Renting in Kenosha County, Wisconsin: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,441; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 15% more than in Wisconsin
Typical rent: $1,219; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 12% more than in Wisconsin
Wage needed: $27.71; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $57,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 47%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 8% more than in Wisconsin

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Kenosha County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

At $1,219, Kenosha County ranks 4th among the 72 counties in Wisconsin for the highest typical rent.
Nearby, in Jefferson County, the typical rent is $1,035: 15% less than in Kenosha County ($1,219).
Kenosha County has the 6th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 72 counties in Wisconsin (47%).
At 67%, Kenosha County ranks 7th 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 Kenosha 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 Kenosha County was $1,687 a month in September 2026: 5.6% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,136	$21.85	$45,440
1 bedroom	$1,144	$22.00	$45,760
2 bedrooms	$1,441	$27.71	$57,640
3 bedrooms	$1,956	$37.62	$78,240
4 bedrooms	$2,228	$42.85	$89,120

HUD area: Kenosha, 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 12 ZIP codes in Kenosha County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,270 in 53170 to $1,740 in 53158. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,441).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

53104	Kenosha, WI	$1,310	$1,320	$1,660	$2,250	$2,570
53140	Kenosha, WI	$1,070	$1,080	$1,360	$1,850	$2,100
53142	Kenosha, WI	$1,270	$1,280	$1,610	$2,190	$2,490
53143	Kenosha, WI	$1,170	$1,170	$1,480	$2,010	$2,290
53144	Kenosha, WI	$1,100	$1,100	$1,390	$1,890	$2,150
53144	Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI	$1,100	$1,100	$1,390	$1,890	$2,150
53158	Kenosha, WI	$1,370	$1,380	$1,740	$2,360	$2,690
53168	Kenosha, WI	$1,220	$1,230	$1,550	$2,100	$2,400
53170	Kenosha, WI	$980	$990	$1,270	$1,710	$1,960
53179	Kenosha, WI	$1,060	$1,070	$1,350	$1,830	$2,090
53181	Kenosha, WI	$980	$990	$1,270	$1,710	$1,960
53192	Kenosha, WI	$1,040	$1,080	$1,340	$1,780	$2,060

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
53104 · Kenosha, WI $1,660$2,250
53140 · Kenosha, WI $1,360$1,850
53142 · Kenosha, WI $1,610$2,190
53143 · Kenosha, WI $1,480$2,010
53144 · Kenosha, WI $1,390$1,890
53144 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,390$1,890
53158 · Kenosha, WI $1,740$2,360
53168 · Kenosha, WI $1,550$2,100
53170 · Kenosha, WI $1,270$1,710
53179 · Kenosha, WI $1,350$1,830
53181 · Kenosha, WI $1,270$1,710
53192 · Kenosha, 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 Kenosha County, 47% 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.

47%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

22,941 households rent in Kenosha County

Spend half or more of their income 23%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
Spend less than 30% 53%

Compared with the state and the country

Kenosha 47%
Wisconsin 44%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Kenosha County

HUD lists 36 properties with homes for low-income households in Kenosha County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC): 23
HUD-assisted: 14

2,783 homes in all; 1,998 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Saxony Manor HUD-assisted 1852 22nd Ave, Kenosha 53140 226 homes, 224 low-income · For older adults · (262) 551-9005
Lakeside Tower HUD-assisted 5800 3rd Ave, Kenosha 53140 182 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 925-1800
Tuscan Villas HUD-assisted 8051 25th Ave, Kenosha 53143 122 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 551-7255
Villa Nova Apartments HUD-assisted 2401 18th St, Kenosha 53140 121 homes, 120 low-income · For older adults · (262) 551-7255
Prairie Ridge Senior Campus Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 7900 94th Ave, Pleasant Prairie 53158 120 homes, 110 low-income · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 60 · In service since 2000
Tanglewood Apts HUD-assisted 3020 87th Pl, Kenosha 53142 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 694-6001
Tanglewood Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8719 32nd Ave, Kenosha 53142 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 100 · In service since 2001
Kenosha Gardens HUD-assisted 5430 64th Ave, Kenosha 53144 89 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 657-6389
Windsong Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7105 104th Ave, Kenosha 53142 120 homes, 75 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1992
Northpoint Crossings HUD-assisted 1724 Birch Rd, Kenosha 53140 72 low-income homes · For families · (262) 551-7274
Northpoint Crossing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1728 Birch Rd, Kenosha 53140 72 homes, 71 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2004 · For families
Forest Court HUD-assisted 5605 52nd St, Kenosha 53144 68 low-income homes · For families · (262) 551-7255
Joanne Apts HUD-assisted 8828 41st Ave, Kenosha 53142 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 694-7136
ASSISI HOMES of KENOSHA HUD-assisted 1860 27th Ave, Kenosha 53140 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 551-9821
Glenwood Crossing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1920 27th Ave, Kenosha 53140 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 1996
Meadowood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1399 30th Ave, Kenosha 53144 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 1993
Arbor Green HUD-assisted 6001 55th St, Kenosha 53144 48 low-income homes · For families · (262) 843-2070
Kenosha Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 5502 60th St, Kenosha 53144 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities
Sheridan/Lincoln Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 901 82nd St, Kenosha 53143 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2010 · For families · (262) 656-0727
Meadowood Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1361 30th Ave, Kenosha 53144 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 1994
Meadowood Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1409 30th Ave, Kenosha 53144 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1995
Silvercrest Apartments HUD-assisted 630 S Cogswell DR, Salem Lakes 53168 36 low-income homes · For families · (262) 843-2070
Twin Lakes Senior Housing LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Lincoln Dr, Twin Lakes 53181 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 1997
Meadowview Village HUD-assisted 450 Lincoln Dr, Twin Lakes 53181 44 homes, 24 low-income · For older adults · (262) 877-2212
Village Plaza Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7200 251st Ave, Salem 53168 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1993
Virginia Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) 5710 4th Ave, Kenosha 53140 34 homes, 13 low-income · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2014
Residences on Main Tax credit (LIHTC) 307 E Main St, Twin Lakes 53181 24 homes, 12 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2013
Harborside Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 716 51st Pl, Kenosha 53140 89 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 61 · In service since 2011
Arbor Green Silvercrest Tax credit (LIHTC) 630 S Cogswell Dr, Silver Lake 53170 84 homes, 9 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 51 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2011
Arbor Green Silvercrest Tax credit (LIHTC) 6019 55th St, Kenosha 53144 84 homes, 9 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 51 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2011
5th Avenue Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5815 5th Ave, Kenosha 53140 60 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2016
Meadows of Mill Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 8610 246th Ave, Salem 53168 24 homes, 8 low-income · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 21 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2013
Prairie Villa Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 9500 81st St, Pleasant Prairie 53158 71 homes, 6 low-income · 1 bd: 59 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2007
Celebre Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1870 27th Ave, Kenosha 53140 47 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2012
Saxony Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1878 22nd Ave, Kenosha 53140 224 homes, 2 low-income · 1 bd: 224 · In service since 2015
Residences at Library Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 711 59th Pl, Kenosha 53140 46 homes

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 Kenosha 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 Kenosha 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kenosha, WI MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$24,650	$41,100	$65,700
2 people	$28,200	$46,950	$75,100
3 people	$31,700	$52,800	$84,500
4 people	$35,200	$58,650	$93,850
5 people	$38,680	$63,350	$101,400
6 people	$44,360	$68,050	$108,900
7 people	$50,040	$72,750	$116,400
8 people	$55,720	$77,450	$123,900

Area median income: $117,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Kenosha, WI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,022 – $1,250
1 bedroom $1,030 – $1,258
2 bedrooms $1,297 – $1,585
3 bedrooms $1,760 – $2,152
4 bedrooms $2,005 – $2,451

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

Kenosha Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 1,252 vouchers (262) 653-4120 Kenosha Housing Authority: info@kenoshahud.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 rule

Compare 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 Kenosha County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Kenosha County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

CK
City of Kenosha Housing Authority

625-52nd ST., Room 98, Kenosha · Spanish

Also serves in other languages.
- Budget and credit workshops
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
(262) 653-4120

See every agency in Wisconsin Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Kenosha 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Kenosha County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,441. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,882

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,441
Security deposit: $1,441
Total: $2,882

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Kenosha County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,136; 1 bedroom: $1,144; 2 bedrooms: $1,441; 3 bedrooms: $1,956; 4 bedrooms: $2,228. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Kenosha County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,441) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.71 an hour full time, or $57,640 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kenosha County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,650 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 Kenosha 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 $1,297 and $1,585 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kenosha County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,270 in 53170 to $1,740 in 53158. 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 Kenosha County?

HUD lists 36 properties with homes for low-income households in Kenosha 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 Kenosha County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kenosha County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Kenosha County, Wisconsin

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Kenosha County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Kenosha County

The Section 8 voucher in Kenosha County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Wisconsin

Where to get help with rent in Kenosha County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Kenosha County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Kenosha County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kenosha County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Kenosha County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kenosha County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Kenosha County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Kenosha County?