Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Otter Tail County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,071 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $868 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.60 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,071
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 29% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $868
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 32% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $20.60
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $42,840 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
Only here
Renting in Otter Tail County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Wilkin County, the typical rent is $564: 35% less than in Otter Tail County ($868).
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 Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County was $981 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 | $746 | $14.35 | $29,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $819 | $15.75 | $32,760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,071 | $20.60 | $42,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,476 | $28.38 | $59,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,489 | $28.63 | $59,560 |
HUD area: Otter Tail 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 27 ZIP codes in Otter Tail County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56324 to $1,510 in 56528. 15 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,071).
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)
| 56324 | Grant County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,470 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56324 | Otter Tail County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,470 |
| 56361 | Douglas County, MN | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,430 |
| 56361 | Otter Tail County, MN | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,430 |
| 56453 | Otter Tail County, MN | $810 | $840 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,660 |
| 56453 | Todd County, MN | $810 | $840 | $1,090 | $1,440 | $1,660 |
| 56515 | Otter Tail County, MN | $840 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,650 | $1,670 |
| 56518 | Otter Tail County, MN | $730 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,460 |
| 56524 | Otter Tail County, MN | $860 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,700 | $1,710 |
| 56527 | Otter Tail County, MN | $730 | $800 | $1,030 | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| 56528 | Otter Tail County, MN | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $2,080 | $2,100 |
| 56533 | Otter Tail County, MN | $800 | $890 | $1,160 | $1,600 | $1,690 |
| 56534 | Otter Tail County, MN | $740 | $820 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,580 |
| 56537 | Grant County, MN | $760 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,500 | $1,520 |
| 56537 | Otter Tail County, MN | $760 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,500 | $1,520 |
| 56551 | Otter Tail County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,420 |
| 56567 | Otter Tail County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,420 |
| 56571 | Otter Tail County, MN | $790 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,570 | $1,590 |
| 56572 | Becker County, MN | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,510 | $1,530 |
| 56572 | Fargo, ND-MN | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,510 | $1,530 |
| 56572 | Otter Tail County, MN | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,510 | $1,530 |
| 56572 | Wilkin County, MN | $770 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,510 | $1,530 |
| 56573 | Otter Tail County, MN | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,430 | $1,450 |
| 56576 | Otter Tail County, MN | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,430 | $1,450 |
| 56586 | Otter Tail County, MN | $800 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,580 | $1,600 |
| 56587 | Otter Tail County, MN | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,420 | $1,430 |
| 56588 | Otter Tail County, MN | $760 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,490 | $1,500 |
- 56324 · Grant County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56324 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56361 · Douglas County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56361 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56453 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,090$1,440
- 56453 · Todd County, MN $1,090$1,440
- 56515 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,200$1,650
- 56518 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,050$1,450
- 56524 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,230$1,700
- 56527 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,030$1,400
- 56528 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,510$2,080
- 56533 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,160$1,600
- 56534 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,080$1,500
- 56537 · Grant County, MN $1,090$1,500
- 56537 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,090$1,500
- 56551 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56567 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56571 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,140$1,570
- 56572 · Becker County, MN $1,100$1,510
- 56572 · Fargo, ND-MN $1,100$1,510
- 56572 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,100$1,510
- 56572 · Wilkin County, MN $1,100$1,510
- 56573 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,040$1,430
- 56576 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,040$1,430
- 56586 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,150$1,580
- 56587 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,030$1,420
- 56588 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,070$1,490
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 Otter Tail 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.
5,161 households rent in Otter Tail County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Otter Tail 43%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Otter Tail County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Otter Tail 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
- 10
- public housing
- 4
677 homes in all; 671 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- River Bend Apartments HUD-assisted 222 N Whitford St, Fergus Falls 56537 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 736-2557
- Riverview Heights Highrise Public housing 205 N Sheridan St, Fergus Falls 56537 68 homes, 67 low-income · Run by HRA of FERGUS FALLS, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $425 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (218) 739-3249
- Mill Pond View Apartments HUD-assisted 101 E Mill Ave, Pelican Rapids 56572 66 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 863-5085
- Cardinal Homes HUD-assisted 1016 Springen Ave, Fergus Falls 56537 61 low-income homes · For families · (218) 739-9506
- Augustana Apartments HUD-assisted 308 S Mill St, Fergus Falls 56537 41 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 739-9506
- Pelican Rapids Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Pelican Rapids 56572 40 homes, 39 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 1998
- ST. James Manor HUD-assisted 415 8th Ave SW, Perham 56573 38 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 347-1854
- Cascade Apartments HUD-assisted 1325 S Cascade St, Fergus Falls 56537 36 low-income homes · For families · (218) 736-6560
- Perham Hra Public housing 211 2nd Ave SE, Perham 56573 35 low-income homes · Run by HRA of PERHAM, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $390 a month · Average wait: 38 months · (218) 346-4582
- Kaleva Apartments HUD-assisted 205 Walker Ave N, New York Mills 56567 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 385-3273
- The Meadows Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 920 Coney St W, Perham 56573 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- HERITAGE MANOR -- (New York Mills, MN) HUD-assisted 105 Edgewood St, New York Mills 56567 21 homes, 20 low-income · For older adults · (218) 385-2005
- Clement Manor Public housing 500 Holden Ave, Henning 56551 20 low-income homes · Run by Hra of Henning, Minnesota · Average payment: $329 a month · (218) 583-2781
- Timber Place Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Fergus Falls 56537 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1997
- Ridgecrest Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Pelican Rapids 56572 16 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Family Housing Public housing 104 Smith Ave, New York Mills 56567 13 low-income homes · Run by Otter Tail County Hra · Average payment: $713 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (218) 998-8050
- Deer Creek Manor I HUD-assisted 305 North Ave E, Deer Creek 56527 12 low-income homes · For families · (218) 547-3307
- Finlandia Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 107 Edgewood St, New York Mills 56567 10 low-income homes · In service since 1991
- Kaddatz Artist Lofts Limited Partnership Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls 56537 10 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2004
- Deer Creek Manor II HUD-assisted 305 North Ave E, Deer Creek 56527 8 low-income homes · For families · (612) 546-4153
- Summerplace Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Wendy Woods Ln, New York Mills 56567 8 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1995
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 Otter Tail County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Otter Tail 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
-
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 | $20,950 | $34,900 | $55,850 |
| 2 people | $23,950 | $39,900 | $63,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,900 | $71,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,850 | $79,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,850 | $86,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,850 | $92,550 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $61,850 | $98,900 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $65,850 | $105,300 |
Area median income: $99,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Otter Tail County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $671 – $821
- 1 bedroom $737 – $901
- 2 bedrooms $964 – $1,178
- 3 bedrooms $1,328 – $1,624
- 4 bedrooms $1,340 – $1,638
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 FERGUS FALLS, MINNESOTA Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 234 vouchers · 67 public housing units (218) 739-3249 HRA of FERGUS FALLS, MINNESOTA: ffhra@fergusfallshra.com
- Otter Tail County Hra Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 144 vouchers · 13 public housing units (218) 998-8050 Otter Tail County Hra: abaldwin@ottertailcounty.gov
- HRA of PERHAM, MINNESOTA Public housing · 35 public housing units (218) 346-4582 HRA of PERHAM, MINNESOTA: jsmith@cityofperham.com
- Hra of Henning, Minnesota Public housing · 20 public housing units (218) 583-2781 Hra of Henning, Minnesota: hraofhenning@gmail.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 Otter Tail County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
White Earth Investment Initiative
103 Graystone Plz, Detroit Lakes · 29 miles away
- Home improvement and repairs
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail 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
$2,142
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,071
- Security deposit
- $1,071
- Total
- $2,142
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 Otter Tail County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $746; 1 bedroom: $819; 2 bedrooms: $1,071; 3 bedrooms: $1,476; 4 bedrooms: $1,489. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Otter Tail County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,071) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.60 an hour full time, or $42,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Otter Tail County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,850 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 Otter Tail 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 $964 and $1,178 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Otter Tail County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56324 to $1,510 in 56528. 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 Otter Tail County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Otter Tail County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).