Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,438$17,256 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Waldo County, ME
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Waldo County, ME
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 | $1,156 | $13,872 | $46,240 | $22.23/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,163 | $13,956 | $46,520 | $22.37/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,438 | $17,256 | $57,520 | $27.65/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,865 | $22,380 | $74,600 | $35.87/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,025 | $24,300 | $81,000 | $38.94/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Waldo County, ME
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Waldo County, ME?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Waldo County, ME is $1,438 per month ($17,256 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Waldo County, ME?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,438/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $27.65 per hour ($57,520/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Waldo County, ME?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Waldo County, ME are: Studio: $1,156/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,163/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,438/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,865/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,025/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Waldo County, ME?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $72,782/year ($6,065/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 23.7% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Waldo County, ME?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,438/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,438 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $57,520 per year.