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Special Interest
Housing in Polk County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Polk County averages $1,149/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Iowa median of $972 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 28% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Polk County FMR Area are $1,144 for a studio, $1,193 for 1‑bedroom, $1,418 for 2‑bedroom, $1,930 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,981 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $269 increase for a 2-bedroom in Polk County shows a 23% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Polk County was 3.1% in 2024, compared to Iowa at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
