Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,147$13,764 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Wausau, WI
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Wausau, WI
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $791 | $9,492 | $31,640 | $15.21/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $889 | $10,668 | $35,560 | $17.10/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,147 | $13,764 | $45,880 | $22.06/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,511 | $18,132 | $60,440 | $29.06/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,519 | $18,228 | $60,760 | $29.21/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Wausau, WI
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Wausau, WI?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Wausau, WI is $1,147 per month ($13,764 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Wausau, WI?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,147/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $22.06 per hour ($45,880/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Wausau, WI?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Wausau, WI are: Studio: $791/mo, 1-Bedroom: $889/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,147/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,511/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,519/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Wausau, WI?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $64,389/year ($5,366/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 21.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Wausau, WI?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,147/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,147 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $45,880 per year.