Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,007$12,084 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Essex County, VT
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Essex County, VT
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 | $780 | $9,360 | $31,200 | $15.00/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $919 | $11,028 | $36,760 | $17.67/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,007 | $12,084 | $40,280 | $19.37/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,400 | $16,800 | $56,000 | $26.92/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,640 | $19,680 | $65,600 | $31.54/hr |
See comprehensive cost of living profile for Essex County, VT →
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Essex County, VT
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Essex County, VT?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Essex County, VT is $1,007 per month ($12,084 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Essex County, VT?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,007/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $19.37 per hour ($40,280/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Essex County, VT?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Essex County, VT are: Studio: $780/mo, 1-Bedroom: $919/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,007/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,400/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,640/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Essex County, VT?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $59,294/year ($4,941/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 20.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Essex County, VT?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,007/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,007 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $40,280 per year.
