Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Walworth County, Wisconsin
Walworth County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,300 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,150 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.00 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,300
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 4% more than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $1,150
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% more than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $25.00
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $52,000 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Walworth County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At $1,150, Walworth County ranks 7th 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 Walworth 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 Walworth County was $1,786 a month in September 2026: 17% 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 | $905 | $17.40 | $36,200 |
| 1 bedroom | $994 | $19.12 | $39,760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,300 | $25.00 | $52,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,625 | $31.25 | $65,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,142 | $41.19 | $85,680 |
HUD area: Walworth 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 20 ZIP codes in Walworth County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 53195 to $1,680 in 53120. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,300).
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)
| 53114 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,770 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53114 | Walworth County, WI | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,770 |
| 53115 | Walworth County, WI | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,550 | $2,040 |
| 53120 | Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $1,170 | $1,290 | $1,680 | $2,100 | $2,770 |
| 53120 | Walworth County, WI | $1,170 | $1,290 | $1,680 | $2,100 | $2,770 |
| 53121 | Walworth County, WI | $840 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,500 | $1,980 |
| 53125 | Walworth County, WI | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $1,890 | $2,490 |
| 53128 | Kenosha, WI | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,790 | $2,320 |
| 53128 | Walworth County, WI | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,790 | $2,320 |
| 53147 | Walworth County, WI | $1,030 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $1,850 | $2,440 |
| 53157 | Walworth County, WI | $910 | $990 | $1,300 | $1,620 | $2,140 |
| 53176 | Walworth County, WI | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,800 | $2,370 |
| 53184 | Walworth County, WI | $810 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,930 |
| 53190 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $820 | $900 | $1,170 | $1,490 | $1,810 |
| 53190 | Jefferson County, WI | $820 | $900 | $1,170 | $1,490 | $1,810 |
| 53190 | Walworth County, WI | $820 | $900 | $1,170 | $1,490 | $1,810 |
| 53191 | Walworth County, WI | $810 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,930 |
| 53195 | Walworth County, WI | $750 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,770 |
| 53585 | Janesville-Beloit, WI | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,550 | $2,040 |
| 53585 | Walworth County, WI | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,550 | $2,040 |
- 53114 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,130$1,440
- 53114 · Walworth County, WI $1,130$1,440
- 53115 · Walworth County, WI $1,240$1,550
- 53120 · Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI $1,680$2,100
- 53120 · Walworth County, WI $1,680$2,100
- 53121 · Walworth County, WI $1,200$1,500
- 53125 · Walworth County, WI $1,510$1,890
- 53128 · Kenosha, WI $1,420$1,790
- 53128 · Walworth County, WI $1,420$1,790
- 53147 · Walworth County, WI $1,480$1,850
- 53157 · Walworth County, WI $1,300$1,620
- 53176 · Walworth County, WI $1,440$1,800
- 53184 · Walworth County, WI $1,170$1,460
- 53190 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,170$1,490
- 53190 · Jefferson County, WI $1,170$1,490
- 53190 · Walworth County, WI $1,170$1,490
- 53191 · Walworth County, WI $1,170$1,460
- 53195 · Walworth County, WI $1,090$1,370
- 53585 · Janesville-Beloit, WI $1,240$1,550
- 53585 · Walworth County, WI $1,240$1,550
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 Walworth County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
12,656 households rent in Walworth County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Walworth 42%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Walworth County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Walworth County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 9
1,269 homes in all; 1,018 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Walworth Apartments HUD-assisted 250 Havenwood Dr, Lake Geneva 53147 141 low-income homes · For families · (414) 276-1515
- Quail Run/Fairview Family HUD-assisted 3206 Main St, East Troy 53120 122 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 642-7704
- University Gardens HUD-assisted 370 N Tratt St, Whitewater 53190 108 homes, 101 low-income · For families · (262) 473-7087
- Woodview Park HUD-assisted 303 Tyrrell Ct, Delavan 53115 91 low-income homes · For families · (262) 728-6161
- Lakeland Apartments HUD-assisted 1090 Birchwood St, Delavan 53115 82 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 728-6161
- Brookdale Manor HUD-assisted 1061 W Blackhawk Dr, Whitewater 53190 66 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 473-2229
- Fox Lane Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 350 Fox Ln, Walworth 53184 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 1996
- Jackson Creek Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 209 Grant St, Elkhorn 53121 48 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 1998
- Sedgemeadow Tax credit (LIHTC) 18 West St, Elkhorn 53121 48 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Parkside Village Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 317 S Main St, Delavan 53115 45 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 1995
- First Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 505 E 1st Ave, Elkhorn 53121 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 1991
- Geneva Hills Apartments HUD-assisted 1385 Elkhorn Rd, Lake Geneva 53147 33 homes, 32 low-income · For older adults · (262) 248-8394
- Chestnut Ridge Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 433 S Autumn Dr, Delavan 53115 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 1995
- Chestnut Ridge Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 527 S Autumn Dr, Delavan 53115 32 low-income homes · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1996
- Whitewater Manor HUD-assisted 155 N Hyer Ln, Whitewater 53190 26 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 473-8108
- Terraces of Geneva Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 725 S Curtis St, Lake Geneva 53147 48 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2000
- First Avenue Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 509 E 1st Ave, Elkhorn 53121 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1993
- Green Valley Estates HUD-assisted 570 S Clark St, Whitewater 53190 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (262) 446-9144
- Highlands of Geneva Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 721 S Curtis St, Lake Geneva 53147 48 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Walworth Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 323 W Court St, Elkhorn 53121 139 homes, 7 low-income · 1 bd: 119 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2012
- Whitewater Woods Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 340A N Newcomb St, Whitewater 53190 40 homes, 3 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2014
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 Walworth 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 Walworth 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 | $25,000 | $41,650 | $66,600 |
| 2 people | $28,550 | $47,600 | $76,100 |
| 3 people | $32,100 | $53,550 | $85,600 |
| 4 people | $35,650 | $59,450 | $95,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $64,250 | $102,750 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $69,000 | $110,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $73,750 | $117,950 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $78,500 | $125,550 |
Area median income: $118,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Walworth County, WI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $815 – $996
- 1 bedroom $895 – $1,093
- 2 bedrooms $1,170 – $1,430
- 3 bedrooms $1,463 – $1,788
- 4 bedrooms $1,928 – $2,356
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
- Walworth County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 429 vouchers (262) 723-6123 Walworth County Housing Authority: sboss@wchawi.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 Walworth County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Jefferson County at Home
874 Collins Rd, Jefferson · 26 miles away
- Home improvement and repairs
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Walworth 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
$2,600
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,300
- Security deposit
- $1,300
- Total
- $2,600
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 Walworth County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $905; 1 bedroom: $994; 2 bedrooms: $1,300; 3 bedrooms: $1,625; 4 bedrooms: $2,142. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Walworth County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,300) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.00 an hour full time, or $52,000 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Walworth County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $59,450 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 Walworth 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 $1,170 and $1,430 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Walworth County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 53195 to $1,680 in 53120. 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 Walworth County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Walworth 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 Walworth County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Walworth County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).