Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,185$14,220 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Essex County, NY
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Essex County, NY
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 | $891 | $10,692 | $35,640 | $17.13/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $903 | $10,836 | $36,120 | $17.37/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,185 | $14,220 | $47,400 | $22.79/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,455 | $17,460 | $58,200 | $27.98/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,645 | $19,740 | $65,800 | $31.63/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Essex County, NY
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Essex County, NY?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Essex County, NY is $1,185 per month ($14,220 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Essex County, NY?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,185/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $22.79 per hour ($47,400/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Essex County, NY?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Essex County, NY are: Studio: $891/mo, 1-Bedroom: $903/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,185/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,455/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,645/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Essex County, NY?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $71,661/year ($5,972/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 19.8% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Essex County, NY?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,185/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,185 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $47,400 per year.