Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Dodge County, Wisconsin
Dodge County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,100 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $988 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.15 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,100
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 12% less than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $988
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 9% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $21.15
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,000 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 35%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 20% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Dodge County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Green Lake County has the lowest typical rent ($818), 17% below the $988 in Dodge County.
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 Dodge 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 Dodge County was $1,234 a month in September 2026: 8.2% 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 | $787 | $15.13 | $31,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $880 | $16.92 | $35,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,100 | $21.15 | $44,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,458 | $28.04 | $58,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,464 | $28.15 | $58,560 |
HUD area: Dodge 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 24 ZIP codes in Dodge County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 53032 to $1,370 in 53003. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,100).
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)
| 53003 | Dodge County, WI | $990 | $1,110 | $1,370 | $1,810 | $1,850 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53006 | Dodge County, WI | $900 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,670 | $1,720 |
| 53006 | Fond du Lac, WI | $900 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,670 | $1,720 |
| 53016 | Dodge County, WI | $740 | $830 | $1,040 | $1,380 | $1,380 |
| 53032 | Dodge County, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
| 53034 | Dodge County, WI | $740 | $830 | $1,040 | $1,380 | $1,380 |
| 53035 | Dodge County, WI | $890 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,640 | $1,680 |
| 53039 | Dodge County, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
| 53047 | Dodge County, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
| 53048 | Dodge County, WI | $890 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,640 | $1,650 |
| 53048 | Fond du Lac, WI | $890 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,640 | $1,650 |
| 53050 | Dodge County, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
| 53059 | Dodge County, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
| 53078 | Dodge County, WI | $840 | $940 | $1,180 | $1,560 | $1,570 |
| 53091 | Dodge County, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53091 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53098 | Dodge County, WI | $890 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,660 | $1,660 |
| 53098 | Jefferson County, WI | $890 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,660 | $1,660 |
| 53099 | Dodge County, WI | $890 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,640 | $1,680 |
| 53557 | Dodge County, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,380 |
| 53579 | Dodge County, WI | $770 | $860 | $1,070 | $1,420 | $1,420 |
| 53916 | Dodge County, WI | $840 | $940 | $1,170 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 53922 | Dodge County, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,360 |
| 53933 | Dodge County, WI | $960 | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,780 | $1,780 |
- 53003 · Dodge County, WI $1,370$1,810
- 53006 · Dodge County, WI $1,270$1,670
- 53006 · Fond du Lac, WI $1,270$1,670
- 53016 · Dodge County, WI $1,040$1,380
- 53032 · Dodge County, WI $1,010$1,350
- 53034 · Dodge County, WI $1,040$1,380
- 53035 · Dodge County, WI $1,240$1,640
- 53039 · Dodge County, WI $1,010$1,350
- 53047 · Dodge County, WI $1,010$1,350
- 53048 · Dodge County, WI $1,240$1,640
- 53048 · Fond du Lac, WI $1,240$1,640
- 53050 · Dodge County, WI $1,010$1,350
- 53059 · Dodge County, WI $1,010$1,350
- 53078 · Dodge County, WI $1,180$1,560
- 53091 · Dodge County, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53091 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53098 · Dodge County, WI $1,250$1,660
- 53098 · Jefferson County, WI $1,250$1,660
- 53099 · Dodge County, WI $1,240$1,640
- 53557 · Dodge County, WI $1,010$1,350
- 53579 · Dodge County, WI $1,070$1,420
- 53916 · Dodge County, WI $1,170$1,550
- 53922 · Dodge County, WI $1,010$1,350
- 53933 · Dodge County, WI $1,340$1,780
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 Dodge County, 35% 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.
35%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,298 households rent in Dodge County
- Spend half or more of their income 13%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 65%
Compared with the state and the country
- Dodge 35%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Dodge County
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Dodge County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 9
1,151 homes in all; 871 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bay Shore Apartments HUD-assisted 116 Lakecrest Dr, Beaver Dam 53916 112 low-income homes · For families · (920) 887-1701
- Mueller Apartments HUD-assisted 1121 Highland Ave, Watertown 53098 101 low-income homes · For older adults · (920) 262-0001
- The Landings Tax credit (LIHTC) 951 Wilcox St, Waupun 53963 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1996
- Campbell Court Apartments HUD-assisted 148 Judson Dr, Beaver Dam 53916 57 homes, 56 low-income · For older adults · (920) 885-6913
- Highland Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 117 Homestead Ln, Watertown 53098 49 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 2001
- Harris Court HUD-assisted 100 S Harris Ave, Waupun 53963 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (920) 386-2866
- West View Apts HUD-assisted 916 W Brown St, Waupun 53963 48 homes, 47 low-income · For families · (920) 324-3203
- Mayville Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 1439 Dayton St, Mayville 53050 43 homes, 42 low-income · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1992
- Spring Glen Apts HUD-assisted 1118 Horicon St, Mayville 53050 40 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (920) 383-3732
- Stoneridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 127 Knaup Dr, Beaver Dam 53916 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 1997
- Highland Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1408 Memorial Dr, Watertown 53098 49 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Shoe Factory Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 913 N Spring St, Beaver Dam 53916 50 homes, 37 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2000
- Lincoln School Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 W Brown St, Waupun 53963 45 homes, 36 low-income · 2 bd: 45 · In service since 1992
- Keystone Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 121 Knaup Dr, Beaver Dam 53916 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1997
- Clark Gardens HUD-assisted 411 N Clark St, Mayville 53050 27 homes, 26 low-income · For families · (920) 387-9881
- Greenview HUD-assisted 388 Holland Dr, Randolph 53956 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (920) 326-5100
- Parkside Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 291 S Mountin Dr, Mayville 53050 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Horicon Heights HUD-assisted 605 Minerva St, Horicon 53032 18 homes, 17 low-income · For families · (920) 485-4074
- Fox Lake Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 113 Forest St, Fox Lake 53933 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 1993
- Valley Crest Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Seippel Blvd, Beaver Dam 53916 144 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 66 · 2 bd: 63 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2007
- Madison Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 215 Madison St, Beaver Dam 53916 62 homes, 6 low-income · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 29 · In service since 2010
- Beaver Dam Lake Historic Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 Madison St, Beaver Dam 53916 34 homes, 3 low-income · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2011
- Oak Grove Redevelopment Tax credit (LIHTC) 905 Division St, Horicon 53032 24 homes, 3 low-income · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2012
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 Dodge 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 Dodge 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)
-
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 | $21,350 | $35,600 | $56,950 |
| 2 people | $24,400 | $40,700 | $65,100 |
| 3 people | $27,450 | $45,800 | $73,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,950 | $87,900 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,000 | $94,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,100 | $100,900 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,150 | $107,400 |
Area median income: $101,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Dodge County, WI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $708 – $866
- 1 bedroom $792 – $968
- 2 bedrooms $990 – $1,210
- 3 bedrooms $1,312 – $1,604
- 4 bedrooms $1,318 – $1,610
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
- Dodge County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 157 vouchers (920) 386-2866 Dodge County Housing Authority: info@dodgehousing.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 Dodge County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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CCCS of Sheboygan
139 N. Main St. Suite 101, West Bend · 26 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
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CCCS of Sheboygan
17 Forest Avenue, Suite 016, Fond Du Lac · 27 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
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Jefferson County at Home
874 Collins Rd, Jefferson · 31 miles away
- Home improvement and repairs
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Dodge 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
$2,200
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,100
- Security deposit
- $1,100
- Total
- $2,200
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 Dodge County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $787; 1 bedroom: $880; 2 bedrooms: $1,100; 3 bedrooms: $1,458; 4 bedrooms: $1,464. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Dodge County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,100) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.15 an hour full time, or $44,000 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Dodge County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,850 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 Dodge 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 $990 and $1,210 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Dodge County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 53032 to $1,370 in 53003. 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 Dodge County?
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Dodge County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Dodge County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Dodge County, 35% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).