Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,016$12,192 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Marion County, IA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Marion 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 | $701 | $8,412 | $28,040 | $13.48/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $808 | $9,696 | $32,320 | $15.54/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,016 | $12,192 | $40,640 | $19.54/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,218 | $14,616 | $48,720 | $23.42/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,356 | $16,272 | $54,240 | $26.08/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Marion County, IA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Marion County, IA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Marion County, IA is $1,016 per month ($12,192 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Marion County, IA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,016/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $19.54 per hour ($40,640/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Marion County, IA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Marion County, IA are: Studio: $701/mo, 1-Bedroom: $808/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,016/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,218/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,356/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Marion County, IA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $78,680/year ($6,557/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 15.5% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Marion County, IA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,016/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,016 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $40,640 per year.
