Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Washington County, Minnesota

Washington County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,734 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,710 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $33.35 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here

A man and two girls read a book together on the sofa.

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,734; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 15% more than in Minnesota
Typical rent: $1,710; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 34% more than in Minnesota
Wage needed: $33.35; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $69,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 51%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 6% more than in Minnesota

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Washington County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Of the 87 counties in Minnesota, Washington County has the highest typical rent: $1,710.
Washington County has the 3rd highest typical household income of the 87 counties in Minnesota ($115,345).
Washington County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,710, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Dakota County ($1,548).

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 Washington 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 Washington County was $2,000 a month in September 2026: 3.8% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,265	$24.33	$50,600
1 bedroom	$1,427	$27.44	$57,080
2 bedrooms	$1,734	$33.35	$69,360
3 bedrooms	$2,264	$43.54	$90,560
4 bedrooms	$2,538	$48.81	$101,520

HUD area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 16 ZIP codes in Washington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 55055 to $2,600 in 55047. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,734).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code and size, Fiscal year 2027. HUD area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.

55001	$1,290	$1,460	$1,770	$2,320	$2,600
55003	$1,170	$1,330	$1,610	$2,100	$2,360
55016	$1,520	$1,710	$2,080	$2,720	$3,040
55038	$1,560	$1,760	$2,140	$2,790	$3,130
55042	$1,320	$1,490	$1,810	$2,370	$2,660
55043	$1,370	$1,550	$1,880	$2,450	$2,750
55047	$1,900	$2,140	$2,600	$3,390	$3,810
55055	$1,120	$1,270	$1,540	$2,040	$2,280
55071	$1,790	$2,020	$2,450	$3,200	$3,590
55073	$1,120	$1,270	$1,540	$2,040	$2,280
55082	$1,240	$1,400	$1,700	$2,220	$2,490
55090	$1,510	$1,700	$2,070	$2,700	$3,030
55115	$1,510	$1,700	$2,070	$2,700	$3,030
55125	$1,620	$1,830	$2,220	$2,900	$3,250
55128	$1,290	$1,460	$1,770	$2,310	$2,590
55129	$1,690	$1,900	$2,310	$3,020	$3,380

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
55001 $1,770$2,320
55003 $1,610$2,100
55016 $2,080$2,720
55038 $2,140$2,790
55042 $1,810$2,370
55043 $1,880$2,450
55047 $2,600$3,390
55055 $1,540$2,040
55071 $2,450$3,200
55073 $1,540$2,040
55082 $1,700$2,220
55090 $2,070$2,700
55115 $2,070$2,700
55125 $2,220$2,900
55128 $1,770$2,310
55129 $2,310$3,020

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 Washington County, 51% 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.

51%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

19,752 households rent in Washington County

Spend half or more of their income 25%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
Spend less than 30% 49%

Compared with the state and the country

Washington 51%
Minnesota 48%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Washington County

with tax credits (LIHTC): 40
HUD-assisted: 19
public housing: 2

3,554 homes in all; 3,242 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Legends of Woodbury Tax credit (LIHTC) 570 Settlers Ridge Pkwy, Woodbury 55129 216 low-income homes · 1 bd: 67 · 2 bd: 97 · 3 bd: 52 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
Legends of Cottage Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 6999 E Point Douglas Rd S, Cottage Grove 55016 184 low-income homes · 1 bd: 70 · 2 bd: 78 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
Century North Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4131 Geneva Ave N, Oakdale 55128 177 low-income homes · 1 bd: 70 · 2 bd: 107 · In service since 2016 · For families · (651) 777-6010
Geneva Village Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Oakdale 55128 175 homes, 131 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 110 · 2 bd: 63 · In service since 1998
Raymie Johnson Estates HUD-assisted 14830 58th St N, Oak Park Heights 55082 120 low-income homes · For older adults · (651) 439-0858
Cottages of Aspen Tax credit (LIHTC) 1745 Granada Ave N, Oakdale 55128 114 homes, 113 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 94 · In service since 2008
Rivertown Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 212 2nd St N, Stillwater 55082 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 90 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2008 · For older adults · (651) 439-9535
Orleans Homes One (fka Cottages of Stillwater I) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Stillwater 55082 124 homes, 93 low-income · 1 bd: 71 · 2 bd: 53 · In service since 2007
Kilkenny Court Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1440 4th St SE, Forest Lake 55025 92 homes, 91 low-income · 1 bd: 83 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2008 · For older adults · (651) 464-7300
Vadnais Highlands and Lincoln Place HUD-assisted 850 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi 55115 83 low-income homes · For families · (612) 371-0766
Piccadilly Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 70 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi 55115 79 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
Red Rock Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1421 10th Ave, Newport 55055 78 low-income homes · 1 bd: 76 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (651) 459-2786
Green Twig Villas II Tax credit (LIHTC) 13912 Lower 59th St N, Oak Park Heights 55082 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2019
Curve Crest Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2225 Orleans St W, Stillwater 55082 90 homes, 69 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families
Granada Lakes Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3915 Granada Way N, Oakdale 55128 68 low-income homes · 3 bd: 68 · In service since 2010 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
The Groves Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 7752 Hemingway Ave S, Cottage Grove 55016 68 low-income homes · 3 bd: 68 · In service since 2014 · For families
Green Twig Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 13865 Upper 58th St N, Stillwater 55082 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 27 · In service since 2016 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
East Shore Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 805 Wildwood Rd, Mahtomedi 55115 61 low-income homes · 1 bd: 61 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (651) 770-7964
Charter Oak Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Stillwater 55082 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 19 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2012 · For people experiencing homelessness
Charter Oak Townhomes HUD-assisted 1120 Curve Crest Blvd W, Stillwater 55082 60 low-income homes · For families · (651) 430-1031
Briarcliff of Mahtomedi Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 East Ave, Mahtomedi 55115 70 homes, 56 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 1997
Eastwood Village of Oakdale Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Oakdale 55128 52 homes, 51 low-income · In service since 1996
Woodmount Townhouses HUD-assisted 8801 90th St S, Cottage Grove 55016 50 low-income homes · For families · (651) 459-6748
Birchwood Townhomes HUD-assisted 14830 62nd St N, Stillwater 55082 51 homes, 49 low-income · For families · (651) 439-7827
Oak Terrace HUD-assisted 1171 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale 55128 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (651) 730-6440
Gentry Place HUD-assisted 1303 Gentry Ave N, Oakdale 55128 48 low-income homes · For families · (651) 730-5815
Lincoln Place Aka Diamond Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Mahtomedi 55115 48 homes, 46 low-income · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2004 · For families
Headwaters Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 20041 Fitzgerald Trl N, Forest Lake 55025 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2020 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
Views at City Walk Tax credit (LIHTC) 375 Lake View Dr, Woodbury 55129 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2013 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
Glen at Valley Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 7995 Afton Rd, Woodbury 55125 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
Red Rock Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Red Rock Rd, Newport 55055 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2017 · For families
Westridge Townhomes HUD-assisted 816 12th St SW, Forest Lake 55025 42 low-income homes · For families · (651) 464-2399
Sienna Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Woodbury 55129 41 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2008
Whispering Pines Public housing 7 5th Ave NE, Forest Lake 55025 42 homes, 40 low-income · Run by Washington County Cda · Average payment: $360 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (651) 458-0936
Victoria Villa HUD-assisted 1451 Greeley St S, Stillwater 55082 40 low-income homes · For families · (651) 351-0457
Cypress Senior Living at Red Oak Preserve Tax credit (LIHTC) 4994 Hamlet Ave N, Oakdale 55128 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, people experiencing homelessness
Forest Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Forest Lake 55025 38 homes, 37 low-income · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
Bluestem Apartments HUD-assisted 7601 79th St S, Cottage Grove 55016 52 homes, 36 low-income · For families
Forest Oak Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 19838 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake 55025 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2016 · For families
Pondview Townhomes (fka Tamarack Village Homes) Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Woodbury 55125 40 homes, 35 low-income · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For families
Ashwood Ponds Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 6725 Ashwood Rd, Woodbury 55125 36 homes, 35 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1996 · For families
Forest Oak Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 19830 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake 55025 36 homes, 35 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2012 · For families
Cottages of Stillwater Tax credit (LIHTC) 2204 Cottage Dr, Stillwater 55082 56 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 49 · In service since 1991
Lake Side TH Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Woodbury 55129 36 homes, 32 low-income · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2001
West View Apartments HUD-assisted 658 12th St SW, Forest Lake 55025 32 low-income homes · For families · (651) 225-1913
Waterford Townhouses HUD-assisted 1561 Hallmark Cir, Oakdale 55128 31 low-income homes · For families · (651) 739-4269
Woodland Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 951 Woodland Dr, Mahtomedi 55115 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 1998
Long Lake Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2725 Saddle Ct, Stillwater 55082 50 homes, 29 low-income · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2001 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
The Arbors at Red Oak Preserve Tax credit (LIHTC) 50th Ave N and Iinterstate 694, Oakdale 55128 29 low-income homes · In service since 2009
HILLCREST APTS aka ASI Stillwater, Inc HUD-assisted 1370 Curve Crest Blvd W, Stillwater 55082 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (651) 645-7271
ST Croix Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1620-A Orleans Street, Stillwater 55082 20 low-income homes · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
Eastwood Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) Multiple Building Addresses, Oakdale 55128 26 homes, 17 low-income · In service since 1997
Oakdale Terrace Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1247 Gentry Ave N, Oakdale 55128 17 low-income homes · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 1997
Prairie Village Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 4th Street Se, Blooming Prairie 55090 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2001
Scattered Site Public housing 441 Lake View Alcove, Woodbury 55129 76 homes, 9 low-income · Run by Washington County Cda · Homes at several sites · (651) 458-0936
Red Rock Square II HUD-assisted 175 Red Rock Xing, Newport 55055 51 homes, 7 low-income · (612) 314-7659

5 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Washington 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 Washington 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$27,650	$46,050	$73,650
2 people	$31,600	$52,600	$84,200
3 people	$35,550	$59,200	$94,700
4 people	$39,450	$65,750	$105,200
5 people	$42,650	$71,050	$113,650
6 people	$45,800	$76,300	$122,050
7 people	$50,040	$81,550	$130,450
8 people	$55,720	$86,800	$138,900

Area median income: $131,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,139 – $1,392
1 bedroom $1,284 – $1,570
2 bedrooms $1,561 – $1,907
3 bedrooms $2,038 – $2,490
4 bedrooms $2,284 – $2,792

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

Washington County Cda Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 284 vouchers · 116 public housing units (651) 458-0936 Washington County Cda: MelissaT@washingtoncountycda.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 rule

Compare 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 Washington County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Washington County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

WC
Washington County Community Development Agency

7645 Currell Blvd, Woodbury
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
(651) 202-2822

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Washington 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

See every agency in Minnesota Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Washington 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Washington County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,734. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,468

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,734
Security deposit: $1,734
Total: $3,468

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Washington County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,265; 1 bedroom: $1,427; 2 bedrooms: $1,734; 3 bedrooms: $2,264; 4 bedrooms: $2,538. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Washington County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,734) without spending more than 30% of income takes $33.35 an hour full time, or $69,360 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Washington County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $65,750 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 Washington 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 $1,561 and $1,907 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Washington County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 55055 to $2,600 in 55047. 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 Washington County?

HUD lists 56 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington 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 Washington County?

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Washington County, Minnesota

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Washington County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Washington County

The Section 8 voucher in Washington County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Minnesota

Where to get help with rent in Washington County

Rental assistance programs

Renter's Credit

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Washington County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Washington County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Washington County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Washington County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Washington County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Washington County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Washington County?