Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Pierce County, Wisconsin
Pierce County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,734 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,044 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $33.35 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,734
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 39% more than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $1,044
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $33.35
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $69,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 39%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Pierce County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Nearby, in Pepin County, the typical rent is $869: 17% less than in Pierce County ($1,044).
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At $92,109, Pierce County ranks 5th among the 72 counties in Wisconsin for the highest typical household income.
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 Pierce 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 Pierce County was $1,352 a month in September 2026. 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 | $1,265 | $24.33 | $50,600 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,427 | $27.44 | $57,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,734 | $33.35 | $69,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,264 | $43.54 | $90,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,538 | $48.81 | $101,520 |
HUD area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 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 14 ZIP codes in Pierce County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 54003 to $1,540 in 54767. No ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,734).
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)
| 54003 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54011 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54014 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54021 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54022 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54723 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54740 | Dunn County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54740 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54750 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54761 | Dunn County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54761 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54761 | Pepin County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54767 | Dunn County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54767 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
- 54003 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54011 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54014 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54021 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54022 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54723 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54740 · Dunn County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54740 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54750 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54761 · Dunn County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54761 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54761 · Pepin County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54767 · Dunn County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54767 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
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 Pierce 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.
3,962 households rent in Pierce County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 61%
Compared with the state and the country
- Pierce 39%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Pierce County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Pierce County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 6
447 homes in all; 405 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Western Wisconsin Housing HUD-assisted 250 W Cairns St, Ellsworth 54011 52 low-income homes · For families · (800) 924-3256
- Pierce County Elderly HUD-assisted 141 S Maple St, Ellsworth 54011 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 924-3256
- Village Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1536 S Wasson Ln, River Falls 54022 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
- River Falls Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 405 S Wasson Ln, River Falls 54022 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2018 · For families · (715) 425-0251
- Cottages of Ellsworth Tax credit (LIHTC) 431 W Cairns St, Ellsworth 54011 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1997
- Ellsworth Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 559 N Maple St, Ellsworth 54011 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For families
- High Point Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 454 High Pointe Dr, Ellsworth 54011 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 1998
- Prescott Housing LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 667 Dexter St S, Prescott 54021 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 1998
- Red Cedar Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1450 Cemetery Rd, River Falls 54022 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Red Cedar Estates II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1510 Cemetery Rd, River Falls 54022 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2003 · For families
- ST. Croix Manor HUD-assisted 1028 Borner St N, Prescott 54021 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 425-7640
- Cottages of Spring Valley Tax credit (LIHTC) W2730 State RD, Spring Valley 54767 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1998
- The Chalet HUD-assisted W528 Park Dr, Spring Valley 54767 16 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 426-5786
- Crossing Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 739 Lucas Ln, Ellsworth 54011 24 homes, 14 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2007
- Windmill Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 914 S Main St, River Falls 54022 24 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2007
- Valley Villas Assisted Living Tax credit (LIHTC) S820 Westland Dr, Spring Valley 54767 20 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2010
- Clarke Damon Villa HUD-assisted 1685 Sunwood Ct, River Falls 54022 5 homes, 4 low-income · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
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 Pierce County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Pierce County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $27,650 | $46,050 | $73,650 |
| 2 people | $31,600 | $52,600 | $84,200 |
| 3 people | $35,550 | $59,200 | $94,700 |
| 4 people | $39,450 | $65,750 | $105,200 |
| 5 people | $42,650 | $71,050 | $113,650 |
| 6 people | $45,800 | $76,300 | $122,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $81,550 | $130,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $86,800 | $138,900 |
Area median income: $131,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,139 – $1,392
- 1 bedroom $1,284 – $1,570
- 2 bedrooms $1,561 – $1,907
- 3 bedrooms $2,038 – $2,490
- 4 bedrooms $2,284 – $2,792
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Pierce County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Pierce County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Pierce 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 Pierce 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
$3,468
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,734
- Security deposit
- $1,734
- Total
- $3,468
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 Pierce County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,265; 1 bedroom: $1,427; 2 bedrooms: $1,734; 3 bedrooms: $2,264; 4 bedrooms: $2,538. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Pierce County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,734) without spending more than 30% of income takes $33.35 an hour full time, or $69,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Pierce County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $65,750 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 Pierce 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 $1,561 and $1,907 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Pierce County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 54003 to $1,540 in 54767. 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 Pierce County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Pierce 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 Pierce County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Pierce County, 39% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).