Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in La Crosse County, Wisconsin
La Crosse County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,343 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,059 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.83 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,343
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% more than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $1,059
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $25.83
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $53,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in La Crosse County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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La Crosse County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,059, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Trempealeau County ($949).
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La Crosse County has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 72 counties in Wisconsin (62%).
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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse County was $1,356 a month in September 2026: 4.4% 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 | $935 | $17.98 | $37,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,027 | $19.75 | $41,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,343 | $25.83 | $53,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,721 | $33.10 | $68,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,167 | $41.67 | $86,680 |
HUD area: La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 La Crosse County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,200 in 54614 to $1,550 in 54669. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,343).
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)
| 54601 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $970 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,790 | $2,260 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54603 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $840 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,550 | $1,950 |
| 54614 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $840 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,540 | $1,940 |
| 54614 | Monroe County, WI | $840 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,540 | $1,940 |
| 54623 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $890 | $990 | $1,270 | $1,600 | $1,920 |
| 54623 | Vernon County, WI | $890 | $990 | $1,270 | $1,600 | $1,920 |
| 54636 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $1,020 | $1,120 | $1,470 | $1,880 | $2,370 |
| 54644 | Jackson County, WI | $910 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,660 | $2,040 |
| 54644 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $910 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,660 | $2,040 |
| 54650 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $1,930 | $2,440 |
| 54653 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $920 | $1,020 | $1,320 | $1,710 | $2,080 |
| 54653 | Monroe County, WI | $920 | $1,020 | $1,320 | $1,710 | $2,080 |
| 54669 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $1,080 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,990 | $2,500 |
- 54601 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,400$1,790
- 54603 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,210$1,550
- 54614 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,200$1,540
- 54614 · Monroe County, WI $1,200$1,540
- 54623 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,270$1,600
- 54623 · Vernon County, WI $1,270$1,600
- 54636 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,470$1,880
- 54644 · Jackson County, WI $1,310$1,660
- 54644 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,310$1,660
- 54650 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,510$1,930
- 54653 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,320$1,710
- 54653 · Monroe County, WI $1,320$1,710
- 54669 · La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $1,550$1,990
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 La Crosse County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
19,485 households rent in La Crosse County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- La Crosse 44%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in La Crosse County
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in La Crosse 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
- 10
- public housing
- 3
1,807 homes in all; 1,547 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Stokke Tower Public housing 1025 Liberty St, La Crosse 54603 401 homes, 383 low-income · Run by La Crosse Housing Authority · Average payment: $397 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (608) 782-2264
- Schuh Homes Public housing 1402 Saint James St, La Crosse 54603 210 low-income homes · Run by La Crosse Housing Authority · Average payment: $508 a month · Average wait: 50 months · (608) 782-2264
- Lacrosse Co Public housing 540 Elm St W, West Salem 54669 128 low-income homes · Run by LaCrosse County Housing Authority · Average payment: $457 a month · Average wait: 8 months · Homes at several sites · (608) 781-5365
- Forest Park Apartments HUD-assisted 1230 Badger St, La Crosse 54601 111 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 782-2264
- Cedar Court & Sparta Angelo Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 321 Wagon Dr, West Salem 54669 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1999 · For families · (608) 786-4101
- La Crosse County Housing HUD-assisted 707 McHugh Rd, Holmen 54636 66 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 781-5365
- Ping Manor HUD-assisted 1311 Badger St, La Crosse 54601 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 782-2264
- Wedgewood Commons III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 Miller St, La Crosse 54601 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1993
- River Oaks HUD-assisted 3460 East Ave S, La Crosse 54601 48 low-income homes · For families · (608) 787-0200
- Redwood Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 902 8th Ave N Ofc, Onalaska 54650 44 low-income homes · For families · (608) 783-6229
- Michael Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 5th Ave S, La Crosse 54601 42 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2001
- Brookside Meadows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4345 Fireclay Ct, La Crosse 54601 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2001
- Hidden Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 98 S Holmen Dr, Holmen 54636 40 low-income homes · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1995
- Stonefield Manor Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1264 County Road Ph, Onalaska 54650 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1998
- Historic Gund Brewery Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2130 South Ave, La Crosse 54601 86 homes, 38 low-income · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2007
- Christopherson House/Sagen HUD-assisted 2121 Sims Pl, La Crosse 54601 30 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (608) 775-4745
- Ponderosa Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1719 Viking Ave, Holmen 54636 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 1999
- Leo Fishman Manor & Al Baldus Manor HUD-assisted 1106 Wilson St, Onalaska 54650 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
- Salzer Square II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1224 8th St S, La Crosse 54601 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2005
- Cedar Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 3005 S Locust Ave, Holmen 54636 24 homes, 20 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1993
- Schumann Apartments HUD-assisted 617 Bennora Lee Ct, La Crosse 54601 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (608) 775-4745
- Collective on Fourth HUD-assisted 403 Jackson St, La Crosse 54601 62 homes, 13 low-income · For families
- Grand River Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 314 Jay St, La Crosse 54601 72 homes, 9 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2010
- 2219 Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2219 South Ave, La Crosse 54601 25 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2016
- Roosevelt School Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1307 Hayes St, La Crosse 54603 33 homes, 2 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2016
- Fox Hollow Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Linden Dr, Holmen 54636 29 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 La Crosse County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in La Crosse 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 | $22,250 | $37,050 | $59,300 |
| 2 people | $25,400 | $42,350 | $67,750 |
| 3 people | $28,600 | $47,650 | $76,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,900 | $84,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,400 | $98,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,600 | $105,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,850 | $111,750 |
Area median income: $105,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $842 – $1,029
- 1 bedroom $924 – $1,130
- 2 bedrooms $1,209 – $1,477
- 3 bedrooms $1,549 – $1,893
- 4 bedrooms $1,950 – $2,384
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
- La Crosse Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 199 vouchers · 593 public housing units (608) 782-2264 La Crosse Housing Authority: info@lacrossehousing.org
- LaCrosse County Housing Authority Public housing · 128 public housing units (608) 781-5365 LaCrosse County Housing Authority: anna@lcha.net
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 La Crosse County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in La Crosse County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Catholic Charities - La Crosse, Inc.
3710 East Ave S, La Crosse · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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CCCS of Sheboygan
505 King Street, Suite 212, La Crosse
- 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 La Crosse 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
$2,686
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,343
- Security deposit
- $1,343
- Total
- $2,686
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 La Crosse County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $935; 1 bedroom: $1,027; 2 bedrooms: $1,343; 3 bedrooms: $1,721; 4 bedrooms: $2,167. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in La Crosse County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,343) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.83 an hour full time, or $53,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in La Crosse County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,900 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 La Crosse 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 $1,209 and $1,477 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in La Crosse County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,200 in 54614 to $1,550 in 54669. 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 La Crosse County?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in La Crosse 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 La Crosse County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In La Crosse County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).