Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Clay County vs St. Louis County

How do Clay County and St. Louis County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,197
Clay County (1BR)
$995
St. Louis County (1BR)
+20%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
Clay County
$1,197/mo 1BR
Population: 253,085
County
St. Louis County
$995/mo 1BR
Population: 999,703

A 1-bedroom in Clay County is 20% more expensive than St. Louis County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,197 vs $995). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Clay County St. Louis County Difference
Studio $1,095 $955 +$140 (+15%)
1 Bedroom $1,197 $995 +$202 (+20%)
2 Bedroom $1,358 $1,218 +$140 (+11%)
3 Bedroom $1,769 $1,568 +$201 (+13%)
4 Bedroom $2,103 $1,812 +$291 (+16%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Clay County is 25% above the US average. St. Louis County is 4% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).