Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$881$10,572 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Laurel County, KY
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Laurel County, KY
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 | $607 | $7,284 | $24,280 | $11.67/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $676 | $8,112 | $27,040 | $13.00/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $881 | $10,572 | $35,240 | $16.94/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,068 | $12,816 | $42,720 | $20.54/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,213 | $14,556 | $48,520 | $23.33/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Laurel County, KY
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Laurel County, KY?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Laurel County, KY is $881 per month ($10,572 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Laurel County, KY?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $881/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $16.94 per hour ($35,240/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Laurel County, KY?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Laurel County, KY are: Studio: $607/mo, 1-Bedroom: $676/mo, 2-Bedroom: $881/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,068/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,213/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Laurel County, KY?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $57,771/year ($4,814/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 18.3% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Laurel County, KY?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $881/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($881 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $35,240 per year.