Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,526$18,312 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Knox County, ME
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Knox County, ME
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 | $1,223 | $14,676 | $48,920 | $23.52/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,270 | $15,240 | $50,800 | $24.42/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,526 | $18,312 | $61,040 | $29.35/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,928 | $23,136 | $77,120 | $37.08/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,085 | $25,020 | $83,400 | $40.10/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Knox County, ME
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Knox County, ME?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Knox County, ME is $1,526 per month ($18,312 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Knox County, ME?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,526/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $29.35 per hour ($61,040/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Knox County, ME?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Knox County, ME are: Studio: $1,223/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,270/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,526/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,928/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,085/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Knox County, ME?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $74,096/year ($6,175/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 24.7% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Knox County, ME?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,526/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,526 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $61,040 per year.