St. Cloud Section 8 Calculator — Benton County, Sherburne County and Stearns County Income Limits & Rent Estimate

Housing Authority Serving St. Cloud

• Agency: St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority (St. Cloud HRA)
• Jurisdiction: City of St. Cloud and portions of Stearns County
• Waiting list status: Opens periodically; check the official portal
• Application portal: stcloudhra.com
• Main office: 400 2nd St S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
• Phone: (320) 252-0880

The St. Cloud HRA is one of the largest housing authorities in Greater Minnesota, operating the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program alongside public housing units, emergency rental assistance, and homeownership support programs. Because St. Cloud is the commercial and population hub of Central Minnesota, demand for vouchers consistently outpaces supply, and waiting periods can extend for a year or more once the list reopens.

The HRA partners with Central Minnesota Housing Partnership, Tri-County Community Action, and local landlord associations to connect voucher holders with quality units across a range of neighborhoods — from the riverside Cathedral area to newer developments on the city’s east side. Applicants who are facing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or have a qualifying disability may be eligible for priority placement.

Income Limits & Fair Market Rent in Stearns County

HUD sets income limits for the St. Cloud, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne Counties. All three counties share the same AMI table, so whether you live in St. Cloud proper or a neighboring community, the eligibility thresholds are identical.

For 2026, Stearns County Fair Market Rents reflect St. Cloud’s growing rental market. FMRs are published annually in October and typically apply to the next program year. Voucher holders pay approximately 30% of monthly adjusted gross income toward rent, and the HRA’s payment standard — which it can set between 90% and 110% of the published FMR — covers the balance up to that ceiling.

Income eligibility tiers include Extremely Low Income (30% AMI), Very Low Income (50% AMI), and Low Income (80% AMI). Federal rules mandate that 75% of new vouchers go to Extremely Low Income households. Larger families with more members benefit from higher income ceilings under HUD’s graduated limits.

Run your St. Cloud rent estimate →

How to Apply for Section 8 in St. Cloud

1. Verify the waiting list is open by visiting stcloudhra.com or calling (320) 252-0880 before gathering documents.
2. Collect required documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards or proof of immigration status, three months of pay stubs or a benefits award letter, and most recent federal tax return.
3. Submit your application online through the HRA’s portal or in person at 400 2nd St S during business hours — be precise about household size and income to avoid processing delays.
4. Claim applicable preferences at the time of application — veteran status, disability, current homelessness, or displacement due to a federal disaster may move your application higher in queue.
5. Maintain your position by updating the HRA immediately any time your address, phone number, family composition, or income changes, and respond promptly to any HRA correspondence.

Waiting List Tips for St. Cloud

• Apply on opening day — the St. Cloud HRA waiting list can close within 24–48 hours of opening due to high regional demand.
• Keep your contact information current — applicants removed for undeliverable mail lose their position and must reapply when the list reopens.
• Explore Bridge To Benefits and SMOC programs — Central Minnesota nonprofits sometimes offer short-term rental assistance that can bridge the gap while you wait for a voucher.
• Check with Stearns County Social Services — the county administers emergency rental assistance and may coordinate housing support separate from the HRA’s voucher program.