Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Mahaska County vs Polk County
How do Mahaska County and Polk County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $722
- Mahaska County (1BR)
- $1,109
- Polk County (1BR)
- −35%
- 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 Mahaska County is 35% cheaper than Polk County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($722 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 | Mahaska County | Polk County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $717 | $1,063 | −$346 (-33%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $722 | $1,109 | −$387 (-35%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $947 | $1,318 | −$371 (-28%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,135 | $1,794 | −$659 (-37%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,254 | $1,841 | −$587 (-32%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Mahaska County is 25% 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).