Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Nicollet County, Minnesota
Nicollet County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,230 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $970 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.65 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,230
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $970
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 24% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $23.65
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 16% 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 Nicollet 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 Nicollet County was $1,133 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 | $1,016 | $19.54 | $40,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,023 | $19.67 | $40,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,230 | $23.65 | $49,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,703 | $32.75 | $68,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,744 | $33.54 | $69,760 |
HUD area: Mankato, MN MSA. 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 7 ZIP codes in Nicollet County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 56054 to $1,120 in 56082. No ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,230).
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)
| 56003 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $890 | $1,070 | $1,480 | $1,730 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56021 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,070 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56054 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56054 | Sibley County, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56074 | Mankato, MN | $880 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,730 |
| 56082 | Le Sueur County, MN | $920 | $930 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,730 |
| 56082 | Mankato, MN | $920 | $930 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,730 |
- 56003 · Mankato, MN $1,070$1,480
- 56021 · Mankato, MN $1,070$1,470
- 56054 · Mankato, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56054 · Sibley County, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56074 · Mankato, MN $1,060$1,470
- 56082 · Le Sueur County, MN $1,120$1,550
- 56082 · Mankato, MN $1,120$1,550
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 Nicollet County, 40% 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.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,613 households rent in Nicollet County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- Nicollet 40%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Nicollet County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Nicollet 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 2
565 homes in all; 501 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Colony Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, North Mankato 56003 120 homes, 97 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 100 · In service since 2000
- North Mankato Hra Public housing 615 Nicollet Ave, North Mankato 56003 76 homes, 73 low-income · Run by North Mankato Housing and Redevelopment Autho · Average payment: $388 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (507) 388-3202
- Sunrise Meadow HUD-assisted 1435A Sunrise Dr, Saint Peter 56082 63 low-income homes · For families · (507) 931-6594
- Park View Apartments Public housing 1010 S 4th St, St Peter 56082 71 homes, 62 low-income · Run by HRA of ST. PETER, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $446 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (507) 931-2236
- Central Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 S Washington Ave, Saint Peter 56082 55 homes, 42 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Fairview Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Saint Peter 56082 48 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2000
- Park Row Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Saint Peter 56082 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2014 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Vista View Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 Vista View Dr, Saint Peter 56082 32 homes, 31 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2016 · For older adults, families
- Solae Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2005 Sunrise Dr, St Peter 56082 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2018 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Maplewood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1320 N 5th St, Saint Peter 56082 30 homes, 26 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2016 · 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 Nicollet 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 Nicollet 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 | $22,400 | $37,300 | $59,650 |
| 2 people | $25,600 | $42,600 | $68,200 |
| 3 people | $28,800 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,250 | $85,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,550 | $92,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,800 | $98,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,050 | $105,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,300 | $112,500 |
Area median income: $106,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Mankato, MN MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $914 – $1,118
- 1 bedroom $921 – $1,125
- 2 bedrooms $1,107 – $1,353
- 3 bedrooms $1,533 – $1,873
- 4 bedrooms $1,570 – $1,918
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
- North Mankato Housing and Redevelopment Autho Public housing · 73 public housing units (507) 388-3202 North Mankato Housing and Redevelopment Autho: joleen@smrrental.com
- HRA of ST. PETER, MINNESOTA Public housing · 62 public housing units (507) 931-2236 HRA of ST. PETER, MINNESOTA: michellec@saintpetermn.gov
- South Central Multi County Hra Section 8 vouchers (507) 345-1977 South Central Multi County Hra: scmmchra@scmmchra.org
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 Nicollet County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
710 South 2nd Street, Mankato · 18 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
-
Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership Mankato Branch
140 Homestead Rd, Mankato · 19 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
-
Scott County Community Development Agency
100 5th Ave E, Shakopee · 46 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Nicollet 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 Nicollet 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
$2,460
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,230
- Security deposit
- $1,230
- Total
- $2,460
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 Nicollet County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,016; 1 bedroom: $1,023; 2 bedrooms: $1,230; 3 bedrooms: $1,703; 4 bedrooms: $1,744. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Nicollet County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,230) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.65 an hour full time, or $49,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Nicollet County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,250 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 Nicollet 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 $1,107 and $1,353 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Nicollet County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 56054 to $1,120 in 56082. 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 Nicollet County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Nicollet 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 Nicollet County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Nicollet County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).