Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Sauk County, Wisconsin
Sauk County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,168 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,018 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.46 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,168
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% less than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $1,018
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $22.46
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $46,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Sauk County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Richland County has the lowest typical rent ($771), 24% below the $1,018 in Sauk County.
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 Sauk 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 Sauk County was $1,280 a month in September 2026: 7.9% 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 | $843 | $16.21 | $33,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $996 | $19.15 | $39,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,168 | $22.46 | $46,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,448 | $27.85 | $57,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,577 | $30.33 | $63,080 |
HUD area: Sauk 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 Sauk County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 53941 to $1,530 in 53583. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,168).
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)
| 53561 | Columbia County, WI | $860 | $1,010 | $1,200 | $1,510 | $1,630 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53561 | Sauk County, WI | $860 | $1,010 | $1,200 | $1,510 | $1,630 |
| 53577 | Sauk County, WI | $820 | $960 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,530 |
| 53578 | Columbia County, WI | $1,040 | $1,210 | $1,440 | $1,810 | $1,960 |
| 53578 | Sauk County, WI | $1,040 | $1,210 | $1,440 | $1,810 | $1,960 |
| 53583 | Columbia County, WI | $1,150 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $2,020 | $2,260 |
| 53583 | Madison, WI | $1,150 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $2,020 | $2,260 |
| 53583 | Sauk County, WI | $1,150 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $2,020 | $2,260 |
| 53588 | Iowa County, WI | $830 | $970 | $1,150 | $1,440 | $1,770 |
| 53588 | Richland County, WI | $830 | $970 | $1,150 | $1,440 | $1,770 |
| 53588 | Sauk County, WI | $830 | $970 | $1,150 | $1,440 | $1,770 |
| 53913 | Columbia County, WI | $840 | $990 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,620 |
| 53913 | Sauk County, WI | $840 | $990 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,620 |
| 53937 | Richland County, WI | $840 | $990 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,590 |
| 53937 | Sauk County, WI | $840 | $990 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,590 |
| 53940 | Sauk County, WI | $840 | $1,000 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,580 |
| 53941 | Juneau County, WI | $740 | $880 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
| 53941 | Richland County, WI | $740 | $880 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
| 53941 | Sauk County, WI | $740 | $880 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
| 53942 | Sauk County, WI | $770 | $920 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,450 |
| 53943 | Sauk County, WI | $920 | $1,090 | $1,280 | $1,590 | $1,730 |
| 53951 | Sauk County, WI | $770 | $910 | $1,070 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 53959 | Sauk County, WI | $810 | $950 | $1,120 | $1,390 | $1,510 |
| 53961 | Sauk County, WI | $810 | $960 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,520 |
- 53561 · Columbia County, WI $1,200$1,510
- 53561 · Sauk County, WI $1,200$1,510
- 53577 · Sauk County, WI $1,130$1,400
- 53578 · Columbia County, WI $1,440$1,810
- 53578 · Sauk County, WI $1,440$1,810
- 53583 · Columbia County, WI $1,530$2,020
- 53583 · Madison, WI $1,530$2,020
- 53583 · Sauk County, WI $1,530$2,020
- 53588 · Iowa County, WI $1,150$1,440
- 53588 · Richland County, WI $1,150$1,440
- 53588 · Sauk County, WI $1,150$1,440
- 53913 · Columbia County, WI $1,160$1,490
- 53913 · Sauk County, WI $1,160$1,490
- 53937 · Richland County, WI $1,170$1,450
- 53937 · Sauk County, WI $1,170$1,450
- 53940 · Sauk County, WI $1,170$1,450
- 53941 · Juneau County, WI $1,030$1,280
- 53941 · Richland County, WI $1,030$1,280
- 53941 · Sauk County, WI $1,030$1,280
- 53942 · Sauk County, WI $1,070$1,330
- 53943 · Sauk County, WI $1,280$1,590
- 53951 · Sauk County, WI $1,070$1,330
- 53959 · Sauk County, WI $1,120$1,390
- 53961 · Sauk County, WI $1,130$1,400
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 Sauk County, 40% 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.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,735 households rent in Sauk County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- Sauk 40%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Sauk County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Sauk 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)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 3
719 homes in all; 517 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- The Villages HUD-assisted 305 Plum St, Reedsburg 53959 84 low-income homes · For families · (608) 836-1152
- Donahue Terrace HUD-assisted 227 1st Ave, Baraboo 53913 61 low-income homes · For older adults · (608) 356-4822
- Delton Commons Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1197 Bunker Dr, Baraboo 53913 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001
- Reedsburg Maple Ridge Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Mack Dr, Reedsburg 53959 49 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1996
- Scattered Sites Public housing 200 Webster Ave, Sauk City 53583 40 low-income homes · Run by Sauk City Housing Authority · Average payment: $511 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (608) 643-6772
- Washington Square Public housing 400 Washington St, Prairie Du Sac 53578 40 low-income homes · Run by Sauk County Housing Authority · Average payment: $517 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (608) 356-3986
- Park Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1105 Silver Dr, Baraboo 53913 48 homes, 24 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1995
- Historic Park Street Senior Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 547 N Park St, Reedsburg 53959 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Highpointe Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 1141 12th St, Baraboo 53913 24 homes, 22 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Winfield Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1661 19th St, Reedsburg 53959 24 homes, 21 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1992
- Howard Wynne Villa HUD-assisted 1300 19th St, Reedsburg 53959 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
- Woodland Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 47 Fieldstone Dr, Wisconsin Dells 53965 40 homes, 17 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2002
- Tower Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Tower St, Prairie Du Sac 53578 18 homes, 16 low-income · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1994
- Kolan Kourt Tax credit (LIHTC) 950 13th St, Prairie Du Sac 53578 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1997
- Pioneer Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 460 Pioneer Dr, Wisconsin Dells 53965 72 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2016
- Corson Square Apts Public housing 1015 9th St, Baraboo 53913 10 low-income homes · Run by Baraboo Community Development Authority · Homes at several sites · (608) 356-4822
- Southern Bond Pool I - Maple Ridge, Reedsburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Mack Dr, Reedsburg 53959 49 homes, 9 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2014
- Park Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 305 E Main St, Reedsburg 53959 48 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2012
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 Sauk County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Sauk County. 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
-
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 | $21,700 | $36,100 | $57,750 |
| 2 people | $24,800 | $41,250 | $66,000 |
| 3 people | $27,900 | $46,400 | $74,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,550 | $82,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,700 | $89,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,800 | $95,700 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,950 | $102,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,050 | $108,900 |
Area median income: $103,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Sauk County, WI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $759 – $927
- 1 bedroom $896 – $1,096
- 2 bedrooms $1,051 – $1,285
- 3 bedrooms $1,303 – $1,593
- 4 bedrooms $1,419 – $1,735
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
- Sauk County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 385 vouchers · 40 public housing units (608) 356-3986 Sauk County Housing Authority: betteb@saukcountyha.org
- Sauk City Housing Authority Public housing · 40 public housing units (608) 643-6772 Sauk City Housing Authority: saukpha@merr.com
- Baraboo Community Development Authority Public housing · 10 public housing units (608) 356-4822 Baraboo Community Development Authority: pcannon@baraboowi.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 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 Sauk County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Movin' Out, Inc.
902 Royster Oaks Dr, Madison · 39 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Hmong.
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
-
Foundation for Rural Housing Inc
156 N Main St, Oregon · 45 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 1 more
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Couleecap Inc.
201 Melby St, Westby · 48 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Hmong.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Sauk 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
$2,336
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,168
- Security deposit
- $1,168
- Total
- $2,336
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 Sauk County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $843; 1 bedroom: $996; 2 bedrooms: $1,168; 3 bedrooms: $1,448; 4 bedrooms: $1,577. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Sauk County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,168) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.46 an hour full time, or $46,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Sauk County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,550 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 Sauk 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 $1,051 and $1,285 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Sauk County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 53941 to $1,530 in 53583. 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 Sauk County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Sauk 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 Sauk County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Sauk County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).