Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Barron County, Wisconsin
Barron 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 $879 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
- 18% less than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $879
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 19% less than in Wisconsin
- 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
- 2% more than in Wisconsin
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 Barron 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 | $747 | $14.37 | $29,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $785 | $15.10 | $31,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,027 | $19.75 | $41,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,324 | $25.46 | $52,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,700 | $32.69 | $68,000 |
HUD area: Barron 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 18 ZIP codes in Barron County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 54004 to $1,130 in 54829. 7 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)
| 54004 | Barron County, WI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,610 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54004 | Polk County, WI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,610 |
| 54728 | Barron County, WI | $770 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,370 | $1,730 |
| 54728 | Dunn County, WI | $770 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,370 | $1,730 |
| 54728 | Rusk County, WI | $770 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,370 | $1,730 |
| 54733 | Barron County, WI | $740 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,690 |
| 54762 | Barron County, WI | $740 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,690 |
| 54762 | Dunn County, WI | $740 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,690 |
| 54805 | Barron County, WI | $740 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,690 |
| 54812 | Barron County, WI | $740 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,690 |
| 54822 | Barron County, WI | $820 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,460 | $1,870 |
| 54829 | Barron County, WI | $820 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,460 | $1,860 |
| 54829 | Polk County, WI | $820 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,460 | $1,860 |
| 54841 | Barron County, WI | $760 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,340 | $1,720 |
| 54857 | Barron County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,250 | $1,480 |
| 54868 | Barron County, WI | $740 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,690 |
| 54868 | Rusk County, WI | $740 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,690 |
| 54868 | Washburn County, WI | $740 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,690 |
- 54004 · Barron County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54004 · Polk County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54728 · Barron County, WI $1,060$1,370
- 54728 · Dunn County, WI $1,060$1,370
- 54728 · Rusk County, WI $1,060$1,370
- 54733 · Barron County, WI $1,010$1,320
- 54762 · Barron County, WI $1,010$1,320
- 54762 · Dunn County, WI $1,010$1,320
- 54805 · Barron County, WI $1,010$1,320
- 54812 · Barron County, WI $1,020$1,310
- 54822 · Barron County, WI $1,130$1,460
- 54829 · Barron County, WI $1,130$1,460
- 54829 · Polk County, WI $1,130$1,460
- 54841 · Barron County, WI $1,040$1,340
- 54857 · Barron County, WI $1,010$1,250
- 54868 · Barron County, WI $1,010$1,320
- 54868 · Rusk County, WI $1,010$1,320
- 54868 · Washburn County, WI $1,010$1,320
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 Barron County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,516 households rent in Barron County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Barron 45%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Barron County
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Barron 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)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 12
- public housing
- 4
815 homes in all; 712 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Riverside Arms Public housing 423 Hatten Ave, Rice Lake 54868 129 homes, 126 low-income · Run by Rice Lake Housing Authority · Average payment: $392 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (715) 234-3721
- Barron County Housing HUD-assisted 404 Garfield St S, Barron 54812 70 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 537-5989
- Red Cedar Village HUD-assisted 23 E Eau Claire St, Rice Lake 54868 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 234-3721
- Barron Co. Family Housing HUD-assisted 1202 W Center St, Chetek 54728 40 low-income homes · For families · (715) 834-3411
- Island City Apartments HUD-assisted 1080 3rd Ave, Cumberland 54829 40 low-income homes · For families · (715) 822-4238
- Lone Oak Manor Public housing 801 W Stout St, Chetek 54728 30 low-income homes · Run by Chetek Housing Authority · Average payment: $408 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (715) 537-5344
- Park Lawn Apts Public housing 123 E Franklin Ave, Barron 54812 30 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Barron · Average payment: $410 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (715) 537-5344
- Woodland Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 N Wisconsin Ave, Rice Lake 54868 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1992
- Lakeview Apts Public housing 1295 6th Ave, Cumberland 54829 27 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland · Average payment: $455 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (715) 822-2005
- Camelot Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 3000 Galahad Ln, Rice Lake 54868 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Garden View Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 760 8th Ave, Cumberland 54829 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2002
- Sunrise Meadow Tax credit (LIHTC) 215 E Olson Ave, Barron 54812 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1999
- Whitetail Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 911 Whitetail St, Rice Lake 54868 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Whitetail Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 1005 Whitetail St, Rice Lake 54868 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Whitetail Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 805 Whitetail St, Rice Lake 54868 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 1999
- Cameron Apts HUD-assisted 1116 W Main St, Cameron 54822 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 834-2691
- Lakeland Manor HUD-assisted 301 Becker St, Turtle Lake 54889 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 986-4181
- Parkview Apartments HUD-assisted 210 Portland Ave W, Almena 54805 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 357-3013
- Grand View Apts - Chetek Tax credit (LIHTC) 1010 13th St, Chetek 54728 24 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Sunrise Meadow II Tax credit (LIHTC) 155 E Olson Ave, Barron 54812 24 homes, 9 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2007
- The Oaks on Maria HUD-assisted 2961 Decker Dr, Rice Lake 54868 67 homes, 8 low-income · (262) 399-5443
- Franklin School Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1011 S Main St, Rice Lake 54868 20 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2016
- Blue Valley Apartments HUD-assisted 1310 N Wisconsin Ave, Rice Lake 54868 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (888) 636-2366
- Joseph J. Vinopal Villa HUD-assisted 105 Ashland Ave W, Almena 54805 8 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
- Scott Terrace HUD-assisted 124 Parker St W, Prairie Farm 54762 8 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 537-5344
- Barc Lane Apts HUD-assisted 651 9th St, Chetek 54728 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
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 Barron County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 5 agencies serve in Barron 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)
| 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: $87,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Barron County, WI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $672 – $822
- 1 bedroom $707 – $864
- 2 bedrooms $924 – $1,130
- 3 bedrooms $1,192 – $1,456
- 4 bedrooms $1,530 – $1,870
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
- Barron County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 238 vouchers (715) 537-5344 Barron County Housing Authority: director@barroncountyha.com
- Rice Lake Housing Authority Public housing · 126 public housing units (715) 234-3721 Rice Lake Housing Authority: rlphad@chibardun.net
- Housing Authority of the City of Barron Public housing · 30 public housing units (715) 537-5344 Housing Authority of the City of Barron: director@barroncountyha.com
- Chetek Housing Authority Public housing · 30 public housing units (715) 537-5344 Chetek Housing Authority: director@barroncountyha.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland Public housing · 27 public housing units (715) 822-2005 Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland: lisa.janssen@hacumberland.com
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 Barron County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Inc
1 Better Way, Eau Claire · 49 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in American Sign Language (ASL) and Hmong.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Barron 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
$2,054
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 Barron County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $747; 1 bedroom: $785; 2 bedrooms: $1,027; 3 bedrooms: $1,324; 4 bedrooms: $1,700. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Barron 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 Barron 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 Barron 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 Barron County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 54004 to $1,130 in 54829. 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 Barron County?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Barron 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 Barron County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Barron County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).