Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Mower County, Minnesota
Mower County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,080 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 $20.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,080
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 28% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $927
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 28% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $20.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% 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 Mower 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 Mower County was $1,161 a month in September 2026: 9% more than 12 months ago. 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 | $752 | $14.46 | $30,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $826 | $15.88 | $33,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,080 | $20.77 | $43,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,440 | $27.69 | $57,600 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,445 | $27.79 | $57,800 |
HUD area: Mower 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 22 ZIP codes in Mower County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 55909 to $1,500 in 55967. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,080).
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)
| 55909 | Mower County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55912 | Freeborn County, MN | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,470 | $1,480 |
| 55912 | Mower County, MN | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,470 | $1,480 |
| 55918 | Mower County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
| 55926 | Mower County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
| 55933 | Mower County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
| 55936 | Mower County, MN | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,390 | $1,390 |
| 55950 | Mower County, MN | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,470 | $1,480 |
| 55951 | Fillmore County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,360 |
| 55951 | Mower County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,360 |
| 55953 | Freeborn County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
| 55953 | Mower County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
| 55961 | Fillmore County, MN | $810 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,490 | $1,570 |
| 55961 | Mower County, MN | $810 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,490 | $1,570 |
| 55967 | Fillmore County, MN | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,010 |
| 55967 | Mower County, MN | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,010 |
| 55970 | Mower County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
| 55973 | Mower County, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,430 | $1,830 | $2,130 |
| 55973 | Rochester, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,430 | $1,830 | $2,130 |
| 55977 | Mower County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,370 |
| 55982 | Mower County, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,770 | $2,130 |
| 55982 | Rochester, MN | $1,010 | $1,080 | $1,270 | $1,770 | $2,130 |
- 55909 · Mower County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55912 · Freeborn County, MN $1,100$1,470
- 55912 · Mower County, MN $1,100$1,470
- 55918 · Mower County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55926 · Mower County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55933 · Mower County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55936 · Mower County, MN $1,040$1,390
- 55950 · Mower County, MN $1,100$1,470
- 55951 · Fillmore County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55951 · Mower County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55953 · Freeborn County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55953 · Mower County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55961 · Fillmore County, MN $1,100$1,490
- 55961 · Mower County, MN $1,100$1,490
- 55967 · Fillmore County, MN $1,500$2,000
- 55967 · Mower County, MN $1,500$2,000
- 55970 · Mower County, MN $1,010$1,360
- 55973 · Mower County, MN $1,430$1,830
- 55973 · Rochester, MN $1,430$1,830
- 55977 · Mower County, MN $1,010$1,370
- 55982 · Mower County, MN $1,270$1,770
- 55982 · Rochester, MN $1,270$1,770
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 Mower County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,524 households rent in Mower County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Mower 44%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Mower County
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Mower 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
- 4
879 homes in all; 789 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Twin Towers Public housing 200 1st Ave NE, Austin 55912 205 low-income homes · Run by Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Austin · Average payment: $357 a month · Average wait: 60 months · Homes at several sites · (507) 433-1866
- Pickett Place Public housing 808 1st Dr NW, Austin 55912 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Austin · Average payment: $476 a month · Average wait: 33 months · (507) 433-1866
- Mandolin Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Austin 55912 72 homes, 71 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 39 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 1994
- Bremerton Townhomes HUD-assisted 300 27th St SW, Austin 55912 60 low-income homes · For families · (507) 437-6501
- Meadows West (fka Bremerton) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Austin 55912 60 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Scattered Sites Public housing 1210 4th Ave SE, Austin 55912 56 low-income homes · Run by Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Austin · Average payment: $586 a month · Average wait: 35 months · Homes at several sites · (507) 433-1866
- Murphys Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Austin 55912 88 homes, 38 low-income · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 54 · In service since 2002
- Fox Pointe Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 23rd Ave NW, Austin 55912 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2019 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- MOWER CO HRA (Lyle/Rose Creek/Brownsdale) HUD-assisted 403 W Main St, Brownsdale 55918 38 low-income homes · For older adults · (507) 437-9527
- GRANDVIEW /Riverside Apts. /Mower Co HUD-assisted 205 Grand Ave W, Grand Meadow 55936 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (507) 434-5556
- Mower County Public housing 310 NW Lincoln St, Adams 55909 28 low-income homes · Run by Mower County Hra · Average payment: $516 a month · Average wait: 2 months · Homes at several sites · (507) 434-5558
- Prairie Sky HUD-assisted 1701 8th St NW, Austin 55912 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (507) 433-8446
- Whittier Place Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Austin 55912 32 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 1999
- ST. Marks Apartments HUD-assisted 1401 4th St SW, Austin 55912 48 homes, 18 low-income · For older adults · (507) 434-7260
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 Mower 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 Mower 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: $97,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Mower County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $677 – $827
- 1 bedroom $743 – $909
- 2 bedrooms $972 – $1,188
- 3 bedrooms $1,296 – $1,584
- 4 bedrooms $1,301 – $1,590
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
- Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Austin Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 195 vouchers · 361 public housing units (507) 433-1866 Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Austin: taggert@austinhra.org
- Mower County Hra Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 44 vouchers · 28 public housing units (507) 434-5558 Mower County Hra: shannon.elkin.hra@outlook.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 Mower County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Three Rivers Community Action, Inc.
1414 Northstar Dr, Zumbrota · 44 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Homebuyer education workshops
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Mower 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 Mower 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
$2,160
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,080
- Security deposit
- $1,080
- Total
- $2,160
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 Mower County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $752; 1 bedroom: $826; 2 bedrooms: $1,080; 3 bedrooms: $1,440; 4 bedrooms: $1,445. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Mower County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,080) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.77 an hour full time, or $43,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Mower 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 Mower 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 $972 and $1,188 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Mower County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 55909 to $1,500 in 55967. 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 Mower County?
HUD lists 14 properties with homes for low-income households in Mower 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 Mower County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Mower County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).