Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Jefferson County vs Polk County

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

$826
Jefferson County (1BR)
$1,109
Polk County (1BR)
−26%
1BR difference

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

County
Jefferson County
$826/mo 1BR
Population: 15,785
County
Polk County
$1,109/mo 1BR
Population: 493,378

A 1-bedroom in Jefferson County is 26% cheaper than Polk County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($826 vs $1,109). 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 Jefferson County Polk County Difference
Studio $821 $1,063 −$242 (-23%)
1 Bedroom $826 $1,109 −$283 (-26%)
2 Bedroom $1,084 $1,318 −$234 (-18%)
3 Bedroom $1,300 $1,794 −$494 (-28%)
4 Bedroom $1,435 $1,841 −$406 (-22%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Jefferson County is 14% below the US average. Polk County is 16% above.

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