Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in St. Croix County, Wisconsin
St. Croix 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 $1,271 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
- $1,271
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% more 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
- 34%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 21% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in St. Croix County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $103,046, St. Croix County ranks 2nd among the 72 counties in Wisconsin for the highest typical household income.
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St. Croix County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,271, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Pierce County ($1,044).
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At $1,271, St. Croix County ranks 3rd among the 72 counties in Wisconsin for the highest typical rent.
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 St. Croix 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 St. Croix County was $1,747 a month in September 2026: 2.9% 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 | $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 16 ZIP codes in St. Croix County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 54002 to $1,920 in 54023. 1 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)
| 54002 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54007 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54007 | Polk County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54013 | Dunn County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54013 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54015 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54016 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,230 | $1,390 | $1,690 | $2,210 | $2,470 |
| 54017 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54017 | Polk County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54023 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,400 | $1,580 | $1,920 | $2,510 | $2,810 |
| 54025 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54025 | Polk County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54027 | Dunn County, WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54027 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54028 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,120 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $2,040 | $2,280 |
| 54082 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,140 | $1,290 | $1,570 | $2,050 | $2,300 |
- 54002 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54007 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54007 · Polk County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54013 · Dunn County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54013 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54015 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54016 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,690$2,210
- 54017 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54017 · Polk County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54023 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,920$2,510
- 54025 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54025 · Polk County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54027 · Dunn County, WI $1,540$2,040
- 54027 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54028 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,540$2,040
- 54082 · Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $1,570$2,050
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 St. Croix County, 34% 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.
34%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
8,134 households rent in St. Croix County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 66%
Compared with the state and the country
- St. Croix 34%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in St. Croix County
HUD lists 36 properties with homes for low-income households in St. Croix 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)
- 24
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 4
1,306 homes in all; 1,069 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- ST. Croix County Housing HUD-assisted 1706 Fairway Dr, Hudson 54016 110 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 246-5774
- Riverview Manor Public housing 625 N Main St, River Falls 54022 70 low-income homes · Run by River Falls Housing Authority · Average payment: $424 a month · Average wait: 13 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 425-7640
- Hanley Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2221 Hanley Rd, Hudson 54016 65 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 1996
- ST Croix Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1501 Heggen St, Hudson 54016 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1993
- Croix View Apts Public housing 1015 2nd St, Hudson 54016 59 homes, 51 low-income · Run by Hudson Housing Authority · Average payment: $474 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (715) 386-5301
- Timber Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1495 Riverside Dr, River Falls 54022 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 29 · In service since 1996
- Sunshine Court Public housing 370 Odanah Ave, New Richmond 54017 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of New Richmond · Average payment: $423 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (715) 246-2130
- Arbors Hudson Tax credit (LIHTC) 1920 Aspen Dr, Hudson 54016 45 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 1999
- The Villas at Paperjack Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 938 Monette Ave, New Richmond 54017 44 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Ann Crider Villa HUD-assisted 455 12th Ave, Baldwin 54002 35 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
- Boardman Meadows HUD-assisted 460 W 8th St, New Richmond 54017 35 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 246-5510
- River Glen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 564 Clark St, River Falls 54022 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 1989
- Heirloom Court Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Heirloom Ave, Hudson 54016 32 homes, 31 low-income · For older adults · (715) 690-2510
- Brookstone Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1934 Brookstone Cir, Hudson 54016 34 homes, 30 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2001
- Abbey Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 898 Krattley Ln, Hudson 54016 35 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2019
- Park Meadows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Hagen Ave, New Richmond 54017 27 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
- Norseman Manor Public housing 240 S Church St, Woodville 54028 26 low-income homes · Run by Woodville Housing Authority · Average payment: $475 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (715) 698-2487
- Baldwin Apts HUD-assisted 650 Park St, Baldwin 54002 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 833-0233
- Baldwin Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 1727 11th Ave, Baldwin 54002 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2000
- Boulder Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 901 Dominion Dr, Hudson 54016 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2005
- Cedar Crest Tax credit (LIHTC) 1810 4th Ave, Baldwin 54002 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1998
- Countryside Apartments HUD-assisted 509 Germain St, Somerset 54025 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 247-5417
- Deer Path Townhomes II Tax credit (LIHTC) 680 Monette Ave, New Richmond 54017 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1999
- Somerset Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 407 Belisle St, Somerset 54025 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998
- Deer Path Townhomes I Tax credit (LIHTC) 671 Monette Ave, New Richmond 54017 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1999
- ST Croix Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Oak St, Woodville 54028 40 homes, 20 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1994
- Heritage Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 80 Heritage Blvd, Hudson 54016 24 homes, 16 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2009
- Heritage Cottages Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 7 Ivy Grn, Hudson 54016 22 homes, 15 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2010
- Tribute Commons HUD-assisted 123 Heritage Blvd, Hudson 54016 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (715) 690-4570
- Croft Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 233 Croft St, New Richmond 54017 52 homes, 12 low-income · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2016
- Cedar Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1401 Namekagon St, Hudson 54016 72 homes, 9 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 39 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2013
- Mississippi Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 1410 Okeefe Rd, Hudson 54016 22 homes, 8 low-income · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2011
- William Johnson Manor HUD-assisted 105 South St W, Deer Park 54007 8 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
- The Carmichael Tax credit (LIHTC) 2000 Maxwell Dr, Hudson 54016 36 homes, 6 low-income · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2018
- Pleasantview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 830 Cedar St, Baldwin 54002 16 homes, 5 low-income · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 1992
- Havenwood Rcac Tax credit (LIHTC) 614 E Oak St, Glenwood City 54013 16 homes, 4 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2008
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 St. Croix 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 St. Croix 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
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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
- River Falls Housing Authority Public housing · 70 public housing units (715) 425-7640 River Falls Housing Authority: svansomeren@rfhousing.org
- Hudson Housing Authority Public housing · 51 public housing units (715) 386-5301 Hudson Housing Authority: HHA@hudsonha.org
- Housing Authority of the City of New Richmond Public housing · 40 public housing units (715) 246-2130 Housing Authority of the City of New Richmond: newrichmondpha@gmail.com
- Woodville Housing Authority Public housing · 26 public housing units (715) 698-2487
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 St. Croix County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in St. Croix 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 St. Croix 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 St. Croix 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 St. Croix 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 St. Croix 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 St. Croix 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 St. Croix County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 54002 to $1,920 in 54023. 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 St. Croix County?
HUD lists 36 properties with homes for low-income households in St. Croix 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 St. Croix County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In St. Croix County, 34% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).