HUD's 2027 Fair Market Rents: What They Mean for St. George, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls Renters

Every year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes Fair Market Rents, its official estimate of what a modest rental costs in each area. The new fiscal year 2027 numbers are out, and they tell a different story depending on where you live. Grab your rubber ducky and let's paddle through what changed in St. George, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls.

What Is a Fair Market Rent?

A Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD's benchmark for the cost of a standard-quality rental, including basic utilities. HUD uses it to set how much Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs can pay, and it's also a handy reality check for anyone comparing rents. It isn't a cap on what landlords can charge. Think of it as a "typical modest rental" price tag for your area.

2-Bedroom Fair Market Rents: FY 2026 vs. FY 2027

Here's how HUD's FY 2027 Fair Market Rents compare with last year's for a 2-bedroom unit:

• St. George, UT: $1,575 to $1,657, up about 5.2 percent.
• Pocatello, ID: $1,173 to $1,251, up about 6.6 percent.
• Idaho Falls, ID: $1,305 to $1,274, down about 2.4 percent.

One-bedrooms followed the same pattern. St. George rose from $1,218 to $1,267, Pocatello went from $894 to $956, and Idaho Falls dipped from $1,095 to $1,064, according to HUD's FMR history data.

For context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows rent of primary residence up 2.8 percent nationally over the year ending September 2026. So HUD's benchmarks for St. George and Pocatello rose faster than the national rent trend, while Idaho Falls actually got a little cheaper on paper.

What This Means If You're Renting

• Use the FMR as a gut check. If a 2-bedroom in Pocatello is listed well above $1,251, ask what makes it special. Updated kitchen? Garage? Utilities included? If not, you may have room to negotiate or keep looking.
• Idaho Falls renters, this is your moment. With the benchmark slipping, a big renewal increase deserves a friendly conversation. Bring comparable listings to back you up.
• Remember FMRs include utilities. When you compare a listing to the FMR, add the power, gas, water, and trash you'd pay yourself. A "cheap" rent with high winter heating bills may not be cheap at all.
• Voucher holders, talk to your housing authority. Payment standards are based on FMRs, so higher benchmarks in St. George and Pocatello could widen the range of units you qualify for. Your local public housing agency sets the exact numbers.
• Budget with the 30 percent rule. At St. George's new 2-bedroom FMR of $1,657, you'd want a household income of roughly $5,500 a month to keep housing near 30 percent of income.

A Quick Tip for Landlords

If you accept Housing Choice Vouchers, check your local payment standards now. Higher FMRs in St. George and Pocatello may let voucher tenants afford your unit, which widens your pool of qualified renters. Mention "vouchers welcome" in your listing if you accept them.

The Bottom Line

HUD's 2027 numbers say rents are still climbing in St. George and Pocatello, while Idaho Falls is cooling off a bit. Knowing the benchmark helps you spot a fair deal fast. Ready to compare real listings? Search rentals on RentDuck for free. Our rubber ducky keeps it fair, with no fowl play.

Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Market Rents (FY 2027 and FY 2026 data, FMR history file); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2, September 2026.