Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$987$11,844 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Mercer County, OH
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Mercer County, OH
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 | $747 | $8,964 | $29,880 | $14.37/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $788 | $9,456 | $31,520 | $15.15/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $987 | $11,844 | $39,480 | $18.98/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,287 | $15,444 | $51,480 | $24.75/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,307 | $15,684 | $52,280 | $25.13/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Mercer County, OH
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Mercer County, OH?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Mercer County, OH is $987 per month ($11,844 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Mercer County, OH?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $987/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $18.98 per hour ($39,480/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Mercer County, OH?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Mercer County, OH are: Studio: $747/mo, 1-Bedroom: $788/mo, 2-Bedroom: $987/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,287/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,307/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Mercer County, OH?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $76,782/year ($6,399/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 15.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Mercer County, OH?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $987/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($987 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $39,480 per year.