Rent in Story County, IA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,153$13,836 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,061 (−8%)How much rent can you afford in Story County, IA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Story County, IA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $972 | $11,664 | $38,880 | $18.69/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,026 | $12,312 | $41,040 | $19.73/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,153 | $13,836 | $46,120 | $22.17/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,601 | $19,212 | $64,040 | $30.79/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,934 | $23,208 | $77,360 | $37.19/hr |
Cost of living in Story County, IA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Story County, IA
Rent in Story County, IA: common questions
How much is rent going down in Story County, IA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,061 for a two-bedroom, down 8% from $1,153. A one-bedroom goes from $1,026 to $944, a studio from $972 to $891.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Story County, IA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,026 for a one-bedroom and $1,153 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $13,836 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Story County, IA?
To keep a $1,153 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $22.17 an hour, or $46,120 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,026 takes $19.73 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Story County, IA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $972, one bedroom $1,026, two $1,153, three $1,601 and four $1,934 a month.
Is rent affordable in Story County, IA?
For the typical household, earning $69,685 a year ($5,807 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,153 takes 19.9% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,153 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $46,120. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $22.17 an hour.