Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$888$10,656 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Polk County, MO
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Polk County, MO
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 | $729 | $8,748 | $29,160 | $14.02/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $733 | $8,796 | $29,320 | $14.10/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $888 | $10,656 | $35,520 | $17.08/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,235 | $14,820 | $49,400 | $23.75/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,490 | $17,880 | $59,600 | $28.65/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Polk County, MO
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Polk County, MO?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Polk County, MO is $888 per month ($10,656 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Polk County, MO?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $888/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $17.08 per hour ($35,520/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Polk County, MO?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Polk County, MO are: Studio: $729/mo, 1-Bedroom: $733/mo, 2-Bedroom: $888/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,235/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,490/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Polk County, MO?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $59,647/year ($4,971/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 17.9% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Polk County, MO?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $888/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($888 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $35,520 per year.