Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,030$12,360 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Bay County, MI
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Bay County, MI
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 | $809 | $9,708 | $32,360 | $15.56/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $814 | $9,768 | $32,560 | $15.65/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,030 | $12,360 | $41,200 | $19.81/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,399 | $16,788 | $55,960 | $26.90/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,518 | $18,216 | $60,720 | $29.19/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Bay County, MI
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bay County, MI?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Bay County, MI is $1,030 per month ($12,360 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Bay County, MI?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,030/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $19.81 per hour ($41,200/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Bay County, MI?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Bay County, MI are: Studio: $809/mo, 1-Bedroom: $814/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,030/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,399/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,518/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Bay County, MI?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $61,763/year ($5,147/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 20% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Bay County, MI?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,030/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,030 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $41,200 per year.