Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Dakota County vs Douglas County

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

$925
Dakota County (1BR)
$1,148
Douglas County (1BR)
−19%
1BR difference

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

County
Dakota County
$925/mo 1BR
Population: 21,308
County
Douglas County
$1,148/mo 1BR
Population: 582,638

A 1-bedroom in Dakota County is 19% cheaper than Douglas County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($925 vs $1,148). 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 Dakota County Douglas County Difference
Studio $796 $1,090 −$294 (-27%)
1 Bedroom $925 $1,148 −$223 (-19%)
2 Bedroom $1,154 $1,368 −$214 (-16%)
3 Bedroom $1,386 $1,813 −$427 (-24%)
4 Bedroom $1,528 $2,046 −$518 (-25%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Dakota County is 4% below the US average. Douglas County is 20% above.

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