Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Polk County, Wisconsin
Polk County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,121 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $957 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,121
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% less than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $957
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 12% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $21.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 37%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 16% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Polk County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Burnett County, the typical rent is $771: 19% less than in Polk County ($957).
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 Polk 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 Polk County was $1,100 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 | $781 | $15.02 | $31,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $857 | $16.48 | $34,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,121 | $21.56 | $44,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,437 | $27.63 | $57,480 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,705 | $32.79 | $68,200 |
HUD area: Polk County, WI. 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 24 ZIP codes in Polk County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 54006 to $1,540 in 54026. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,121).
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)
| 54001 | Polk County, WI | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,680 | $1,990 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54005 | Barron County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54005 | Dunn County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54005 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54005 | Polk County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54006 | Polk County, WI | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,550 |
| 54009 | Polk County, WI | $900 | $990 | $1,290 | $1,650 | $1,960 |
| 54020 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54020 | Polk County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54024 | Burnett County, WI | $750 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,640 |
| 54024 | Polk County, WI | $750 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,640 |
| 54026 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54026 | Polk County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54810 | Polk County, WI | $890 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,640 | $1,950 |
| 54824 | Polk County, WI | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,550 |
| 54826 | Barron County, WI | $780 | $840 | $1,090 | $1,410 | $1,770 |
| 54826 | Polk County, WI | $780 | $840 | $1,090 | $1,410 | $1,770 |
| 54837 | Burnett County, WI | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,540 |
| 54837 | Polk County, WI | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,540 |
| 54853 | Burnett County, WI | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,570 |
| 54853 | Polk County, WI | $720 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,570 |
| 54858 | Polk County, WI | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,550 |
| 54889 | Barron County, WI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,630 |
| 54889 | Polk County, WI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,630 |
- 54001 · Polk County, WI $1,310$1,680
- 54005 · Barron County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54005 · Dunn County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54005 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54005 · Polk County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54006 · Polk County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54009 · Polk County, WI $1,290$1,650
- 54020 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54020 · Polk County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54024 · Burnett County, WI $1,080$1,380
- 54024 · Polk County, WI $1,080$1,380
- 54026 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54026 · Polk County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54810 · Polk County, WI $1,280$1,640
- 54824 · Polk County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54826 · Barron County, WI $1,090$1,410
- 54826 · Polk County, WI $1,090$1,410
- 54837 · Burnett County, WI $1,010$1,300
- 54837 · Polk County, WI $1,010$1,300
- 54853 · Burnett County, WI $1,030$1,320
- 54853 · Polk County, WI $1,030$1,320
- 54858 · Polk County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54889 · Barron County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54889 · Polk County, WI $1,010$1,310
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 Polk County, 37% 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.
37%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,709 households rent in Polk County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 63%
Compared with the state and the country
- Polk 37%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Polk County
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Polk 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 11
- public housing
- 4
657 homes in all; 630 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hometown Villages HUD-assisted 401 7th St, Centuria 54824 178 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 466-2255
- Golden Oaks Public housing 104 3rd Ave S, Frederic 54837 53 low-income homes · Run by Frederic Housing Authority · Average payment: $486 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (715) 327-8490
- Hi Rise & Twin Pines Public housing 116 Maple St W, Amery 54001 51 low-income homes · Run by Amery Housing Authority · Average payment: $479 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (715) 268-2500
- Sunnyview Apartments HUD-assisted 150 Sunnyview Dr, Milltown 54858 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 634-2040
- Third Avenue Apartments Public housing 602 3rd Ave W, Osceola 54020 30 low-income homes · Run by Osceola Housing Authority · Average payment: $455 a month · Average wait: 30 months · (715) 294-3629
- Forest Heights Apartments HUD-assisted 408 Tower Rd, Saint Croix Falls 54024 30 homes, 29 low-income · For older adults · (715) 557-0559
- Milltown Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 203 Stokley Rd, Milltown 54858 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993
- River Town Heights HUD-assisted 201 S Adams St, Saint Croix Falls 54024 25 low-income homes · For older adults
- Harvey Dueholm Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 517 8th St, Centuria 54824 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002
- Osceola Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Meadow Lark Ln, Osceola 54020 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2000
- ST Croix Falls Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1293 Bur Oak Ln, Saint Croix Falls 54024 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2005
- Turtle Lake Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 Hickory St, Turtle Lake 54889 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999
- Clear Lake Apts HUD-assisted 120 3rd Ave, Clear Lake 54005 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 834-3411
- Pioneer Apartments HUD-assisted 612 S 2nd St, Luck 54853 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 472-2164
- Maple View Apts Public housing 416 S 1st St, Luck 54853 16 low-income homes · Run by Luck Housing Authority · Average payment: $426 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (715) 472-2032
- Pinewood Apartments HUD-assisted Pinewood Street, Amery 54001 12 low-income homes · For families · (715) 268-2500
- Apple River Apartments HUD-assisted 401 Minneapolis Ave S, Amery 54001 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (888) 636-2366
- Jacqueline Lawrence Villa HUD-assisted 710 Polk Ave, Centuria 54824 8 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
- Spruce Apartments HUD-assisted 150 3rd St NW, Clear Lake 54005 8 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 263-3370
- Albert Skinner Villa HUD-assisted 302 N State Road 46, Balsam Lake 54810 8 homes, 7 low-income · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
- Grand View - Clear Lake Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 2nd Ave NW, Clear Lake 54005 12 homes, 6 low-income · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995
- Osceola Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 Chieftain St, Osceola 54020 24 homes, 5 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2007
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 Polk County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Polk 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)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,550 | $34,250 | $54,800 |
| 2 people | $23,500 | $39,150 | $62,600 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,050 | $70,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,900 | $78,250 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,850 | $84,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,750 | $90,800 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,650 | $97,050 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,550 | $103,300 |
Area median income: $97,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Polk County, WI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $703 – $859
- 1 bedroom $771 – $943
- 2 bedrooms $1,009 – $1,233
- 3 bedrooms $1,293 – $1,581
- 4 bedrooms $1,535 – $1,876
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
- Frederic Housing Authority Public housing · 53 public housing units (715) 327-8490 Frederic Housing Authority: fredericha@centurytel.net
- Amery Housing Authority Public housing · 51 public housing units (715) 268-2500 Amery Housing Authority: aha@ameryhousing.org
- Osceola Housing Authority Public housing · 30 public housing units (715) 294-3629 Osceola Housing Authority: oha@3avenue.net
- Luck Housing Authority Public housing · 16 public housing units (715) 472-2032 Luck Housing Authority: luckpha2032@gmail.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 Polk County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Polk 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 Polk 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
$2,242
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,121
- Security deposit
- $1,121
- Total
- $2,242
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 Polk County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $781; 1 bedroom: $857; 2 bedrooms: $1,121; 3 bedrooms: $1,437; 4 bedrooms: $1,705. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Polk County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,121) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.56 an hour full time, or $44,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Polk County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,900 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 Polk 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 $1,009 and $1,233 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Polk County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 54006 to $1,540 in 54026. 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 Polk County?
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Polk 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 Polk County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Polk County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).