Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$942$11,304 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Buchanan County, IA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Buchanan County, IA
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 | $713 | $8,556 | $28,520 | $13.71/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $718 | $8,616 | $28,720 | $13.81/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $942 | $11,304 | $37,680 | $18.12/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,281 | $15,372 | $51,240 | $24.63/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,468 | $17,616 | $58,720 | $28.23/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Buchanan County, IA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Buchanan County, IA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Buchanan County, IA is $942 per month ($11,304 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Buchanan County, IA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $942/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $18.12 per hour ($37,680/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Buchanan County, IA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Buchanan County, IA are: Studio: $713/mo, 1-Bedroom: $718/mo, 2-Bedroom: $942/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,281/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,468/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Buchanan County, IA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $78,236/year ($6,520/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 14.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Buchanan County, IA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $942/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($942 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $37,680 per year.