Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,974$23,688 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Merrimack County, NH
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Merrimack County, NH
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 | $1,361 | $16,332 | $54,440 | $26.17/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,504 | $18,048 | $60,160 | $28.92/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,974 | $23,688 | $78,960 | $37.96/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,604 | $31,248 | $104,160 | $50.08/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,614 | $31,368 | $104,560 | $50.27/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Merrimack County, NH
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merrimack County, NH?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Merrimack County, NH is $1,974 per month ($23,688 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Merrimack County, NH?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,974/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $37.96 per hour ($78,960/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Merrimack County, NH?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Merrimack County, NH are: Studio: $1,361/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,504/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,974/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,604/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,614/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Merrimack County, NH?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $97,004/year ($8,084/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 24.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Merrimack County, NH?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,974/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,974 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $78,960 per year.