Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Pine County, Minnesota
Pine County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,096 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $877 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.08 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,096
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 27% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $877
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 31% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $21.08
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% 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 Pine 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 | $832 | $16.00 | $33,280 |
| 1 bedroom | $838 | $16.12 | $33,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,096 | $21.08 | $43,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,306 | $25.12 | $52,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,496 | $28.77 | $59,840 |
HUD area: Pine 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 19 ZIP codes in Pine County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 55063 to $1,280 in 55783. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,096).
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)
| 55030 | Kanabec County, MN | $800 | $910 | $1,090 | $1,410 | $1,560 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55030 | Pine County, MN | $800 | $910 | $1,090 | $1,410 | $1,560 |
| 55036 | Pine County, MN | $840 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,310 | $1,500 |
| 55037 | Kanabec County, MN | $860 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,360 | $1,550 |
| 55037 | Pine County, MN | $860 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,360 | $1,550 |
| 55063 | Pine County, MN | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,390 |
| 55072 | Aitkin County, MN | $920 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $1,660 |
| 55072 | Kanabec County, MN | $920 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $1,660 |
| 55072 | Pine County, MN | $920 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $1,660 |
| 55704 | Pine County, MN | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,390 |
| 55712 | Pine County, MN | $850 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,340 | $1,530 |
| 55735 | Aitkin County, MN | $940 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,540 | $1,720 |
| 55735 | Pine County, MN | $940 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,540 | $1,720 |
| 55756 | Duluth, MN-WI | $870 | $910 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55756 | Pine County, MN | $870 | $910 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55783 | Aitkin County, MN | $970 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55783 | Duluth, MN-WI | $970 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55783 | Pine County, MN | $970 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 55795 | Pine County, MN | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,390 |
- 55030 · Kanabec County, MN $1,090$1,410
- 55030 · Pine County, MN $1,090$1,410
- 55036 · Pine County, MN $1,100$1,310
- 55037 · Kanabec County, MN $1,140$1,360
- 55037 · Pine County, MN $1,140$1,360
- 55063 · Pine County, MN $1,010$1,210
- 55072 · Aitkin County, MN $1,220$1,450
- 55072 · Kanabec County, MN $1,220$1,450
- 55072 · Pine County, MN $1,220$1,450
- 55704 · Pine County, MN $1,010$1,210
- 55712 · Pine County, MN $1,120$1,340
- 55735 · Aitkin County, MN $1,240$1,540
- 55735 · Pine County, MN $1,240$1,540
- 55756 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,170$1,530
- 55756 · Pine County, MN $1,170$1,530
- 55783 · Aitkin County, MN $1,280$1,530
- 55783 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,280$1,530
- 55783 · Pine County, MN $1,280$1,530
- 55795 · Pine County, MN $1,010$1,210
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 Pine County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,266 households rent in Pine County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Pine 47%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Pine County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Pine 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
- 6
- public housing
- 1
341 homes in all; 340 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Westchester Village HUD-assisted 525 Westchester Dr NE, Pine City 55063 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (320) 629-7161
- Sandy Pines Apartments HUD-assisted 709 Old Military Rd S, Sandstone 55072 42 low-income homes · For families · (320) 245-2353
- Dunn Square Associates Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Hinckley 55037 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1994
- Hillside Court Public housing 905 7th St SW, Pine City 55063 34 low-income homes · Run by HRA of PINE CITY, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $410 a month · (320) 629-6301
- Pine County Housing HUD-assisted 510 E 5th St, Sandstone 55072 28 low-income homes · For older adults · (320) 245-5140
- Lady Luck Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 510 Mission Creek Cir, Hinckley 55037 28 homes, 27 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2018 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Hinckley Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Hinckley 55037 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993
- Mighty Fortress Manor HUD-assisted 206 Lawler Ave N, Hinckley 55037 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (320) 384-0316
- Halter Pines II Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Hillside Ave SW, Pine City 55063 20 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Sandstone Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 231 Minnesota St, Sandstone 55072 15 low-income homes · In service since 1992
- Kettle River Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Old Military Rd S, Sandstone 55072 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Vossevangen I HUD-assisted 3520 Vossevangenvej, Askov 55704 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (612) 780-9227
- North Court Apartments HUD-assisted 401 Court Ave N, Sandstone 55072 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (320) 245-5362
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 Pine County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Pine 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: $90,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Pine County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $749 – $915
- 1 bedroom $754 – $922
- 2 bedrooms $986 – $1,206
- 3 bedrooms $1,175 – $1,437
- 4 bedrooms $1,346 – $1,646
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 PINE CITY, MINNESOTA Public housing · 34 public housing units (320) 629-6301 HRA of PINE CITY, MINNESOTA: joleen@smrrental.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 Pine County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Action Duluth
2424 W 5th St, Duluth · 55 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
-
One Roof Community Housing
12 E 4th St, Duluth · 57 miles away
- Workshops for new owners
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
-
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
1330 E Superior St, Duluth · 58 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Pine 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 Pine 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
$2,192
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,096
- Security deposit
- $1,096
- Total
- $2,192
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 Pine County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $832; 1 bedroom: $838; 2 bedrooms: $1,096; 3 bedrooms: $1,306; 4 bedrooms: $1,496. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Pine County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,096) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.08 an hour full time, or $43,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Pine 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 Pine 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 $986 and $1,206 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Pine County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 55063 to $1,280 in 55783. 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 Pine County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Pine 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 Pine County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Pine County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).