Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Howard County vs Iowa
How do Howard County and Iowa rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $838
- Howard County (1BR)
- $788
- Iowa (1BR)
- +6%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Howard County is 6% more expensive than Iowa at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($838 vs $788). 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 | Howard County | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $682 | $738 | −$56 (-8%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $838 | $788 | +$50 (+6%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $919 | $989 | −$70 (-7%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,278 | $1,282 | −$4 (-0%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,476 | $1,420 | +$56 (+4%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Howard County is 13% below the US average. Iowa is 18% below.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).