Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$983$11,796 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Polk County, NC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Polk County, NC
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 | $824 | $9,888 | $32,960 | $15.85/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $829 | $9,948 | $33,160 | $15.94/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $983 | $11,796 | $39,320 | $18.90/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,351 | $16,212 | $54,040 | $25.98/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,649 | $19,788 | $65,960 | $31.71/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Polk County, NC
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Polk County, NC?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Polk County, NC is $983 per month ($11,796 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Polk County, NC?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $983/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $18.90 per hour ($39,320/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Polk County, NC?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Polk County, NC are: Studio: $824/mo, 1-Bedroom: $829/mo, 2-Bedroom: $983/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,351/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,649/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Polk County, NC?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $67,758/year ($5,647/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 17.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Polk County, NC?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $983/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($983 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $39,320 per year.