Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$947$11,364 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Mahaska County, IA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Mahaska County, IA
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 | $717 | $8,604 | $28,680 | $13.79/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $722 | $8,664 | $28,880 | $13.88/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $947 | $11,364 | $37,880 | $18.21/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,135 | $13,620 | $45,400 | $21.83/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,254 | $15,048 | $50,160 | $24.12/hr |
See comprehensive cost of living profile for Mahaska County, IA →
Explore Related Regional Profiles
Connect housing costs with earnings, taxes, and price levels across Iowa:
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Mahaska County, IA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Mahaska County, IA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Mahaska County, IA is $947 per month ($11,364 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Mahaska County, IA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $947/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $18.21 per hour ($37,880/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Mahaska County, IA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Mahaska County, IA are: Studio: $717/mo, 1-Bedroom: $722/mo, 2-Bedroom: $947/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,135/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,254/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Mahaska County, IA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $70,940/year ($5,912/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 16% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Mahaska County, IA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $947/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($947 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $37,880 per year.