Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Ashland County, Wisconsin
Ashland County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $721 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 19% less than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $721
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 34% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 37%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 15% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Ashland County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Ashland County has the 6th lowest typical rent of the 72 counties in Wisconsin ($721).
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13% of households in Ashland County have no internet at home, against 7% in Wisconsin.
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 Ashland 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 | $770 | $14.81 | $30,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $775 | $14.90 | $31,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,404 | $27.00 | $56,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,543 | $29.67 | $61,720 |
HUD area: Ashland County, WI. 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 Ashland County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 54514 to $1,070 in 54861. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
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)
| 54514 | Ashland County, WI | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54514 | Iron County, WI | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 54514 | Price County, WI | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 54517 | Ashland County, WI | $790 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,460 |
| 54517 | Bayfield County, WI | $790 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,460 |
| 54517 | Sawyer County, WI | $790 | $800 | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,460 |
| 54527 | Ashland County, WI | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,550 |
| 54546 | Ashland County, WI | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,550 |
| 54546 | Iron County, WI | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,550 |
| 54806 | Ashland County, WI | $800 | $810 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,590 |
| 54806 | Bayfield County, WI | $800 | $810 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,590 |
| 54846 | Ashland County, WI | $790 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,440 | $1,580 |
| 54850 | Ashland County, WI | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,550 |
| 54855 | Ashland County, WI | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,550 |
| 54861 | Ashland County, WI | $800 | $810 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,590 |
- 54514 · Ashland County, WI $1,010$1,370
- 54514 · Iron County, WI $1,010$1,370
- 54514 · Price County, WI $1,010$1,370
- 54517 · Ashland County, WI $1,050$1,350
- 54517 · Bayfield County, WI $1,050$1,350
- 54517 · Sawyer County, WI $1,050$1,350
- 54527 · Ashland County, WI $1,010$1,410
- 54546 · Ashland County, WI $1,010$1,410
- 54546 · Iron County, WI $1,010$1,410
- 54806 · Ashland County, WI $1,070$1,460
- 54806 · Bayfield County, WI $1,070$1,460
- 54846 · Ashland County, WI $1,040$1,440
- 54850 · Ashland County, WI $1,010$1,410
- 54855 · Ashland County, WI $1,010$1,410
- 54861 · Ashland County, WI $1,070$1,460
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 Ashland County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, 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.
1,815 households rent in Ashland County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 63%
Compared with the state and the country
- Ashland 37%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Ashland County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Ashland 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
- 5
- public housing
- 3
441 homes in all; 401 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- High Rise/Scattered Sites Public housing 319 Chapple Ave, Ashland 54806 139 homes, 137 low-income · Run by Ashland Housing Authority · Average payment: $469 a month · Average wait: 26 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 682-7066
- Mellen Housing HUD-assisted 631 Crestview Ln, Mellen 54546 42 low-income homes · For families · (715) 634-2040
- Ashland Co Public housing 237 E Main St, Butternut 54514 40 low-income homes · Run by Ashland County Housing Authority · Average payment: $408 a month · Homes at several sites · (715) 274-8311
- Ashland Arms HUD-assisted 716 4th St W, Ashland 54806 37 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 682-7066
- Bay Terrace Public housing 600 4th St W, Ashland 54806 30 low-income homes · Run by Ashland Housing Authority · Average payment: $479 a month · Average wait: 40 months · (715) 682-7066
- Daniel Kimball Villa HUD-assisted 517 6th St W, Ashland 54806 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
- Pinewood I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1515 Beaser Ave, Ashland 54806 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1994
- Hillside Village HUD-assisted 562 Madison ST, Glidden 54527 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 833-8788
- Robert Holmes Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 522 Chapple Ave, Ashland 54806 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1999
- Bay Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 409 Vaughn Ave, Ashland 54806 11 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 682-7066
- Chequamegon Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 N 5th St, Butternut 54514 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1994
- Bad River Homes I Tax credit (LIHTC) 53875 Circle DR, Odanah 54861 24 homes, 5 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2010
- Bad River Homes II Tax credit (LIHTC) 73270 & 73262 W Denomie ST, Odanah 54861 24 homes, 5 low-income · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 11 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2015
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 Ashland County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Ashland 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 | $20,200 | $33,600 | $53,800 |
| 2 people | $23,050 | $38,400 | $61,450 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,200 | $69,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,000 | $76,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,850 | $82,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,700 | $89,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,550 | $95,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $63,400 | $101,400 |
Area median income: $87,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Ashland County, WI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $693 – $847
- 1 bedroom $698 – $853
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,264 – $1,544
- 4 bedrooms $1,389 – $1,697
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
- Ashland Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 65 vouchers · 167 public housing units (715) 682-7066 Ashland Housing Authority: cityaha@cityofashlandhousing.org
- Ashland County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 71 vouchers · 40 public housing units (715) 274-8311 Ashland County Housing Authority: dlutz@ashlandcoha.org
Housing agencies in Wisconsin Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Wisconsin
What Wisconsin 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
- Wis. Stat. §704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(2)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 5 days
- Wis. Stat. §704.17
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 28 days
- Wis. Stat. §704.19(3)
- Only a court order can remove youWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(7)
- Protection from retaliationWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(5)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Ashland County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Wisconsin Native Loan Fund
14284 State Highway 70 W, Lac Du Flambeau · 57 miles away
- Workshops for new owners
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 1 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Ashland 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 Wisconsin, the average home bill was $111 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
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
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 Ashland County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $770; 1 bedroom: $775; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,404; 4 bedrooms: $1,543. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Ashland County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ashland County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,000 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 Ashland 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 $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ashland County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 54514 to $1,070 in 54861. 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 Ashland County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Ashland 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 Ashland County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ashland County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).