Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lyon County, Minnesota
Lyon County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $781 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 33% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $781
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 39% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% 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 Lyon 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $767 | $14.75 | $30,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $870 | $16.73 | $34,800 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,404 | $27.00 | $56,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,695 | $32.60 | $67,800 |
HUD area: Lyon 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 Lyon County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56169 to $1,280 in 56115. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
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)
| 56115 | Lyon County, MN | $950 | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56115 | Murray County, MN | $950 | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 56132 | Lyon County, MN | $880 | $1,070 | $1,210 | $1,560 | $1,860 |
| 56132 | Murray County, MN | $880 | $1,070 | $1,210 | $1,560 | $1,860 |
| 56157 | Lyon County, MN | $860 | $980 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 56169 | Lyon County, MN | $770 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 56175 | Lyon County, MN | $760 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,660 |
| 56175 | Murray County, MN | $760 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,660 |
| 56175 | Redwood County, MN | $760 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,660 |
| 56229 | Lyon County, MN | $760 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,680 |
| 56229 | Yellow Medicine County, MN | $760 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,680 |
| 56239 | Lyon County, MN | $840 | $950 | $1,110 | $1,540 | $1,860 |
| 56258 | Lyon County, MN | $780 | $880 | $1,030 | $1,430 | $1,720 |
| 56258 | Redwood County, MN | $780 | $880 | $1,030 | $1,430 | $1,720 |
| 56264 | Lincoln County, MN | $760 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,680 |
| 56264 | Lyon County, MN | $760 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,680 |
| 56264 | Yellow Medicine County, MN | $760 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,680 |
- 56115 · Lyon County, MN $1,280$1,730
- 56115 · Murray County, MN $1,280$1,730
- 56132 · Lyon County, MN $1,210$1,560
- 56132 · Murray County, MN $1,210$1,560
- 56157 · Lyon County, MN $1,140$1,580
- 56169 · Lyon County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56175 · Lyon County, MN $1,010$1,390
- 56175 · Murray County, MN $1,010$1,390
- 56175 · Redwood County, MN $1,010$1,390
- 56229 · Lyon County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 56229 · Yellow Medicine County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 56239 · Lyon County, MN $1,110$1,540
- 56258 · Lyon County, MN $1,030$1,430
- 56258 · Redwood County, MN $1,030$1,430
- 56264 · Lincoln County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 56264 · Lyon County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 56264 · Yellow Medicine County, MN $1,010$1,400
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 Lyon 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.
2,780 households rent in Lyon County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lyon 43%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lyon County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Lyon 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
- 6
- public housing
- 3
614 homes in all; 531 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Parkview Apartments Public housing 202 N 1st St, Marshall 56258 145 low-income homes · Run by Public Housing Commission of the City of Marshall · Average payment: $430 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (507) 537-7083
- Marshall Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 400 Jewett St, Marshall 56258 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · In service since 2005 · For older adults · (507) 532-4029
- Twin Circle Apartments Public housing 760 Morgan St, Tracy 56175 60 homes, 59 low-income · Run by HRA of TRACY, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $391 a month · (507) 629-3160
- Cityside Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Marshall 56258 50 homes, 49 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 38 · In service since 1997
- 092021ni -- RC Square HUD-assisted 1112 Birch St, Marshall 56258 66 homes, 43 low-income · For families · (507) 537-0700
- West Prairie/Scattered Public housing 425 Prairie St W, Cottonwood 56229 40 homes, 39 low-income · Run by Hra of Cottonwood, Minnesota · Average payment: $435 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (507) 423-6495
- RIVER WINDS aka ASI-Marshall HUD-assisted 303 Jewett St, Marshall 56258 25 homes, 24 low-income · For people with disabilities · (507) 532-0995
- West Mar Apartments HUD-assisted 1002 Pearl Ave, Marshall 56258 24 low-income homes · For families · (800) 422-0209
- Paris Park (fka Parkway North) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Marshall 56258 30 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Circle Pine Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 2nd Ave W, Balaton 56115 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 1997
- Lyon County Retirement Home HUD-assisted 200 S 4th St, Marshall 56258 34 homes, 11 low-income · For older adults · (507) 532-4869
- Paris Park Townhomes HUD-assisted 1100 Paris Rd, Marshall 56258 30 homes, 4 low-income · For families
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Lyon County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Lyon 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 | $21,500 | $35,850 | $57,300 |
| 2 people | $24,600 | $40,950 | $65,500 |
| 3 people | $27,650 | $46,050 | $73,700 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,150 | $81,850 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,250 | $88,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,350 | $94,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,450 | $101,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,550 | $108,050 |
Area median income: $102,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lyon County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $690 – $844
- 1 bedroom $783 – $957
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,264 – $1,544
- 4 bedrooms $1,526 – $1,865
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
- Public Housing Commission of the City of Marshall Public housing · 145 public housing units (507) 537-7083 Public Housing Commission of the City of Marshall: director@phcmarshall.com
- HRA of TRACY, MINNESOTA Public housing · 59 public housing units (507) 629-3160 HRA of TRACY, MINNESOTA: tracyhra@iw.net
- Hra of Cottonwood, Minnesota Public housing · 39 public housing units (507) 423-6495 Hra of Cottonwood, Minnesota: cottonwoodhra@frontiernet.net
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 Lyon County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership
2401 Broadway Ave, Slayton · 29 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Lyon 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 Lyon 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
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
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 Lyon County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $767; 1 bedroom: $870; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,404; 4 bedrooms: $1,695. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lyon County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lyon County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,150 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 Lyon 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 $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lyon County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56169 to $1,280 in 56115. 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 Lyon County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Lyon 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 Lyon County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lyon County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).