Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$996$11,952 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Mercer County, PA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Mercer County, PA
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 | $704 | $8,448 | $28,160 | $13.54/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $792 | $9,504 | $31,680 | $15.23/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $996 | $11,952 | $39,840 | $19.15/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,385 | $16,620 | $55,400 | $26.63/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,538 | $18,456 | $61,520 | $29.58/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Mercer County, PA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Mercer County, PA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Mercer County, PA is $996 per month ($11,952 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Mercer County, PA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $996/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $19.15 per hour ($39,840/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Mercer County, PA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Mercer County, PA are: Studio: $704/mo, 1-Bedroom: $792/mo, 2-Bedroom: $996/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,385/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,538/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Mercer County, PA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $59,976/year ($4,998/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 19.9% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Mercer County, PA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $996/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($996 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $39,840 per year.