Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,044$12,528 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Howard County, MO
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Howard 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 | $720 | $8,640 | $28,800 | $13.85/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $796 | $9,552 | $31,840 | $15.31/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,044 | $12,528 | $41,760 | $20.08/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,252 | $15,024 | $50,080 | $24.08/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,382 | $16,584 | $55,280 | $26.58/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Howard County, MO
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Howard County, MO?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Howard County, MO is $1,044 per month ($12,528 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Howard County, MO?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,044/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $20.08 per hour ($41,760/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Howard County, MO?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Howard County, MO are: Studio: $720/mo, 1-Bedroom: $796/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,044/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,252/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,382/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Howard County, MO?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $65,938/year ($5,495/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 19% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Howard County, MO?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,044/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,044 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $41,760 per year.