Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
Eau Claire 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 $1,064 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
- $1,064
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% 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
- 39%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Eau Claire County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Eau Claire County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,064, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Dunn County ($985).
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At 61%, Eau Claire County ranks 3rd among the 72 counties in Wisconsin for the lowest homeownership rate.
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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire County was $1,117 a month in September 2026: 4.1% 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 13 ZIP codes in Eau Claire County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 54722 to $1,450 in 54720. 6 ZIP codes are 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)
| 54701 | Dunn County, WI | $1,040 | $1,040 | $1,290 | $1,740 | $1,740 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54701 | Eau Claire, WI | $1,040 | $1,040 | $1,290 | $1,740 | $1,740 |
| 54703 | Dunn County, WI | $1,030 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,720 | $1,730 |
| 54703 | Eau Claire, WI | $1,030 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,720 | $1,730 |
| 54720 | Eau Claire, WI | $1,170 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,950 | $1,960 |
| 54722 | Eau Claire, WI | $850 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54738 | Buffalo County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54738 | Eau Claire, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54738 | Trempealeau County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54741 | Clark County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54741 | Eau Claire, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54741 | Jackson County, WI | $840 | $870 | $1,070 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 54742 | Eau Claire, WI | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,380 | $1,860 | $1,860 |
- 54701 · Dunn County, WI $1,290$1,740
- 54701 · Eau Claire, WI $1,290$1,740
- 54703 · Dunn County, WI $1,280$1,720
- 54703 · Eau Claire, WI $1,280$1,720
- 54720 · Eau Claire, WI $1,450$1,950
- 54722 · Eau Claire, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54738 · Buffalo County, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54738 · Eau Claire, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54738 · Trempealeau County, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54741 · Clark County, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54741 · Eau Claire, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54741 · Jackson County, WI $1,070$1,430
- 54742 · Eau Claire, WI $1,380$1,860
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 Eau Claire County, 39% 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.
39%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
17,427 households rent in Eau Claire County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 61%
Compared with the state and the country
- Eau Claire 39%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Eau Claire County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Eau Claire 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 13
- public housing
- 3
1,041 homes in all; 1,026 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Park Towers Apartments HUD-assisted 901 S Farwell St, Eau Claire 54701 153 low-income homes · For families · (715) 839-4943
- Scattered Sites Public housing 2622 Sessions Ct, Eau Claire 54701 110 low-income homes · Run by Eau Claire Housing Authority · Average payment: $638 a month · Average wait: 15 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 839-4943
- ST. Johns Housing HUD-assisted 815 Chapin St, Eau Claire 54701 101 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 834-6302
- Grace Barstow Apartments HUD-assisted 1105 S Barstow St, Eau Claire 54701 79 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 832-1174
- Otter Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 5726 Otter Creek Ct, Eau Claire 54701 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998
- Woodsedge Tax credit (LIHTC) 2524 Boardwalk Cir, Eau Claire 54701 64 low-income homes · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 1992
- Oakwood Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3802 Damon St, Eau Claire 54701 63 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995
- Colony Park West Apts HUD-assisted 2818 Augusta St, Eau Claire 54701 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 834-3411
- Englewood/Barrington Apt HUD-assisted 2311 Corona Ave, Eau Claire 54701 60 low-income homes · For families · (715) 833-0233
- London Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3300 London Rd, Eau Claire 54701 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1993
- Colony Park East Apts HUD-assisted 2803 Augusta St, Eau Claire 54701 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 834-3411
- Golden Acres Public housing 2404 Spooner Ave, Altoona 54720 36 low-income homes · Run by Altoona Housing Authority · Average payment: $379 a month · Average wait: 7 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 834-1842
- Golden Acres II HUD-assisted 138 10th St W, Altoona 54720 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 834-7852
- ST. Johns South Apts HUD-assisted 815 Chapin St, Eau Claire 54701 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 834-6302
- Owen Rust Memorial Apartments HUD-assisted 300 William St, Eau Claire 54703 23 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 839-4943
- The Eddy HUD-assisted 1700 Oxford Ave, Eau Claire 54703 21 low-income homes · For families
- Altoona New Construction Public housing 1028 Sunset Ln, Altoona 54720 15 low-income homes · Run by Eau Claire County Housing Authority · Average payment: $668 a month · Average wait: 18 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 839-6240
- Ruth Gullerud Villa HUD-assisted 4910 Otteson Ln, Eau Claire 54701 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
- Jeffers Road Apartments HUD-assisted 3413 Jeffers Rd, Eau Claire 54703 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (715) 833-1994
- Biscuit Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 1st Ave, Eau Claire 54703 22 homes, 7 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2014
- Eau Claire Rehabilitation HUD-assisted 1719 Kendall St, Eau Claire 54703 6 low-income homes · For families · (715) 839-4943
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 Eau Claire County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Eau Claire 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 | $21,300 | $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
- Eau Claire County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 368 vouchers · 15 public housing units (715) 839-6240 Eau Claire County Housing Authority: georgia.crownhart@eauclairecounty.gov
- Eau Claire Housing Authority Public housing · 110 public housing units (715) 839-4943 Eau Claire Housing Authority: jessica.oleson-bue@eauclairewi.gov
- Altoona Housing Authority Public housing · 36 public housing units (715) 834-1842 Altoona Housing Authority: aha2404@yahoo.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 Eau Claire County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Eau Claire County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Inc
1 Better Way, Eau Claire · 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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 54722 to $1,450 in 54720. 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 Eau Claire County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Eau Claire County, 39% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).