Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Racine County, Wisconsin
Racine County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,283 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,080 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.67 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,283
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 3% more than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $1,080
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $24.67
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Racine County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Racine County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,080, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Milwaukee County ($1,101).
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 Racine 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 Racine County was $1,460 a month in September 2026: 7.1% 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 | $926 | $17.81 | $37,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,036 | $19.92 | $41,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,283 | $24.67 | $51,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,639 | $31.52 | $65,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,984 | $38.15 | $79,360 |
HUD area: Racine-Mount Pleasant, 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 22 ZIP codes in Racine County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 53404 to $1,590 in 53177. 19 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,283).
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)
| 53105 | Kenosha, WI | $980 | $1,050 | $1,320 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53105 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $980 | $1,050 | $1,320 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 53105 | Walworth County, WI | $980 | $1,050 | $1,320 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 53108 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $1,150 | $1,280 | $1,590 | $2,030 | $2,460 |
| 53108 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $1,150 | $1,280 | $1,590 | $2,030 | $2,460 |
| 53126 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $980 | $1,100 | $1,360 | $1,740 | $2,100 |
| 53126 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $980 | $1,100 | $1,360 | $1,740 | $2,100 |
| 53139 | Kenosha, WI | $1,130 | $1,250 | $1,550 | $2,000 | $2,400 |
| 53139 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $1,130 | $1,250 | $1,550 | $2,000 | $2,400 |
| 53167 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $970 | $1,060 | $1,340 | $1,710 | $2,080 |
| 53177 | Kenosha, WI | $1,160 | $1,280 | $1,590 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 53177 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $1,160 | $1,280 | $1,590 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 53182 | Kenosha, WI | $980 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 53182 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $980 | $1,090 | $1,350 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 53185 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $1,050 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,850 | $2,240 |
| 53185 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $1,050 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,850 | $2,240 |
| 53402 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $950 | $1,070 | $1,320 | $1,690 | $2,040 |
| 53403 | Kenosha, WI | $980 | $1,040 | $1,290 | $1,710 | $1,990 |
| 53403 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $980 | $1,040 | $1,290 | $1,710 | $1,990 |
| 53404 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $860 | $960 | $1,190 | $1,520 | $1,840 |
| 53405 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $860 | $960 | $1,190 | $1,520 | $1,840 |
| 53406 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $910 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,610 | $1,950 |
- 53105 · Kenosha, WI $1,320$1,710
- 53105 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,320$1,710
- 53105 · Walworth County, WI $1,320$1,710
- 53108 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,590$2,030
- 53108 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,590$2,030
- 53126 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,360$1,740
- 53126 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,360$1,740
- 53139 · Kenosha, WI $1,550$2,000
- 53139 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,550$2,000
- 53167 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,340$1,710
- 53177 · Kenosha, WI $1,590$2,040
- 53177 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,590$2,040
- 53182 · Kenosha, WI $1,350$1,730
- 53182 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,350$1,730
- 53185 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,450$1,850
- 53185 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,450$1,850
- 53402 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,320$1,690
- 53403 · Kenosha, WI $1,290$1,710
- 53403 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,290$1,710
- 53404 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,190$1,520
- 53405 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,190$1,520
- 53406 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,260$1,610
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 Racine County, 43% 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.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
23,284 households rent in Racine County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Racine 43%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Racine County
HUD lists 51 properties with homes for low-income households in Racine County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 29
- HUD-assisted
- 24
3,501 homes in all; 2,295 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- WHPC - Southern Bond Pool I - Subsidized Projects Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4000 Maryland Ave, Racine 53405 439 homes, 156 low-income · 1 bd: 303 · 2 bd: 116 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2014 · For families · (608) 836-2954
- Washington Court Apartments HUD-assisted 5101 Wright Ave, Racine 53406 151 low-income homes · For older adults · (414) 271-5201
- Mcmynn Tower HUD-assisted 110 7th St, Racine 53403 123 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 632-5566
- Sunset Terrace Apts HUD-assisted 5539 Byrd Ave, Racine 53406 120 homes, 118 low-income · For families · (262) 632-5433
- Lighthouse Point Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Shelbourne Ct, Racine 53402 118 homes, 112 low-income · 3 bd: 118 · In service since 2004
- Mount Pleasant Place HUD-assisted 5820 Lincoln Village Dr, Mount Pleasant 53406 100 homes, 99 low-income · For older adults · (262) 633-0500, ext. 153
- Courtyard Apts - Racine Tax credit (LIHTC) 4217 Durand Ave, Racine 53405 96 homes, 93 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 85 · In service since 1997
- Mitchell Wagon Factory Loft Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 815 8th St, Racine 53403 100 homes, 80 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Oakview Manor HUD-assisted 4720 Byrd Ave, Racine 53406 79 homes, 78 low-income · For older adults · (414) 271-4116
- Lincoln Villas North HUD-assisted 3919 Ruby Ave, Racine 53402 75 homes, 74 low-income · For older adults · (262) 633-0500, ext. 153
- Durand Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3003 Durand Ave, Racine 53403 72 homes, 71 low-income · 1 bd: 72 · In service since 2017 · For older adults · (262) 554-1250
- Lake Oaks II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1912 Wisconsin Ave, Racine 53403 85 homes, 67 low-income · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 1996
- The Parkview Tax credit (LIHTC) 5215 Douglas Ave, Racine 53402 73 homes, 67 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 33 · In service since 2000
- Chateau/Regency Apts. HUD-assisted 4111 Erie St, Racine 53402 65 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 632-5059
- Lincoln School Historic Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 State St, Racine 53404 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1991
- Main Lake Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 413 S Main St, Racine 53403 75 homes, 59 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 41 · In service since 1996
- Historic Olson BLDG Loft Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 134 Main St, Racine 53403 78 homes, 58 low-income · 1 bd: 31 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2002
- The Parkview (phase II) Tax credit (LIHTC) 5311 Douglas Ave, Racine 53402 73 homes, 58 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 33 · In service since 2005
- Hometown Harbor-Racine Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Ohio St, Racine 53405 72 homes, 57 low-income · Studio: 9 · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Spring Brook Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 S Pine St, Burlington 53105 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 1998
- Chateau/Oakwood HUD-assisted 5001 Byrd Ave, Racine 53406 44 low-income homes · For families · (262) 632-5059
- Hillpark Heights I HUD-assisted 1380 Park Pl, Union Grove 53182 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 878-4201
- Marian Housing Center HUD-assisted 4105 Spring St, Mount Pleasant 53405 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 633-5700
- Washington Apartments HUD-assisted 2000 Washington Ave, Racine 53403 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 652-6500
- Trinity Terrace HUD-assisted 2132 Center St, Racine 53403 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (262) 633-0500, ext. 153
- Chapel Terrace Town Homes HUD-assisted 273 Chapel Ter, Burlington 53105 37 low-income homes · For families · (414) 276-1515
- Wilmanor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 255 N Memorial Dr, Racine 53404 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 1994
- ST. Paul Gardens Apartments HUD-assisted 1120 Center St, Racine 53403 33 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 632-6086
- Pleasant View Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1120 Oakes Rd, Mount Pleasant 53406 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 1993
- Pleasant View Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 7220 Kinzie Ave, Mount Pleasant 53406 32 low-income homes · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1994
- Parkview III Tax credit (LIHTC) 5225 Douglas Ave, Racine 53402 73 homes, 28 low-income · 1 bd: 51 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2013
- The Boardwalk Tax credit (LIHTC) 232 Bridge St, Burlington 53105 128 homes, 26 low-income · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 68 · In service since 2003 · For families
- The Home Company HUD-assisted 1204 Schiller St, Racine 53403 25 low-income homes · For families · (414) 362-7240
- Lincoln Manor of Racine HUD-assisted 5801 16th St, Mount Pleasant 53406 120 homes, 24 low-income · For older adults · (262) 633-0500, ext. 153
- Levi-Barnes Manor HUD-assisted 200 S 7th St, Waterford 53185 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 636-3405
- Westridge Apts HUD-assisted 3101 86th St, Sturtevant 53177 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 652-2592
- Shoreline Manor Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1403 W 6th St, Racine 53404 24 homes, 13 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2007
- South Willow Apartments HUD-assisted 1840 Roosevelt Ave, Racine 53406 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (262) 506-1134
- Hometown Harbor Racine - Unit 3 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Ohio St, Racine 53405 24 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2008
- Willow Wood Apartments HUD-assisted 4321 Durand Ave, Mount Pleasant 53405 8 homes, 7 low-income · For people with disabilities · (262) 506-1134
- Fox Crossing II Tax credit (LIHTC) 180 Bridge St, Burlington 53105 32 homes, 6 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2017
- Wanda Frogg Villa HUD-assisted 524 Summit Ave, Burlington 53105 6 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
- Fox Crossing Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Bridge St, Burlington 53105 24 homes, 5 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2014
- Parkview Gardens II Tax credit (LIHTC) 5321 Douglas Ave, Racine 53402 23 homes, 5 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2013
- State at Main Tax credit (LIHTC) 141 Main St, Racine 53403 84 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 52 · In service since 2007
- Regency West Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2234 Loni Ln, Racine 53406 72 homes, 4 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2011
- Parkview Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 5321 Douglas Ave, Racine 53402 24 homes, 4 low-income · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 21 · In service since 2008
- Mount Pleasant Place Fka Lincoln Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 5810 Lincoln Village Dr, Mount Pleasant 53406 99 homes, 1 low-income · 1 bd: 98 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2010
- Lincoln Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 5809 16th St, Mount Pleasant 53406 104 homes
- Mount Pleasant Manor HUD-assisted 2250 Layard Ave, Racine 53404 79 homes · For older adults · (262) 632-0863
- Hometown Harbor - Racine Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Ohio St, Racine 53405 14 homes
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Racine 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 Racine 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
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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)
-
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 | $21,950 | $36,550 | $58,450 |
| 2 people | $25,050 | $41,750 | $66,800 |
| 3 people | $28,200 | $46,950 | $75,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,150 | $83,450 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,350 | $90,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,500 | $96,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,700 | $103,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,850 | $110,200 |
Area median income: $104,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $833 – $1,019
- 1 bedroom $932 – $1,140
- 2 bedrooms $1,155 – $1,411
- 3 bedrooms $1,475 – $1,803
- 4 bedrooms $1,786 – $2,182
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
- Housing Authority of Racine County Section 8 vouchers · 1,700 vouchers (262) 636-3405 Housing Authority of Racine County: KKasprzak@rcha.org
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 Racine County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Racine County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Housing Resources, Inc-Racine
500 Wisconsin Ave. Suite 205, Racine · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Workshops for new owners
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Racine 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
$2,566
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,283
- Security deposit
- $1,283
- Total
- $2,566
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 Racine County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $926; 1 bedroom: $1,036; 2 bedrooms: $1,283; 3 bedrooms: $1,639; 4 bedrooms: $1,984. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Racine County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,283) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.67 an hour full time, or $51,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Racine County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,150 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 Racine 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 $1,155 and $1,411 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Racine County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 53404 to $1,590 in 53177. 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 Racine County?
HUD lists 51 properties with homes for low-income households in Racine 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 Racine County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Racine County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).