Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$896$10,752 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Mercer County, WV
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Mercer County, WV
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 | $618 | $7,416 | $24,720 | $11.88/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $717 | $8,604 | $28,680 | $13.79/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $896 | $10,752 | $35,840 | $17.23/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,206 | $14,472 | $48,240 | $23.19/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,258 | $15,096 | $50,320 | $24.19/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Mercer County, WV
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Mercer County, WV?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Mercer County, WV is $896 per month ($10,752 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Mercer County, WV?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $896/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $17.23 per hour ($35,840/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Mercer County, WV?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Mercer County, WV are: Studio: $618/mo, 1-Bedroom: $717/mo, 2-Bedroom: $896/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,206/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,258/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Mercer County, WV?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $53,210/year ($4,434/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 20.2% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Mercer County, WV?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $896/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($896 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $35,840 per year.