Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Wadena County, Minnesota
Wadena County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,059 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $746 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.37 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,059
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 30% less than in Minnesota
- Typical rent
- $746
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 42% less than in Minnesota
- Wage needed
- $20.37
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $42,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 37%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 24% less than in Minnesota
Only here
Renting in Wadena County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Wadena County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $746, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Cass County ($863).
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At $61,467, Wadena County ranks 5th among the 87 counties in Minnesota for the lowest typical household income.
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12% of households in Wadena County have no internet at home, against 6% in Minnesota.
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 Wadena 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 | $737 | $14.17 | $29,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $836 | $16.08 | $33,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,059 | $20.37 | $42,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,302 | $25.04 | $52,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,392 | $26.77 | $55,680 |
HUD area: Wadena 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 15 ZIP codes in Wadena County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56481 to $1,110 in 56477. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,059).
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)
| 56464 | Becker County, MN | $750 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,370 | $1,510 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56464 | Cass County, MN | $750 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,370 | $1,510 |
| 56464 | Hubbard County, MN | $750 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,370 | $1,510 |
| 56464 | Otter Tail County, MN | $750 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,370 | $1,510 |
| 56464 | Wadena County, MN | $750 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,370 | $1,510 |
| 56477 | Becker County, MN | $770 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
| 56477 | Cass County, MN | $770 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
| 56477 | Otter Tail County, MN | $770 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
| 56477 | Wadena County, MN | $770 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,480 |
| 56481 | Cass County, MN | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,470 |
| 56481 | Todd County, MN | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,470 |
| 56481 | Wadena County, MN | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,470 |
| 56482 | Otter Tail County, MN | $710 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,400 |
| 56482 | Todd County, MN | $710 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,400 |
| 56482 | Wadena County, MN | $710 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,400 |
- 56464 · Becker County, MN $1,070$1,370
- 56464 · Cass County, MN $1,070$1,370
- 56464 · Hubbard County, MN $1,070$1,370
- 56464 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,070$1,370
- 56464 · Wadena County, MN $1,070$1,370
- 56477 · Becker County, MN $1,110$1,390
- 56477 · Cass County, MN $1,110$1,390
- 56477 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,110$1,390
- 56477 · Wadena County, MN $1,110$1,390
- 56481 · Cass County, MN $1,010$1,250
- 56481 · Todd County, MN $1,010$1,250
- 56481 · Wadena County, MN $1,010$1,250
- 56482 · Otter Tail County, MN $1,020$1,280
- 56482 · Todd County, MN $1,020$1,280
- 56482 · Wadena County, MN $1,020$1,280
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 Wadena County, 37% 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.
37%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,607 households rent in Wadena County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 63%
Compared with the state and the country
- Wadena 37%
- Minnesota 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Wadena County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Wadena 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
- 4
- public housing
- 1
294 homes in all; 291 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Wadena Hra Public housing 300 2nd St SE, Wadena 56482 61 low-income homes · Run by HRA of WADENA, MINNESOTA · Average payment: $397 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (218) 631-7723
- Humphrey Manor East HUD-assisted 311 3rd St SE, Wadena 56482 59 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 631-7723
- Greenwood Apartments HUD-assisted 700C 2nd St NW, Wadena 56482 48 low-income homes · For families · (218) 631-2575
- Pine Villa Apartments HUD-assisted 323 1st St NE, Menahga 56464 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (218) 631-3776
- Wadena Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Wadena 56482 24 low-income homes · In service since 1995
- Frontier Townhomes HUD-assisted 1403 3rd St NE, Staples 56479 20 low-income homes · For families · (218) 751-6881
- Blueberry Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Menahga 56464 18 homes, 17 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2012
- Meadow Run Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Menahga 56464 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1996
- Staples Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Airview Dr, Staples 56479 12 homes, 11 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Pine Crest Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1702 8th St NE, Staples 56479 10 homes, 9 low-income · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2000
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 Wadena 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 Wadena 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 | $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: $88,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Wadena County, MN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $663 – $811
- 1 bedroom $752 – $920
- 2 bedrooms $953 – $1,165
- 3 bedrooms $1,172 – $1,432
- 4 bedrooms $1,253 – $1,531
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 WADENA, MINNESOTA Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 117 vouchers · 61 public housing units (218) 631-7723 HRA of WADENA, MINNESOTA: tammy@wadenahra.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 Wadena County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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White Earth Investment Initiative
103 Graystone Plz, Detroit Lakes · 44 miles away
- Home improvement and repairs
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Wadena 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 Wadena 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
$2,118
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,059
- Security deposit
- $1,059
- Total
- $2,118
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 Wadena County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $737; 1 bedroom: $836; 2 bedrooms: $1,059; 3 bedrooms: $1,302; 4 bedrooms: $1,392. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Wadena County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,059) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.37 an hour full time, or $42,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Wadena 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 Wadena 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 $953 and $1,165 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Wadena County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 56481 to $1,110 in 56477. 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 Wadena County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Wadena 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 Wadena County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wadena County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Minnesota, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).