Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Washington County, Wisconsin
Washington County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,263 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,153 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,263
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $1,153
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% more than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $24.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $50,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in Wisconsin
Only here
Renting in Washington County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Washington County has the 4th highest typical household income of the 72 counties in Wisconsin ($96,359).
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Among the neighboring counties, Sheboygan County has the lowest typical rent ($934), 19% below the $1,153 in Washington County.
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Washington County has the 6th highest typical rent of the 72 counties in Wisconsin ($1,153).
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At 46%, Washington County ranks 7th among the 72 counties in Wisconsin for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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 Washington 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 Washington County was $1,272 a month in September 2026: 5.8% 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 | $985 | $18.94 | $39,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,060 | $20.38 | $42,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,263 | $24.29 | $50,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,553 | $29.87 | $62,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,664 | $32.00 | $66,560 |
HUD area: Milwaukee-Waukesha, 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 15 ZIP codes in Washington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 53002 to $1,720 in 53033. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,263).
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)
| 53002 | Dodge County, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53002 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53017 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $1,190 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,880 | $2,010 |
| 53022 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $1,150 | $1,240 | $1,480 | $1,820 | $1,950 |
| 53027 | Dodge County, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53027 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53033 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $1,340 | $1,440 | $1,720 | $2,110 | $2,270 |
| 53037 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $1,010 | $1,090 | $1,300 | $1,600 | $1,710 |
| 53040 | Fond du Lac, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53040 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53040 | Sheboygan, WI | $930 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53076 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $1,110 | $1,190 | $1,420 | $1,750 | $1,870 |
| 53086 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $940 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 53090 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $990 | $1,070 | $1,270 | $1,560 | $1,670 |
| 53095 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $940 | $1,020 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
- 53002 · Dodge County, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53002 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53017 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,530$1,880
- 53022 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,480$1,820
- 53027 · Dodge County, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53027 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53033 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,720$2,110
- 53037 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,300$1,600
- 53040 · Fond du Lac, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53040 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53040 · Sheboygan, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53076 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,420$1,750
- 53086 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,210$1,490
- 53090 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,270$1,560
- 53095 · Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $1,210$1,490
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 Washington County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
12,518 households rent in Washington County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Washington 46%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Washington County
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 8
911 homes in all; 818 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Meadow Brook Manor II HUD-assisted 475 Meadowbrook Dr, West Bend 53090 74 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 338-0771
- Arbor Trace Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 621 E Decorah Rd, West Bend 53095 74 homes, 71 low-income · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2011 · For families · (262) 338-6508
- Meadowbrook Manor I HUD-assisted 475 Meadowbrook Dr, West Bend 53090 71 low-income homes · For older adults
- City View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2021 Barton Ave, West Bend 53090 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 59 · In service since 1994
- River Bend Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 151 Wisconsin St, West Bend 53095 52 homes, 51 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1999
- Parkside Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 325 Park Ave, Hartford 53027 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2000
- Stonefield Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 840 Weinert Rd, West Bend 53095 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · In service since 1995
- Scenic View Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 205 Slinger Rd, Slinger 53086 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Harthaven HUD-assisted 33 High St, Hartford 53027 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (262) 673-8217
- Prairie Meadows Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) W168N11328 Western Ave, Germantown 53022 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2000
- Washington Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 525 N Main St, Hartford 53027 50 homes, 38 low-income · 1 bd: 38 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Meadow Creek HUD-assisted 1119 Roseland Dr, Kewaskum 53040 37 low-income homes · For families · (262) 790-9828
- Prairie Meadows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) W168N11278 Western Ave, Germantown 53022 40 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1998
- Prairie Meadows Senior Housing III Tax credit (LIHTC) W168N11374 Western Ave, Germantown 53022 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Timber Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 729 Timberline Trl, Hartford 53027 32 low-income homes · For families · (262) 367-1515
- Amity Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 723 S Main St, West Bend 53095 36 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2002
- Hillside Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 325 James St, Slinger 53086 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998
- River Bluff Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 140 Wisconsin St, West Bend 53095 36 homes, 14 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2011
- Auxiliary Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Auxiliary Ct, West Bend 53095 55 homes, 10 low-income · 2 bd: 55 · In service since 2012
- LSS Housing, Germantown HUD-assisted N116W16105 Main St, Germantown 53022 5 homes, 4 low-income · For people with disabilities · (262) 335-4585
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 Washington 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 Washington 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 | $22,750 | $37,950 | $60,700 |
| 2 people | $26,000 | $43,400 | $69,400 |
| 3 people | $29,250 | $48,800 | $78,050 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $54,200 | $86,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $58,550 | $93,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $62,900 | $100,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $67,250 | $107,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $71,550 | $114,450 |
Area median income: $108,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $887 – $1,084
- 1 bedroom $954 – $1,166
- 2 bedrooms $1,137 – $1,389
- 3 bedrooms $1,398 – $1,708
- 4 bedrooms $1,498 – $1,830
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
- West Bend Housing Authority Public housing (262) 338-0771 West Bend Housing Authority: westbendpha@westbendhousing.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 Washington County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Washington County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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CCCS of Sheboygan
139 N. Main St. Suite 101, West Bend
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Washington 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
$2,526
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,263
- Security deposit
- $1,263
- Total
- $2,526
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 Washington County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $985; 1 bedroom: $1,060; 2 bedrooms: $1,263; 3 bedrooms: $1,553; 4 bedrooms: $1,664. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Washington County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,263) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.29 an hour full time, or $50,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Washington County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,200 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 Washington 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 $1,137 and $1,389 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Washington County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 53002 to $1,720 in 53033. 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 Washington County?
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Washington 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 Washington County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Washington County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).