Essex County
FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rents in Massachusetts. Population: 17,277.
Fair Market Rents (2026)
Studio
National avg: $893
$2,359/mo
↑ 9.1% YoY
+164% vs US
1 Bedroom
National avg: $959
$2,476/mo
↑ 8.2% YoY
+158% vs US
2 Bedroom
National avg: $1,175
$2,941/mo
↑ 8.5% YoY
+150% vs US
3 Bedroom
National avg: $1,525
$3,526/mo
↑ 8.0% YoY
+131% vs US
4 Bedroom
National avg: $1,756
$3,894/mo
↑ 8.3% YoY
+122% vs US
Year-over-Year Comparison
| Bedrooms | FY 2025 | FY 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,163 | $2,359 | +$196 (+9.1%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,288 | $2,476 | +$188 (+8.2%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,711 | $2,941 | +$230 (+8.5%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,266 | $3,526 | +$260 (+8.0%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $3,594 | $3,894 | +$300 (+8.3%) |
Affordability Snapshot
Based on the standard that rent should not exceed 30% of gross income:
Required annual income for 1 BR
$99,040
$8,253/month gross
Required annual income for 2 BR
$117,640
$9,803/month gross
Other Counties in Massachusetts
Barnstable County
1 BR: $1,846/mo
Middlesex County
1 BR: $2,476/mo
Plymouth County
1 BR: $1,761/mo
Norfolk County
1 BR: $1,761/mo
Dukes County
1 BR: $1,633/mo
Berkshire County
1 BR: $1,269/mo
Data source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FY 2026 Fair Market Rents. Fair Market Rents represent the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard quality units in each area.