Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Crawford County, Wisconsin
Crawford 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 $789 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
- $789
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 27% 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
- 32%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 27% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Crawford County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 32%, Crawford County ranks 5th among the 72 counties in Wisconsin for the smallest share of rent-burdened renters.
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12% of households in Crawford 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 Crawford 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 | $732 | $14.08 | $29,280 |
| 1 bedroom | $931 | $17.90 | $37,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,208 | $23.23 | $48,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,340 | $25.77 | $53,600 |
HUD area: Crawford 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 13 ZIP codes in Crawford County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 53826 to $1,050 in 54631. 4 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)
| 53821 | Crawford County, WI | $750 | $950 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,440 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53821 | Grant County, WI | $750 | $950 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,440 |
| 53826 | Crawford County, WI | $730 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
| 54626 | Crawford County, WI | $730 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
| 54628 | Crawford County, WI | $730 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,360 |
| 54628 | Vernon County, WI | $730 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,360 |
| 54631 | Crawford County, WI | $760 | $960 | $1,050 | $1,250 | $1,390 |
| 54645 | Crawford County, WI | $730 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
| 54654 | Crawford County, WI | $740 | $940 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,360 |
| 54655 | Crawford County, WI | $730 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,360 |
| 54655 | Richland County, WI | $730 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,360 |
| 54655 | Vernon County, WI | $730 | $920 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,360 |
| 54657 | Crawford County, WI | $730 | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,350 |
- 53821 · Crawford County, WI $1,040$1,240
- 53821 · Grant County, WI $1,040$1,240
- 53826 · Crawford County, WI $1,010$1,210
- 54626 · Crawford County, WI $1,010$1,210
- 54628 · Crawford County, WI $1,010$1,210
- 54628 · Vernon County, WI $1,010$1,210
- 54631 · Crawford County, WI $1,050$1,250
- 54645 · Crawford County, WI $1,010$1,210
- 54654 · Crawford County, WI $1,030$1,230
- 54655 · Crawford County, WI $1,010$1,210
- 54655 · Richland County, WI $1,010$1,210
- 54655 · Vernon County, WI $1,010$1,210
- 54657 · Crawford County, WI $1,010$1,210
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 Crawford County, 32% 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.
32%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,532 households rent in Crawford County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 16%
- Spend less than 30% 68%
Compared with the state and the country
- Crawford 32%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Crawford County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Crawford 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
- 3
- public housing
- 1
271 homes in all; 262 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Rivercrest Villages HUD-assisted 1007 E Wisconsin St, Prairie Du Chien 53821 101 low-income homes · For families · (608) 836-1152
- Blackhawk Apts Public housing 695 E Blackhawk Ave, Prairie Du Chien 53821 40 homes, 39 low-income · Run by Prairie du Chien Housing Authority · Average payment: $364 a month · (608) 326-8323
- Lawler School Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie Du Chien 53821 40 homes, 32 low-income · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2018
- Winneshiek Manor/Hillview HUD-assisted 255 E Main St, Wauzeka 53826 22 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 326-0234
- Prairie Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1605 E Wells St, Prairie Du Chien 53821 18 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1994
- Golden Acres HUD-assisted 100 Sunset Ave, Soldiers Grove 54655 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 637-7283
- Terrace Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 135 N Steiner Ter, Prairie Du Chien 53821 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · In service since 1992
- Northland Eastman Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 107 Sheridon Rd, Eastman 54626 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1994
- Northland Gays Mills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 319 S Rebecca St, Gays Mills 54631 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1992
- Northland Soldiers Grove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) New Well RD, Soldiers Grove 54655 8 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1991
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 Crawford 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 Crawford 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
-
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: $84,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Crawford County, WI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $659 – $805
- 1 bedroom $838 – $1,024
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,087 – $1,329
- 4 bedrooms $1,206 – $1,474
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
- Prairie du Chien Housing Authority Public housing · 39 public housing units (608) 326-8323 Prairie du Chien Housing Authority: pdchousingauthority@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 Crawford County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Couleecap Inc.
201 Melby St, Westby · 29 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Hmong.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Catholic Charities - La Crosse, Inc.
3710 East Ave S, La Crosse · 39 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
CCCS of Sheboygan
505 King Street, Suite 212, La Crosse · 42 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Crawford 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 Crawford County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $732; 1 bedroom: $931; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,208; 4 bedrooms: $1,340. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Crawford 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 Crawford 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 Crawford 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 Crawford County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 53826 to $1,050 in 54631. 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 Crawford County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Crawford 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 Crawford County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Crawford County, 32% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).