Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Bastrop County, Texas
Bastrop County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,817 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,410 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $34.94 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,817
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 22% more than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,410
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in Texas
- Wage needed
- $34.94
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $72,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 39%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 24% less than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Bastrop County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Fayette County has the lowest typical rent ($988), 30% below the $1,410 in Bastrop County.
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Bastrop County has the 20th highest typical rent of the 240 counties in Texas with this figure ($1,410).
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Bastrop County has the 25th highest typical household income of the 250 counties in Texas with this figure ($86,226).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Bastrop County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Bastrop County was $1,697 a month in September 2026: 0.9% less than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,447 | $27.83 | $57,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,530 | $29.42 | $61,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,817 | $34.94 | $72,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,292 | $44.08 | $91,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,689 | $51.71 | $107,560 |
HUD area: Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 12 ZIP codes in Bastrop County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,670 in 78602 to $1,700 in 78612. No ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,817).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 78602 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78612 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,350 | $1,430 | $1,700 | $2,140 | $2,520 |
| 78621 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 78621 | Lee County, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 78650 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 78650 | Lee County, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 78659 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 78659 | Lee County, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 78662 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 78953 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,350 | $1,430 | $1,690 | $2,140 | $2,520 |
| 78957 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 78957 | Fayette County, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
- 78602 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78612 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,700$2,140
- 78621 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78621 · Lee County, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78650 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78650 · Lee County, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78659 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78659 · Lee County, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78662 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78953 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,690$2,140
- 78957 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,670$2,120
- 78957 · Fayette County, TX $1,670$2,120
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bastrop County, 39% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
39%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
8,682 households rent in Bastrop County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 61%
Compared with the state and the country
- Bastrop 39%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Bastrop County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Bastrop County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 6
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 2
562 homes in all; 562 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Preserve at Hunters Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Hunters Crossing Blvd, Bastrop 78602 140 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Valleyview Villa Public housing 115 Ken Blaschke Dr, Smithville 78957 86 low-income homes · Run by Smithville Housing Authority · Average payment: $494 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (512) 360-3286
- Settlement Estates Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 149 Settlement Dr, Bastrop 78602 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 38 · In service since 1999
- Anderson,linden,riverview Public housing 506A Farm St, Bastrop 78602 50 low-income homes · Run by Bastrop Housing Authority · Average payment: $392 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (512) 321-3398
- Bastrop Oak Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1910 Wilson St, Bastrop 78602 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness · (512) 321-7933
- Independence Meadows Apartments HUD-assisted 1002 SE Martin Luther King Rd, Smithville 78957 42 low-income homes · For families · (512) 237-5912
- Riverwood Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 440 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop 78602 36 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Willows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 324 Webb St, Smithville 78957 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1996 · (510) 237-2900
- Piney Creek North Apts HUD-assisted 2110 Main St, Bastrop 78602 30 low-income homes · For families · (512) 321-3398
- Meadowpark Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 N Highway 95, Elgin 78621 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Bastrop County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Bastrop County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $28,250 | $47,050 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $32,250 | $53,800 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $36,300 | $60,500 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $40,300 | $67,200 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $43,550 | $72,600 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $46,750 | $78,000 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $83,350 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $88,750 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $134,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,302 – $1,592
- 1 bedroom $1,377 – $1,683
- 2 bedrooms $1,635 – $1,999
- 3 bedrooms $2,063 – $2,521
- 4 bedrooms $2,420 – $2,958
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Smithville Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 48 vouchers · 86 public housing units (512) 360-3286 Smithville Housing Authority: house@smithvillehousing.org
- Elgin Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 117 vouchers (512) 281-2772 Elgin Housing Authority: dorisbroadstreet@elginhousing.org
- Bastrop Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 26 vouchers · 50 public housing units (512) 321-3398 Bastrop Housing Authority: director@bastrophousing.com
Housing agencies in Texas Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Texas
What Texas law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Tex. Prop. Code §92.103(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Tex. Prop. Code §24.005(a)
- Only a court order can remove youTex. Prop. Code §92.0081(b)
- Protection from retaliationTex. Prop. Code §92.331
- Repair and deduct from the rentTex. Prop. Code §92.0561(a)-(b)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Bastrop County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Frameworks Community Development Corporation
2200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin · 27 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Workshops for new owners
- and 2 more
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BCL of Texas (business and Community Lenders)
1011 San Jacinto Blvd Ste 500, Austin · 28 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
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Austin Habitat for Humanity
500 W Ben White Blvd, Austin · 29 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Bastrop County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Run by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
Texas program, funded by LIHEAP, that helps low-income households pay for electricity and gas, through local agencies in each county
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Bastrop County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Texas, the average home bill was $164 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,634
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,817
- Security deposit
- $1,817
- Total
- $3,634
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Bastrop County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,447; 1 bedroom: $1,530; 2 bedrooms: $1,817; 3 bedrooms: $2,292; 4 bedrooms: $2,689. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Bastrop County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,817) without spending more than 30% of income takes $34.94 an hour full time, or $72,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Bastrop County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $67,200 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Bastrop County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,635 and $1,999 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Bastrop County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,670 in 78602 to $1,700 in 78612. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Bastrop County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Bastrop County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Bastrop County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bastrop County, 39% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).