Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,113$13,356 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Essex County, VA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Essex County, VA
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 | $907 | $10,884 | $36,280 | $17.44/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $912 | $10,944 | $36,480 | $17.54/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,113 | $13,356 | $44,520 | $21.40/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,341 | $16,092 | $53,640 | $25.79/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,556 | $18,672 | $62,240 | $29.92/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Essex County, VA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Essex County, VA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Essex County, VA is $1,113 per month ($13,356 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Essex County, VA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,113/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $21.40 per hour ($44,520/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Essex County, VA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Essex County, VA are: Studio: $907/mo, 1-Bedroom: $912/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,113/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,341/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,556/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Essex County, VA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $56,520/year ($4,710/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 23.6% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Essex County, VA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,113/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,113 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $44,520 per year.