Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,271$15,252 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Highlands County, FL
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Highlands County, FL
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 | $876 | $10,512 | $35,040 | $16.85/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,006 | $12,072 | $40,240 | $19.35/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,271 | $15,252 | $50,840 | $24.44/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,538 | $18,456 | $61,520 | $29.58/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,017 | $24,204 | $80,680 | $38.79/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Highlands County, FL
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Highlands County, FL?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Highlands County, FL is $1,271 per month ($15,252 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Highlands County, FL?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,271/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $24.44 per hour ($50,840/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Highlands County, FL?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Highlands County, FL are: Studio: $876/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,006/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,271/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,538/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,017/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Highlands County, FL?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $54,897/year ($4,575/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 27.8% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Highlands County, FL?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,271/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,271 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $50,840 per year.