Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,794$21,528 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Whatcom County, WA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Whatcom County, WA
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 | $1,463 | $17,556 | $58,520 | $28.13/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,493 | $17,916 | $59,720 | $28.71/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,794 | $21,528 | $71,760 | $34.50/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,495 | $29,940 | $99,800 | $47.98/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,010 | $36,120 | $120,400 | $57.88/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Whatcom County, WA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Whatcom County, WA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Whatcom County, WA is $1,794 per month ($21,528 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Whatcom County, WA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,794/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $34.50 per hour ($71,760/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Whatcom County, WA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Whatcom County, WA are: Studio: $1,463/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,493/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,794/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,495/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $3,010/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Whatcom County, WA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $81,784/year ($6,815/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 26.3% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Whatcom County, WA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,794/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,794 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $71,760 per year.