,452 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 | $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 5 ZIP codes in Isanti County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 55040 to $2,230 in 55017. 1 ZIP code is 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)
| 55008 | $1,160 | $1,310 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,330 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55017 | $1,620 | $1,830 | $2,230 | $2,950 | $3,300 |
| 55029 | $1,160 | $1,310 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,330 |
| 55040 | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 55080 | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,070 | $2,340 |
- 55008 $1,590$2,080
- 55017 $2,230$2,950
- 55029 $1,590$2,080
- 55040 $1,540$2,040
- 55080 $1,540$2,070
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 Isanti 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.
2,655 households rent in Isanti County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Isanti 50%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Isanti County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Isanti 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)
- 6
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 2
399 homes in all; 398 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Cambridge Town Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 345 11th Ave SE, Cambridge 55008 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2015 · For families
- ASHLAND PLACE / Dellwood South HUD-assisted 222 Ashland St N, Cambridge 55008 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (763) 689-5323
- Bridge Park Apartments Public housing 121 Fern St S, Cambridge 55008 45 low-income homes · Run by Cambridge Economic Development Authority · Average payment: $423 a month · (763) 552-3278
- Braham Meadows HUD-assisted 106 5th St NW, Braham 55006 42 low-income homes · For families · (320) 396-0136
- Park Manor Public housing 409 Central Dr W, Braham 55006 32 low-income homes · Run by HRA of BRAHAM, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $432 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (320) 396-3580
- Tower Terrace Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cambridge 55008 32 homes, 31 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1995
- Legacy Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cambridge 55008 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2007
- Normandy Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Cambridge 55008 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2010 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Main Street Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 312 Main St N, Cambridge 55008 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2018
- Heritage Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) South Fern ST - 17th Ave SW, Cambridge 55008 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2013 · For people experiencing homelessness
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 Isanti 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 Isanti County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
- Cambridge Economic Development Authority Public housing · 45 public housing units (763) 552-3278 Cambridge Economic Development Authority: dbarrett@ci.cambridge.mn.us
- HRA of BRAHAM, MINNESOTA Public housing · 32 public housing units (320) 396-3580 HRA of BRAHAM, MINNESOTA: ed@bhaparkmanorapts.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 Isanti County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Navicore Solutions-Roseville, MN
1700 Highway 36 W Ste 510, Roseville · 39 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
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Build Wealth Minnesota, Inc
2121 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis · 39 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Cambodian and French.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Isanti County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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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 Isanti 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 Isanti 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 Isanti 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 Isanti 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 Isanti 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 Isanti County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 55040 to $2,230 in 55017. 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 Isanti County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Isanti 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 Isanti County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Isanti County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).