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

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,217; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 3% less than in Wisconsin
Typical rent: $999; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 8% less than in Wisconsin
Wage needed: $23.40; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $48,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 42%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 4% less 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 Marathon County: what sets it apart

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

Marathon County has the highest typical rent in its area: $999, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Portage County ($940).

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 Marathon 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 Marathon County was $975 a month in September 2026: 6.1% 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	$847	$16.29	$33,880
1 bedroom	$940	$18.08	$37,600
2 bedrooms	$1,217	$23.40	$48,680
3 bedrooms	$1,590	$30.58	$63,600
4 bedrooms	$1,599	$30.75	$63,960

HUD area: Wausau, 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 23 ZIP codes in Marathon County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,040 in 54408 to $1,830 in 54471. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,217).

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.

54401	Wausau, WI	$860	$960	$1,240	$1,620	$1,630
54403	Wausau, WI	$850	$940	$1,220	$1,590	$1,600
54405	Clark County, WI	$850	$880	$1,110	$1,420	$1,530
54405	Wausau, WI	$850	$880	$1,110	$1,420	$1,530
54408	Langlade County, WI	$720	$810	$1,040	$1,360	$1,370
54408	Shawano County, WI	$720	$810	$1,040	$1,360	$1,370
54408	Wausau, WI	$720	$810	$1,040	$1,360	$1,370
54411	Taylor County, WI	$730	$810	$1,050	$1,370	$1,420
54411	Wausau, WI	$730	$810	$1,050	$1,370	$1,420
54417	Wausau, WI	$830	$900	$1,170	$1,520	$1,550
54421	Clark County, WI	$770	$810	$1,040	$1,360	$1,410
54421	Wausau, WI	$770	$810	$1,040	$1,360	$1,410
54426	Wausau, WI	$720	$810	$1,040	$1,360	$1,370
54427	Shawano County, WI	$820	$920	$1,160	$1,520	$1,530
54427	Wausau, WI	$820	$920	$1,160	$1,520	$1,530
54440	Wausau, WI	$730	$810	$1,050	$1,370	$1,380
54448	Wausau, WI	$720	$810	$1,040	$1,360	$1,370
54455	Portage County, WI	$900	$1,000	$1,300	$1,690	$1,710
54455	Wausau, WI	$900	$1,000	$1,300	$1,690	$1,710
54471	Wausau, WI	$1,270	$1,410	$1,830	$2,390	$2,410
54474	Wausau, WI	$800	$890	$1,150	$1,500	$1,510
54476	Wausau, WI	$860	$950	$1,230	$1,610	$1,620
54484	Wausau, WI	$850	$940	$1,220	$1,590	$1,600

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
54401 · Wausau, WI $1,240$1,620
54403 · Wausau, WI $1,220$1,590
54405 · Clark County, WI $1,110$1,420
54405 · Wausau, WI $1,110$1,420
54408 · Langlade County, WI $1,040$1,360
54408 · Shawano County, WI $1,040$1,360
54408 · Wausau, WI $1,040$1,360
54411 · Taylor County, WI $1,050$1,370
54411 · Wausau, WI $1,050$1,370
54417 · Wausau, WI $1,170$1,520
54421 · Clark County, WI $1,040$1,360
54421 · Wausau, WI $1,040$1,360
54426 · Wausau, WI $1,040$1,360
54427 · Shawano County, WI $1,160$1,520
54427 · Wausau, WI $1,160$1,520
54440 · Wausau, WI $1,050$1,370
54448 · Wausau, WI $1,040$1,360
54455 · Portage County, WI $1,300$1,690
54455 · Wausau, WI $1,300$1,690
54471 · Wausau, WI $1,830$2,390
54474 · Wausau, WI $1,150$1,500
54476 · Wausau, WI $1,230$1,610
54484 · Wausau, WI $1,220$1,590

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 Marathon County, 42% 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.

42%

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

15,452 households rent in Marathon County

Spend half or more of their income 18%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
Spend less than 30% 58%

Compared with the state and the country

Marathon 42%
Wisconsin 44%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Marathon County

HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Marathon 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): 27
HUD-assisted: 9
public housing: 1

1,722 homes in all; 1,009 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Kannenberg Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1240 Merrill Ave, Wausau 54401 106 homes, 105 low-income · 1 bd: 106 · In service since 2010 · For older adults · (715) 845-4144
Sturgeon Bluff Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1320 Grand Ave, Wausau 54403 105 homes, 104 low-income · 1 bd: 98 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2005 · For older adults · (715) 848-5091
Impact Housing HUD-assisted 920 W Campus Dr, Wausau 54401 103 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
Diamond View HUD-assisted 1300 N 9th Ave, Wausau 54401 100 homes, 99 low-income · For families · (715) 675-7979
Weston Pines Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3750 Weston Pines Ln, Schofield 54476 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 1996
Terrace Heights Apartments HUD-assisted 1321 Townline Rd, Wausau 54403 50 low-income homes · For families · (715) 355-1016
Cedar Creek Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 605 Eagle Nest Blvd, Rothschild 54474 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 29 · In service since 2005
City Walk Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 Grand Ave, Wausau 54403 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 1993
East High Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Fulton St, Wausau 54403 54 homes, 46 low-income · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2005
Scattered Sites Public housing 1901 Bopf St, Wausau 54401 46 low-income homes · Run by Wausau Community Development Authority · Average payment: $469 a month · Average wait: 17 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 261-6676
Harry & Velma Hamilton Villa HUD-assisted 4001 Stewart Ave, Wausau 54401 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
Marathon Co Housing Redevelopment - HUD Tax credit (LIHTC) 2035 Grand Ave, Rothschild 54474 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 2004
Marathon County Housing-Scattered Sites HUD-assisted 105 Grand Ave, Schofield 54476 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (888) 576-6468
Donald Sykes Villa HUD-assisted 421 W Fir St, Stratford 54484 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
Federal Building Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 317 N 1st St, Wausau 54403 21 homes, 18 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2012
Heidi Apartments HUD-assisted 707 N 2nd Ave, Edgar 54426 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 352-2174
Indianhead Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 710 Greenway Ct, Mosinee 54455 24 homes, 14 low-income · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2012
Elementary School Apartments Fka Historic School Tax credit (LIHTC) 130 School St, Schofield 54476 36 homes, 13 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2015
Allen Court Project Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 Degner St, Athens 54411 13 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993
Northwest Territories Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 307 Summit Dr, Wausau 54401 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1993
Trolley Quarter Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 N 1st St, Wausau 54403 40 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2012
Atrium Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1418 N 1st St, Wausau 54403 29 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2018
Cedar Creek Senior Housing II Tax credit (LIHTC) 607 Eagle Nest Blvd, Rothschild 54474 49 homes, 7 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 29 · In service since 2007
Colby-Abbotsford SR Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 Dehne Dr, Colby 54421 24 homes, 7 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2010
Wausau East Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 706 Fulton St, Wausau 54403 24 homes, 7 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2008
Colby Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 820 Community Dr, Colby 54421 28 homes, 5 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2017
Birchwood Highlands Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 8005 Birch St, Weston 54476 71 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 66 · In service since 2008
Birchwood Highlands Phase 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 8015 Birch St, Weston 54476 42 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2010
Birchwood Highlands Phase 3 Tax credit (LIHTC) 8025 Birch St, Weston 54476 39 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 35 · In service since 2012
Birchwood Highlands III Phase 3a Tax credit (LIHTC) 3605 Cross Pointe Blvd, Weston 54476 31 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2018
The Pines at Mount View Tax credit (LIHTC) 3700 Mount View Ave, Weston 54476 46 homes, 3 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2011
Acorn Hills Assisted Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 430 Orbiting Dr, Mosinee 54455 29 homes, 3 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2008
Riverview Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Grand Ave, Wausau 54403 149 homes, 2 low-income · 1 bd: 147 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2013
Pinecrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Novak St, Mosinee 54455 2 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1996
Marathon Co Housing Redevelpmt-RD Tax credit (LIHTC) 503 High St, Mosinee 54455 133 homes

2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Marathon 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 Marathon 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: Wausau, WI MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$21,800	$36,300	$58,050
2 people	$24,900	$41,450	$66,350
3 people	$28,000	$46,650	$74,650
4 people	$33,000	$51,800	$82,900
5 people	$38,680	$55,950	$89,550
6 people	$44,360	$60,100	$96,200
7 people	$50,040	$64,250	$102,800
8 people	$55,720	$68,400	$109,450

Area median income: $103,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Wausau, WI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $762 – $932
1 bedroom $846 – $1,034
2 bedrooms $1,095 – $1,339
3 bedrooms $1,431 – $1,749
4 bedrooms $1,439 – $1,759

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

Wausau Community Development Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 604 vouchers · 46 public housing units (715) 261-6676 Wausau Community Development Authority: juli.birkenmeier@wausauwi.gov

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 Marathon County

HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Marathon County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.

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 Marathon 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$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Marathon County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$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 $1,217. 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

$2,434

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,217
Security deposit: $1,217
Total: $2,434

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 Marathon County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $847; 1 bedroom: $940; 2 bedrooms: $1,217; 3 bedrooms: $1,590; 4 bedrooms: $1,599. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

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

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,217) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.40 an hour full time, or $48,680 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Marathon County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,800 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 Marathon 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 $1,095 and $1,339 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

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

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,040 in 54408 to $1,830 in 54471. 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 Marathon County?

HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Marathon 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 Marathon County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Marathon County, 42% 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

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 Marathon County, Wisconsin

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Marathon 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 Marathon County

The Section 8 voucher in Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon County?

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

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Marathon County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Marathon County?

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

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

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