Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Rock County, Wisconsin
Rock County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,280 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,037 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.62 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,280
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 2% more than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $1,037
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $24.62
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Rock County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Lafayette County, the typical rent is $830: 20% less than in Rock County ($1,037).
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 Rock 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 Rock County was $1,292 a month in September 2026: 6.5% 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 | $976 | $18.77 | $39,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $998 | $19.19 | $39,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,280 | $24.62 | $51,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,621 | $31.17 | $64,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,682 | $32.35 | $67,280 |
HUD area: Janesville-Beloit, 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 20 ZIP codes in Rock County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,130 in 53520 to $1,690 in 53505. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,280).
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)
| 53501 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $980 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,630 | $1,690 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53505 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $1,220 | $1,290 | $1,690 | $2,160 | $2,240 |
| 53505 | Walworth County, WI | $1,220 | $1,290 | $1,690 | $2,160 | $2,240 |
| 53511 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $980 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,630 | $1,700 |
| 53520 | Green County, WI | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 53520 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 53525 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $970 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,620 | $1,770 |
| 53525 | Walworth County, WI | $970 | $1,000 | $1,280 | $1,620 | $1,770 |
| 53534 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $1,150 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $2,020 | $2,260 |
| 53534 | Jefferson County, WI | $1,150 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $2,020 | $2,260 |
| 53534 | Madison, WI | $1,150 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $2,020 | $2,260 |
| 53536 | Green County, WI | $960 | $980 | $1,260 | $1,600 | $1,660 |
| 53536 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $960 | $980 | $1,260 | $1,600 | $1,660 |
| 53537 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 53545 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $1,010 | $1,040 | $1,330 | $1,680 | $1,750 |
| 53546 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $990 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,650 | $1,710 |
| 53548 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $970 | $990 | $1,270 | $1,610 | $1,670 |
| 53563 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $910 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $1,560 |
| 53563 | Jefferson County, WI | $910 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $1,560 |
| 53576 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $1,050 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,750 | $1,810 |
- 53501 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,280$1,630
- 53505 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,690$2,160
- 53505 · Walworth County, WI $1,690$2,160
- 53511 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,290$1,630
- 53520 · Green County, WI $1,130$1,440
- 53520 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,130$1,440
- 53525 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,280$1,620
- 53525 · Walworth County, WI $1,280$1,620
- 53534 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,530$2,020
- 53534 · Jefferson County, WI $1,530$2,020
- 53534 · Madison, WI $1,530$2,020
- 53536 · Green County, WI $1,260$1,600
- 53536 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,260$1,600
- 53537 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,130$1,440
- 53545 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,330$1,680
- 53546 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,300$1,650
- 53548 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,270$1,610
- 53563 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,190$1,510
- 53563 · Jefferson County, WI $1,190$1,510
- 53576 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,380$1,750
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 Rock 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.
19,382 households rent in Rock County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Rock 43%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Rock County
HUD lists 41 properties with homes for low-income households in Rock 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)
- 26
- HUD-assisted
- 13
- public housing
- 5
2,205 homes in all; 1,798 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Janesville Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 208 N Main St, Janesville 53545 165 low-income homes · 1 bd: 140 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2015 · For older adults · (608) 755-1755
- Scoville Center Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 545 Public Ave, Beloit 53511 152 homes, 150 low-income · 1 bd: 150 · In service since 2010 · For older adults · (608) 362-4900
- Riverview Heights HUD-assisted 930 N Washington St, Janesville 53548 123 homes, 122 low-income · For older adults · (608) 752-5999
- Woodside Terrace HUD-assisted 2255 Burton St, Beloit 53511 120 homes, 116 low-income · For families · (608) 365-0333
- Elm Drive Apts 1 Public housing 800 Elm Dr, Edgerton 53534 105 homes, 104 low-income · Run by City of Edgerton Housing Authority · Average payment: $425 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (608) 884-8454
- Parkview Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 702 E Madison Ave, Milton 53563 72 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 868-7022
- Hillcrest Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2200 Burton St, Beloit 53511 67 homes, 66 low-income · 1 bd: 47 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1995
- Beloit Apts. Redevelopment Phase 1 Public housing 1021 Ritsher St, Beloit 53511 65 low-income homes · Run by Beloit Housing Authority · Average payment: $537 a month · Average wait: 2 months · Homes at several sites · (608) 364-8753
- Beloit Water Tower Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1120 Prince Hall Dr, Beloit 53511 77 homes, 63 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 38 · In service since 1995
- Rock Bay Harbor Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1850 E Huebbe Pkwy, Beloit 53511 97 homes, 56 low-income · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 35 · In service since 1999
- Crown Ridge Apts Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1811 Green Forest Run, Janesville 53546 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1995
- Burbank Plaza HUD-assisted 1112 W Burbank Ave, Janesville 53546 49 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 754-4040
- Olympian Hill Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 431 Olympian Blvd, Beloit 53511 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1999
- Hamilton Terrace HUD-assisted 1326 Hamilton Ave, Janesville 53548 46 low-income homes · For families · (414) 362-7240
- Hamilton Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1310 Hamilton Ave, Janesville 53548 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Riverplace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 N River St, Janesville 53548 43 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 1995
- Beloit Apts. - Phase 2 Parker Bluff Public housing 220 Portland Ave, Beloit 53511 41 low-income homes · Run by Beloit Housing Authority · Average payment: $394 a month · Average wait: 35 months · (608) 364-8753
- Wesley Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 Wesley Ave, Janesville 53545 39 homes, 34 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 1993
- Janesville School Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 S Main St, Janesville 53545 55 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 1999
- Homestead Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 620 E Saint Mary St, Milton 53563 33 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1994
- Lexington Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2633 N Lexington Dr, Janesville 53545 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For families · (262) 642-7704
- Wall Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 W Wall St, Janesville 53548 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1995
- Meadow Park Apartments HUD-assisted 703 Meadow Park Dr, Clinton 53525 31 low-income homes · For families · (414) 277-1212
- Olympian Village II HUD-assisted 405 Olympian Blvd, Beloit 53511 29 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 361-9870
- River Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 N River St, Janesville 53548 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 1995
- Arbor Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 740 Brown School Rd, Evansville 53536 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2001
- Seminary Park Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 College Dr, Evansville 53536 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 4 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2000
- Edgewood Glen Senior Living Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Thronson Dr, Edgerton 53534 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 1999
- Baker Block Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 E Main St, Evansville 53536 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2002
- Green Forest Run II HUD-assisted 1629 Green Forest Run, Janesville 53546 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (414) 228-1122
- South Meadows Apartments HUD-assisted 455 S 1st St, Evansville 53536 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 882-4518
- Green Forest Run I HUD-assisted 1639 Green Forest Run, Janesville 53546 20 homes, 19 low-income · For older adults · (414) 228-1122
- Beloit Apts. Phase 2 - Scattered Sites Public housing 1149 11th St, Beloit 53511 16 low-income homes · Run by Beloit Housing Authority · Average payment: $555 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (608) 364-8753
- Fulton Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 813 W Fulton St, Edgerton 53534 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
- Beloit Apartments Redevelopment-Phase 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1821 Bayliss Ave, Beloit 53511 66 homes, 15 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 15 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2011
- Jeffris Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 318 Dodge St, Janesville 53548 11 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1993
- Janesville Commons, Neenah Court, and Menasha Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 3720 La Mancha Dr, Janesville 53546 96 homes, 9 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2018
- Beloit Apartments Redevelopment-Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1012 Mary St, Beloit 53511 65 homes, 9 low-income · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 23 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2010
- Beloit Apts. Phase 2 Town houses Public housing 840 5th St, Beloit 53511 9 low-income homes · Run by Beloit Housing Authority · (608) 364-8753
- Fairbanks Flats Rowhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 Carpenter St, Beloit 53511 13 homes, 8 low-income · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2008
- Woodside Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 2237 Burton St, Beloit 53511 120 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 90 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2008
3 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 Rock 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 Rock 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 | $20,200 | $33,600 | $53,800 |
| 2 people | $23,050 | $38,400 | $61,450 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,200 | $69,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,000 | $76,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,850 | $82,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,700 | $89,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,550 | $95,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $63,400 | $101,400 |
Area median income: $94,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Janesville-Beloit, WI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $878 – $1,074
- 1 bedroom $898 – $1,098
- 2 bedrooms $1,152 – $1,408
- 3 bedrooms $1,459 – $1,783
- 4 bedrooms $1,514 – $1,850
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
- Beloit Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 605 vouchers · 131 public housing units (608) 364-8753 Beloit Housing Authority: colec@beloitwi.gov
- Janesville Neighborhood & Community Services Section 8 vouchers · 558 vouchers (608) 755-3065 Janesville Neighborhood & Community Services: petruzzelloj@janesvillewi.gov
- City of Edgerton Housing Authority Public housing · 104 public housing units (608) 884-8454 City of Edgerton Housing Authority: eha@edgertonha.net
- Evansville Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 82 vouchers (608) 882-4518 Evansville Housing Authority: director@evansvilleha.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 Rock County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Rock County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Neighborworks Blackhawk Region - NHS of Beloit, Inc.
520 W Grand Ave, Beloit
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Rock 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
$2,560
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,280
- Security deposit
- $1,280
- Total
- $2,560
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 Rock County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $976; 1 bedroom: $998; 2 bedrooms: $1,280; 3 bedrooms: $1,621; 4 bedrooms: $1,682. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Rock County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,280) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.62 an hour full time, or $51,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Rock County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,000 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 Rock 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 $1,152 and $1,408 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Rock County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,130 in 53520 to $1,690 in 53505. 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 Rock County?
HUD lists 41 properties with homes for low-income households in Rock 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 Rock County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rock County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).