Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Wood County, Wisconsin
Wood County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $856 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 19% less than in Wisconsin
- Typical rent
- $856
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 21% less than in Wisconsin
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 38%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 13% less than in Wisconsin
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 Wood 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 Wood County was $1,108 a month in September 2026: 4.6% 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 | $732 | $14.08 | $29,280 |
| 1 bedroom | $775 | $14.90 | $31,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,299 | $24.98 | $51,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,357 | $26.10 | $54,280 |
HUD area: Wood 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 22 ZIP codes in Wood County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 54410 to $1,240 in 54489. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
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)
| 54410 | Wood County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54412 | Wausau, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
| 54412 | Wood County, WI | $730 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,360 | $1,370 |
| 54413 | Juneau County, WI | $750 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,290 | $1,370 |
| 54413 | Wood County, WI | $750 | $790 | $1,020 | $1,290 | $1,370 |
| 54441 | Wood County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
| 54449 | Clark County, WI | $780 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| 54449 | Wausau, WI | $780 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| 54449 | Wood County, WI | $780 | $830 | $1,090 | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| 54454 | Portage County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
| 54454 | Wood County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
| 54466 | Clark County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,380 |
| 54466 | Jackson County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,380 |
| 54466 | Wood County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,380 |
| 54469 | Wood County, WI | $750 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,330 | $1,390 |
| 54475 | Portage County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,360 |
| 54475 | Wood County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,360 |
| 54489 | Wood County, WI | $890 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,590 | $1,660 |
| 54494 | Adams County, WI | $800 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,410 | $1,480 |
| 54494 | Portage County, WI | $800 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,410 | $1,480 |
| 54494 | Wood County, WI | $800 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,410 | $1,480 |
| 54495 | Wood County, WI | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
- 54410 · Wood County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54412 · Wausau, WI $1,040$1,360
- 54412 · Wood County, WI $1,040$1,360
- 54413 · Juneau County, WI $1,020$1,290
- 54413 · Wood County, WI $1,020$1,290
- 54441 · Wood County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54449 · Clark County, WI $1,090$1,400
- 54449 · Wausau, WI $1,090$1,400
- 54449 · Wood County, WI $1,090$1,400
- 54454 · Portage County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54454 · Wood County, WI $1,010$1,310
- 54466 · Clark County, WI $1,010$1,300
- 54466 · Jackson County, WI $1,010$1,300
- 54466 · Wood County, WI $1,010$1,300
- 54469 · Wood County, WI $1,040$1,330
- 54475 · Portage County, WI $1,010$1,300
- 54475 · Wood County, WI $1,010$1,300
- 54489 · Wood County, WI $1,240$1,590
- 54494 · Adams County, WI $1,110$1,410
- 54494 · Portage County, WI $1,110$1,410
- 54494 · Wood County, WI $1,110$1,410
- 54495 · Wood County, WI $1,010$1,310
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 Wood County, 38% 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.
38%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
8,845 households rent in Wood County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 62%
Compared with the state and the country
- Wood 38%
- Wisconsin 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Wood County
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Wood 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)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 14
- public housing
- 2
1,217 homes in all; 1,120 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Cedar Rail Apts & SCT STS Public housing 601 S Cedar Ave, Marshfield 54449 209 low-income homes · Run by Marshfield Community Development Authority · Average payment: $412 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 387-0528
- WRHA 10th Ave, PV & SS Public housing 1750 2nd Ave S, Wisconsin Rapids 54495 130 low-income homes · Run by Wisconsin Rapids Housing Authority · Average payment: $434 a month · Average wait: 33 months · Homes at several sites · (715) 423-7288
- Upham Village & Townhouses HUD-assisted 1600 N Fig Ave, Marshfield 54449 70 low-income homes · For families · (715) 384-5747
- Timber Trails Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3211 Franklin St, Wisconsin Rapids 54494 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1996
- Sylvan Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 1150 19th Ave S, Wisconsin Rapids 54495 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 1996
- Chula Vista Manor HUD-assisted 1200 Huntington Ave, Wisconsin Rapids 54494 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (715) 421-5353
- Laurel Gardens Apartments HUD-assisted 620 Laurel Ct, Marshfield 54449 60 homes, 59 low-income · For families · (715) 387-1500
- Norris Manor HUD-assisted 1412 S Adams Ave, Marshfield 54449 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (715) 387-4419
- The Woodlands Tax credit (LIHTC) 810 E Harrison St, Marshfield 54449 60 homes, 58 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1992
- Wyndham Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 1313 N Hinman Ave, Marshfield 54449 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Pine Creek II HUD-assisted 2626 12th St S, Wisconsin Rapids 54494 44 low-income homes · For families · (715) 424-3931
- Westwood Townhouses HUD-assisted 1530 23rd Ave S, Wisconsin Rapids 54495 36 low-income homes · For families · (715) 421-0404
- Ripple Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 540 Ver Bunker Ave, Port Edwards 54469 30 homes, 26 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1993
- Grace Apartments HUD-assisted 1531 23rd Ave S, Wisconsin Rapids 54495 25 low-income homes · For older adults · (866) 999-0949
- River Grove Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 3411 Washington St, Wisconsin Rapids 54494 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2002
- Parkside Community Apartments A/K/A the Covey HUD-assisted 135 N Section St, Nekoosa 54457 23 low-income homes · For families · (715) 344-7524
- Duane Flogstad Villa HUD-assisted 2710 12th St S, Wisconsin Rapids 54494 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
- Woodlake East HUD-assisted 1055 Market St, Nekoosa 54457 19 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 344-7524
- Tower Hall Tax credit (LIHTC) 112 E 2nd St, Marshfield 54449 20 homes, 17 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 1992
- Cranberry Woods Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2231 14th St S, Wisconsin Rapids 54494 40 homes, 14 low-income · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2018
- Anne/Auburn Village HUD-assisted 5828 1st St, Auburndale 54412 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (715) 384-5562
- River Wood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2231 Carey St, Wisconsin Rapids 54495 38 homes, 11 low-income · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2014
- Nancy Nye Villa HUD-assisted 5316 6th Ave, Pittsville 54466 10 low-income homes · For older adults · (800) 685-9353
- Jerry Drahos Villa HUD-assisted 1320 Pepper Ave, Wisconsin Rapids 54494 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities
- John Ringstand Villa HUD-assisted 808 E Grant St, Marshfield 54449 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (800) 685-9353
- River City Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 811 Hale St, Wisconsin Rapids 54495 19 homes, 4 low-income · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2007
- Nekoosa Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Buehler Ave, Nekoosa 54457 18 homes, 3 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2017
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 Wood County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Wood 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: $94,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Wood County, WI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $659 – $805
- 1 bedroom $698 – $853
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,169 – $1,429
- 4 bedrooms $1,221 – $1,493
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
- Wisconsin Rapids Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 315 vouchers · 130 public housing units (715) 423-7288 Wisconsin Rapids Housing Authority: mary@wisrapha.org
- Marshfield Community Development Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 99 vouchers · 209 public housing units (715) 387-0528 Marshfield Community Development Authority: Carol.Kerper@marshfieldcda.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 Wood County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
First Nations Community Financial
206 S Roosevelt Rd Ste 123, Black River Falls · 41 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Workshops for new owners
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Wood 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
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
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 Wood County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $732; 1 bedroom: $775; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,299; 4 bedrooms: $1,357. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Wood County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Wood 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 Wood 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 $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Wood County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 54410 to $1,240 in 54489. 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 Wood County?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Wood 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 Wood County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wood County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in Wisconsin, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).