Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$910$10,920 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Cole County, MO
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Cole County, MO
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 | $689 | $8,268 | $27,560 | $13.25/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $694 | $8,328 | $27,760 | $13.35/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $910 | $10,920 | $36,400 | $17.50/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,266 | $15,192 | $50,640 | $24.35/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,379 | $16,548 | $55,160 | $26.52/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Cole County, MO
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Cole County, MO?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Cole County, MO is $910 per month ($10,920 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Cole County, MO?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $910/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $17.50 per hour ($36,400/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Cole County, MO?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Cole County, MO are: Studio: $689/mo, 1-Bedroom: $694/mo, 2-Bedroom: $910/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,266/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,379/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Cole County, MO?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $74,876/year ($6,240/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 14.6% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Cole County, MO?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $910/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($910 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $36,400 per year.