Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Marion County vs Shelby County

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

$1,263
Marion County (1BR)
$1,154
Shelby County (1BR)
+9%
1BR difference

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

County
Marion County
$1,263/mo 1BR
Population: 28,852
County
Shelby County
$1,154/mo 1BR
Population: 926,440

A 1-bedroom in Marion County is 9% more expensive than Shelby County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,263 vs $1,154). 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 Marion County Shelby County Difference
Studio $1,211 $1,060 +$151 (+14%)
1 Bedroom $1,263 $1,154 +$109 (+9%)
2 Bedroom $1,390 $1,274 +$116 (+9%)
3 Bedroom $1,734 $1,683 +$51 (+3%)
4 Bedroom $1,853 $1,959 −$106 (-5%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Marion County is 32% above the US average. Shelby County is 20% above.

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