Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Williams County, North Dakota
Williams County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,388 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,123 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.69 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,388
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 26% more than in North Dakota
- Typical rent
- $1,123
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% more than in North Dakota
- Wage needed
- $26.69
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $55,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 29%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 25% less than in North Dakota
Only here
Renting in Williams County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Williams County has the 2nd highest typical rent of the 51 counties in North Dakota with this figure ($1,123).
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Among the neighboring counties, Burke County has the lowest typical rent ($684), 39% below the $1,123 in Williams County.
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Williams County has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 53 counties in North Dakota (53%).
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 Williams 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 Williams County was $1,290 a month in September 2026: 4.4% less than 12 months ago. 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 | $1,133 | $21.79 | $45,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,232 | $23.69 | $49,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,388 | $26.69 | $55,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,796 | $34.54 | $71,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,824 | $35.08 | $72,960 |
HUD area: Williams County, ND. 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 Williams County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 58849 to $1,750 in 58843. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,388).
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)
| 58755 | Burke County, ND | $1,180 | $1,240 | $1,480 | $1,900 | $2,320 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58755 | Divide County, ND | $1,180 | $1,240 | $1,480 | $1,900 | $2,320 |
| 58755 | Williams County, ND | $1,180 | $1,240 | $1,480 | $1,900 | $2,320 |
| 58801 | Williams County, ND | $1,140 | $1,240 | $1,400 | $1,810 | $1,840 |
| 58830 | Divide County, ND | $1,280 | $1,350 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,370 |
| 58830 | Williams County, ND | $1,280 | $1,350 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,370 |
| 58843 | Williams County, ND | $1,430 | $1,550 | $1,750 | $2,260 | $2,300 |
| 58845 | Divide County, ND | $1,170 | $1,260 | $1,440 | $1,840 | $2,320 |
| 58845 | Williams County, ND | $1,170 | $1,260 | $1,440 | $1,840 | $2,320 |
| 58849 | Williams County, ND | $970 | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,540 | $1,580 |
| 58852 | Mountrail County, ND | $1,050 | $1,140 | $1,290 | $1,670 | $1,700 |
| 58852 | Williams County, ND | $1,050 | $1,140 | $1,290 | $1,670 | $1,700 |
| 58853 | Williams County, ND | $1,170 | $1,230 | $1,480 | $1,920 | $2,190 |
| 58856 | Divide County, ND | $1,230 | $1,300 | $1,530 | $1,920 | $2,320 |
| 58856 | Williams County, ND | $1,230 | $1,300 | $1,530 | $1,920 | $2,320 |
- 58755 · Burke County, ND $1,480$1,900
- 58755 · Divide County, ND $1,480$1,900
- 58755 · Williams County, ND $1,480$1,900
- 58801 · Williams County, ND $1,400$1,810
- 58830 · Divide County, ND $1,600$2,000
- 58830 · Williams County, ND $1,600$2,000
- 58843 · Williams County, ND $1,750$2,260
- 58845 · Divide County, ND $1,440$1,840
- 58845 · Williams County, ND $1,440$1,840
- 58849 · Williams County, ND $1,190$1,540
- 58852 · Mountrail County, ND $1,290$1,670
- 58852 · Williams County, ND $1,290$1,670
- 58853 · Williams County, ND $1,480$1,920
- 58856 · Divide County, ND $1,530$1,920
- 58856 · Williams County, ND $1,530$1,920
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 Williams County, 29% of renter households are in that position; in North Dakota, 39%, 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.
29%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,125 households rent in Williams County
- Spend half or more of their income 7%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 71%
Compared with the state and the country
- Williams 29%
- North Dakota 39%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Williams County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Williams 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
- 5
- public housing
- 1
388 homes in all; 362 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Prairie View HUD-assisted · Public housing 1801 8th Ave W, Williston 58801 128 homes, 126 low-income · For older adults · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Williston · Average payment: $369 a month · Average wait: 18 months · Homes at several sites · (701) 572-2006
- Waters Edge Tax credit (LIHTC) 705 5th St E, Williston 58801 51 homes, 50 low-income · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Legacy at Central Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 612 1st Ave W, Williston 58801 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (701) 271-3207
- Nokota Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 2205 28th St W, Williston 58801 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Williston Senior Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2610 24th Ave W, Williston 58801 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2011 · For older adults · (701) 355-6344
- Brookeland Homes HUD-assisted 607 6th St E, Williston 58801 34 low-income homes · For families · (701) 572-2006
- Williston Senior Apt Homes II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2618 24th Ave W, Williston 58801 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Community Action Partnership HUD-assisted 514 Reclamation Dr, Williston 58801 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Nordic Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 1010 N Welo St, Tioga 58852 22 homes
3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
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 Williams 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 Williams 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 | $23,350 | $38,950 | $62,300 |
| 2 people | $26,700 | $44,500 | $71,200 |
| 3 people | $30,050 | $50,050 | $80,100 |
| 4 people | $33,350 | $55,600 | $88,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $60,050 | $96,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $64,500 | $103,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $68,950 | $110,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $73,400 | $117,450 |
Area median income: $111,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Williams County, ND. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,020 – $1,246
- 1 bedroom $1,109 – $1,355
- 2 bedrooms $1,249 – $1,527
- 3 bedrooms $1,616 – $1,976
- 4 bedrooms $1,642 – $2,006
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
- Housing Authority of the City of Williston Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 136 vouchers · 126 public housing units (701) 572-2006 Housing Authority of the City of Williston: tom.alexander@minothousing.com
Housing agencies in North Dakota Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in North Dakota
What North Dakota 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.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1(1)-(2)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1(3)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- N.D. Cent. Code §47-32-02
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 30 days
- N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07
- Repair and deduct from the rentN.D. Cent. Code §47-16-13
Help
Where to get help with rent in Williams County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Williams County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Williams 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 North Dakota, the average home bill was $118 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
$2,776
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,388
- Security deposit
- $1,388
- Total
- $2,776
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 Williams County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,133; 1 bedroom: $1,232; 2 bedrooms: $1,388; 3 bedrooms: $1,796; 4 bedrooms: $1,824. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Williams County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,388) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.69 an hour full time, or $55,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Williams County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $55,600 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 Williams 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 $1,249 and $1,527 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Williams County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 58849 to $1,750 in 58843. 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 Williams County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Williams 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 Williams County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Williams County, 29% of renter households are in that position; in North Dakota, 39%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).