Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Chippewa County, Wisconsin
Chippewa County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,259 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $963 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.21 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,259
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $963
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 11% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $24.21
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $50,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less 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 Chippewa 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 Chippewa County was $1,286 a month in September 2026: 5.7% more 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 | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,017 | $19.56 | $40,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,259 | $24.21 | $50,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,695 | $32.60 | $67,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,701 | $32.71 | $68,040 |
HUD area: Eau Claire, WI MSA. 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 Chippewa County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 54726 to $1,260 in 54729. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,259).
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)
| 54724 | Dunn County, WI | $870 | $870 | $1,080 | $1,450 | $1,550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54724 | Eau Claire, WI | $870 | $870 | $1,080 | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| 54726 | Eau Claire, WI | $850 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54727 | Eau Claire, WI | $880 | $880 | $1,090 | $1,470 | $1,470 |
| 54729 | Eau Claire, WI | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,700 | $1,700 |
| 54732 | Eau Claire, WI | $890 | $900 | $1,110 | $1,490 | $1,500 |
| 54745 | Eau Claire, WI | $930 | $940 | $1,170 | $1,560 | $1,580 |
| 54745 | Rusk County, WI | $930 | $940 | $1,170 | $1,560 | $1,580 |
| 54748 | Eau Claire, WI | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,240 | $1,670 | $1,680 |
| 54757 | Barron County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,570 |
| 54757 | Dunn County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,570 |
| 54757 | Eau Claire, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,570 |
| 54757 | Rusk County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,570 |
| 54768 | Clark County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54768 | Eau Claire, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54768 | Taylor County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
- 54724 · Dunn County, WI $1,080$1,450
- 54724 · Eau Claire, WI $1,080$1,450
- 54726 · Eau Claire, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54727 · Eau Claire, WI $1,090$1,470
- 54729 · Eau Claire, WI $1,260$1,700
- 54732 · Eau Claire, WI $1,110$1,490
- 54745 · Eau Claire, WI $1,170$1,560
- 54745 · Rusk County, WI $1,170$1,560
- 54748 · Eau Claire, WI $1,240$1,670
- 54757 · Barron County, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54757 · Dunn County, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54757 · Eau Claire, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54757 · Rusk County, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54768 · Clark County, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54768 · Eau Claire, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54768 · Taylor County, WI $1,070$1,430
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 Chippewa County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,013 households rent in Chippewa County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Chippewa 42%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Chippewa County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Chippewa 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)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 1
622 homes in all; 551 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Romeis Millstream Apartments 1 HUD-assisted 607 N High St, Chippewa Falls 54729 108 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 836-1152
- Millstream II HUD-assisted 509 N High St, Chippewa Falls 54729 61 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 836-1152
- Homestead Village Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 320 Colome St, Chippewa Falls 54729 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2002
- Sunset Homes Public housing 124 W 4th Ave, Stanley 54768 50 homes, 44 low-income · Run by Stanley Housing Authority · Average payment: $447 a month · Average wait: 10 months · (715) 644-5755
- Northern Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 6 W Grand Ave, Chippewa Falls 54729 43 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2008 · For older adults · (715) 723-7875
- Bridgewater Apts HUD-assisted 807 Bridgewater Ave, Chippewa Falls 54729 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 834-2691
- The Shoe Factory Tax credit (LIHTC) 36 W River St, Chippewa Falls 54729 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · In service since 1995
- Pumphouse Crossing II Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Pumphouse Rd, Chippewa Falls 54729 48 homes, 28 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1994
- Songbird Tax credit (LIHTC) 635 Dutchman Dr, Chippewa Falls 54729 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1997
- Bloomer Lakeview Apts HUD-assisted 2110 Duncan Rd, Bloomer 54724 22 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 568-2000
- Chippewa Valley Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 605 Ravenswood Ct, Cornell 54732 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1992
- Grace Parkside Apt HUD-assisted 49 E Spring St, Chippewa Falls 54729 18 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 832-1174
- Brookwood Glen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 112 W 9th Ave, Stanley 54768 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1995
- Squire Drive Apartments HUD-assisted 616A Squire Dr, Cornell 54732 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 382-5137
- Sunrise Village HUD-assisted 327 N Spruce St, New Auburn 54757 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 726-7933
- The Landing Apartments Fka. Homestead Family Tax credit (LIHTC) 390 Colome St, Chippewa Falls 54729 40 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2016
- Homestead Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 320 Colome St, Chippewa Falls 54729 24 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2011
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Chippewa 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 Chippewa 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 | $21,300 | $35,500 | $56,750 |
| 2 people | $24,350 | $40,550 | $64,850 |
| 3 people | $27,400 | $45,600 | $72,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,650 | $81,050 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,750 | $87,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,800 | $94,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,850 | $100,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,900 | $107,000 |
Area median income: $101,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Eau Claire, WI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $913 – $1,115
- 1 bedroom $915 – $1,119
- 2 bedrooms $1,133 – $1,385
- 3 bedrooms $1,526 – $1,865
- 4 bedrooms $1,531 – $1,871
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
- Chippewa County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 451 vouchers (715) 726-7933 Chippewa County Housing Authority: jmudgett@chippewacountywi.gov
- Stanley Housing Authority Public housing · 44 public housing units (715) 644-5755 Stanley Housing Authority: stanleyhousing124@gmail.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 Chippewa County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Inc
1 Better Way, Eau Claire · 23 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in American Sign Language (ASL) and Hmong.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 2 more
-
First Nations Community Financial
206 S Roosevelt Rd Ste 123, Black River Falls · 58 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Workshops for new owners
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Chippewa 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
$2,518
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,259
- Security deposit
- $1,259
- Total
- $2,518
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 Chippewa County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,014; 1 bedroom: $1,017; 2 bedrooms: $1,259; 3 bedrooms: $1,695; 4 bedrooms: $1,701. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Chippewa County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,259) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.21 an hour full time, or $50,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Chippewa County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,650 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 Chippewa 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 $1,133 and $1,385 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Chippewa County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 54726 to $1,260 in 54729. 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 Chippewa County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Chippewa 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 Chippewa County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Chippewa County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).