Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Douglas County, Wisconsin
Douglas County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,207 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $909 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.21 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,207
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 4% less than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $909
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 16% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $23.21
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Douglas County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Douglas County has the highest typical rent in its area: $909, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Barron County ($879).
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 Douglas 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 Douglas County was $1,126 a month in September 2026: 15.6% 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 | $841 | $16.17 | $33,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $961 | $18.48 | $38,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,207 | $23.21 | $48,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,671 | $32.13 | $66,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,017 | $38.79 | $80,680 |
HUD area: Duluth, MN-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 13 ZIP codes in Douglas County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 54820 to $1,210 in 54864. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,207).
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)
| 54820 | Bayfield County, WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54820 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54836 | Duluth, MN-WI | $780 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54838 | Bayfield County, WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54838 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54842 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54849 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54854 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54864 | Duluth, MN-WI | $830 | $960 | $1,210 | $1,660 | $2,030 |
| 54873 | Bayfield County, WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54873 | Duluth, MN-WI | $770 | $890 | $1,110 | $1,530 | $1,870 |
| 54874 | Duluth, MN-WI | $790 | $900 | $1,130 | $1,560 | $1,890 |
| 54880 | Duluth, MN-WI | $790 | $900 | $1,130 | $1,560 | $1,890 |
- 54820 · Bayfield County, WI $1,110$1,530
- 54820 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 54836 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 54838 · Bayfield County, WI $1,110$1,530
- 54838 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 54842 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 54849 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 54854 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 54864 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,210$1,660
- 54873 · Bayfield County, WI $1,110$1,530
- 54873 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,110$1,530
- 54874 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,130$1,560
- 54880 · Duluth, MN-WI $1,130$1,560
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 Douglas County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,386 households rent in Douglas County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Douglas 43%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Douglas County
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Douglas 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)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 13
- public housing
- 1
1,784 homes in all; 1,528 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Phoenix Villa Apts HUD-assisted 1100 Weeks Ave, Superior 54880 334 low-income homes · For older adults · (888) 276-0247
- Park Place Homes Public housing 701 Roosevelt Ave, Superior 54880 266 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Superior · Average payment: $517 a month · Average wait: 21 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 394-6601
- Catlin Rehab LLC HUD-assisted 602 Sweetser St, Superior 54880 136 low-income homes · For families
- Royalton Manor HUD-assisted 1900 New York Ave, Superior 54880 109 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 392-1014
- C. L. Lund HUD-assisted 914 Tower Ave, Superior 54880 91 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 392-3722
- Golden Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2315 Banks Ave, Superior 54880 84 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities · (715) 394-9468
- Superior Townhomes HUD-assisted A Aspen CT, Superior 54880 80 low-income homes · For families · (715) 392-6445
- Bartley Manor HUD-assisted 3920A Tower Ave, Superior 54880 70 homes, 69 low-income · For families · (715) 392-4861
- Regina Hill HUD-assisted 2415 E 5th St, Superior 54880 67 low-income homes · For older adults
- Bayview Rehabilitation LLC HUD-assisted 1219 Poplar Ave, Superior 54880 64 low-income homes · For families
- New York Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1402 Tower Ave, Superior 54880 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Northernaire Apt @w Superior II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1715 Oakes Ave, Superior 54880 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
- Northernaire Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1605 Oakes Ave, Superior 54880 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 1995
- Villa Rita Tax credit (LIHTC) 325 N 28th St, Superior 54880 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Washington Building Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1521 Tower Ave, Superior 54880 23 homes, 20 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2009
- Rosewood Housing Development Tax credit (LIHTC) 620 Weeks Ave, Superior 54880 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1994
- The Grand Central Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 Weeks Ave, Superior 54880 50 homes, 17 low-income · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2015
- Oakwood Apartments HUD-assisted 1112 John Ave, Superior 54880 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (888) 276-0247
- ST Croix Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 9008 E Baldwin Ave, Solon Springs 54873 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993
- Rosewood Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 901 N 7th St, Superior 54880 11 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2012
- Charles Rasmussen Villa HUD-assisted 5515 E 3rd St, Superior 54880 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
- Cottages of Superior Tax credit (LIHTC) 1406 N 51st St, Superior 54880 24 homes, 6 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2017
- Cottages of Superior Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1424 N 51st St, Superior 54880 24 homes, 6 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2017
- Douglas County Arc HUD-assisted 3105 Cumming Ave, Superior 54880 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (715) 394-2771
- Westbay Apartments HUD-assisted 1104 John Ave, Superior 54880 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (888) 276-0247
- Superior Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1002 N 11th St, Superior 54880 80 homes, 4 low-income · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 59 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2010
- Royalton Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1901 New York Ave, Superior 54880 109 homes, 3 low-income · 1 bd: 109 · In service since 2007
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 Douglas 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 Douglas 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 | $21,250 | $35,400 | $56,650 |
| 2 people | $24,300 | $40,450 | $64,750 |
| 3 people | $27,350 | $45,500 | $72,850 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,550 | $80,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,600 | $87,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,650 | $93,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,700 | $100,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,750 | $106,800 |
Area median income: $101,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Duluth, MN-WI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $757 – $925
- 1 bedroom $865 – $1,057
- 2 bedrooms $1,086 – $1,328
- 3 bedrooms $1,504 – $1,838
- 4 bedrooms $1,815 – $2,219
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
- Housing Authority of the City of Superior Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 184 vouchers · 266 public housing units (715) 394-6601 Housing Authority of the City of Superior: andreatellez@superiorhousing.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 Douglas County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Douglas County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Douglas 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
$2,414
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,207
- Security deposit
- $1,207
- Total
- $2,414
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 Douglas County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $841; 1 bedroom: $961; 2 bedrooms: $1,207; 3 bedrooms: $1,671; 4 bedrooms: $2,017. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Douglas County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,207) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.21 an hour full time, or $48,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Douglas County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,550 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 Douglas 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 $1,086 and $1,328 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Douglas County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 54820 to $1,210 in 54864. 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 Douglas County?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Douglas 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 Douglas County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Douglas County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).