Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Stevens County, Minnesota
Stevens County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,027 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $951 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.75 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,027
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 32% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $951
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 26% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $19.75
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in Minnesota
Only here
Renting in Stevens County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Stevens County has the highest typical rent in its area: $951, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Douglas County ($927).
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Stevens County has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 87 counties in Minnesota (63%).
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 Stevens 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 | $715 | $13.75 | $28,600 |
| 1 bedroom | $785 | $15.10 | $31,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,027 | $19.75 | $41,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,422 | $27.35 | $56,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,717 | $33.02 | $68,680 |
HUD area: Stevens 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 11 ZIP codes in Stevens County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56207 to $1,230 in 56235. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,027).
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)
| 56207 | Stevens County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,690 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56207 | Swift County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,690 |
| 56221 | Big Stone County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,670 |
| 56221 | Stevens County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,670 |
| 56221 | Traverse County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,670 |
| 56235 | Grant County, MN | $860 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,700 | $2,060 |
| 56235 | Stevens County, MN | $860 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,700 | $2,060 |
| 56244 | Pope County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,630 |
| 56244 | Stevens County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,630 |
| 56244 | Swift County, MN | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,630 |
| 56267 | Stevens County, MN | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,740 |
- 56207 · Stevens County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56207 · Swift County, MN $1,010$1,410
- 56221 · Big Stone County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 56221 · Stevens County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 56221 · Traverse County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 56235 · Grant County, MN $1,230$1,700
- 56235 · Stevens County, MN $1,230$1,700
- 56244 · Pope County, MN $1,010$1,380
- 56244 · Stevens County, MN $1,010$1,380
- 56244 · Swift County, MN $1,010$1,380
- 56267 · Stevens County, MN $1,040$1,440
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 Stevens County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,424 households rent in Stevens County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Stevens 45%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Stevens County
HUD lists 4 properties with homes for low-income households in Stevens 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)
- 2
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 1
186 homes in all; 176 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Natures Edge Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Sunnyslope Rd, Morris 56267 88 homes, 80 low-income · For families · (320) 589-4661
- Grandview Apartments Public housing 100 S Columbia Ave, Morris 56267 60 homes, 59 low-income · Run by Stevens County Hra · Average payment: $332 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (320) 208-6559
- Crystal Lake Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 113 S Atlantic Ave, Morris 56267 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1998
- Wildwood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 707 Iowa Ave, Morris 56267 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 4 · 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 Stevens 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 Stevens 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
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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 | $21,100 | $35,150 | $56,250 |
| 2 people | $24,100 | $40,200 | $64,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $45,200 | $72,300 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,200 | $80,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,250 | $86,750 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,250 | $93,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,250 | $99,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,300 | $106,000 |
Area median income: $100,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Stevens County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $644 – $787
- 1 bedroom $707 – $864
- 2 bedrooms $924 – $1,130
- 3 bedrooms $1,280 – $1,564
- 4 bedrooms $1,545 – $1,889
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
- Stevens County Hra Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 212 vouchers · 59 public housing units (320) 208-6559 Stevens County Hra: jessicakirwin@co.stevens.mn.us
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 Stevens County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
1601 Hwy 12 E, Willmar · 57 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 1 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Stevens County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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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 Stevens 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
$2,054
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,027
- Security deposit
- $1,027
- Total
- $2,054
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 Stevens County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $715; 1 bedroom: $785; 2 bedrooms: $1,027; 3 bedrooms: $1,422; 4 bedrooms: $1,717. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Stevens County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,027) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.75 an hour full time, or $41,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Stevens County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,200 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 Stevens 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 $924 and $1,130 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Stevens County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56207 to $1,230 in 56235. 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 Stevens County?
HUD lists 4 properties with homes for low-income households in Stevens 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 Stevens County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Stevens County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).