Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Bell County, Texas
Bell County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,138 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,224 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,138
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 24% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,224
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $21.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $45,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Texas
Only here
Renting in Bell 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, Falls County has the lowest typical rent ($731), 40% below the $1,224 in Bell County.
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Bell County has the 10th lowest homeownership rate of the 251 counties in Texas with this figure (57%).
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 Bell 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 Bell County was $1,321 a month in September 2026: about the same as 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 | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $927 | $17.83 | $37,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,138 | $21.88 | $45,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,576 | $30.31 | $63,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,902 | $36.58 | $76,080 |
HUD area: Killeen-Temple, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 24 ZIP codes in Bell County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 76501 to $1,670 in 76511. 15 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,138).
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)
| 76501 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $890 | $900 | $1,110 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76502 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,380 | $1,910 | $2,310 |
| 76504 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $1,000 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,720 | $2,070 |
| 76511 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 76511 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 76511 | Milam County, TX | $1,330 | $1,410 | $1,670 | $2,120 | $2,490 |
| 76513 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $980 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,680 | $2,020 |
| 76534 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $910 | $910 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,870 |
| 76534 | Milam County, TX | $910 | $910 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,870 |
| 76541 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $890 | $900 | $1,110 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 76542 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 76543 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $890 | $900 | $1,110 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 76548 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $890 | $900 | $1,110 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 76549 | Burnet County, TX | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,250 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 76549 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,250 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 76554 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,250 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 76557 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $920 | $990 | $1,230 | $1,650 | $1,870 |
| 76557 | Waco, TX | $920 | $990 | $1,230 | $1,650 | $1,870 |
| 76559 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $910 | $910 | $1,120 | $1,550 | $1,870 |
| 76569 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $890 | $900 | $1,110 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 76569 | Milam County, TX | $890 | $900 | $1,110 | $1,540 | $1,870 |
| 76571 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $1,120 | $1,210 | $1,420 | $1,810 | $2,080 |
| 76579 | Falls County, TX | $950 | $960 | $1,170 | $1,630 | $1,960 |
| 76579 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $950 | $960 | $1,170 | $1,630 | $1,960 |
- 76501 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,110$1,540
- 76502 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,380$1,910
- 76504 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,240$1,720
- 76511 · Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $1,670$2,120
- 76511 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,670$2,120
- 76511 · Milam County, TX $1,670$2,120
- 76513 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,210$1,680
- 76534 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,120$1,550
- 76534 · Milam County, TX $1,120$1,550
- 76541 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,110$1,540
- 76542 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,230$1,710
- 76543 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,110$1,540
- 76548 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,110$1,540
- 76549 · Burnet County, TX $1,250$1,730
- 76549 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,250$1,730
- 76554 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,250$1,730
- 76557 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,230$1,650
- 76557 · Waco, TX $1,230$1,650
- 76559 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,120$1,550
- 76569 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,110$1,540
- 76569 · Milam County, TX $1,110$1,540
- 76571 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,420$1,810
- 76579 · Falls County, TX $1,170$1,630
- 76579 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,170$1,630
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 Bell County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
61,887 households rent in Bell County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Bell 51%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Bell County
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Bell 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)
- 22
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 7
3,434 homes in all; 2,757 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Canyon Creek HUD-assisted 3915 S 31st ST, Temple 76502 200 low-income homes · For families · (254) 773-0101
- Belle Oaks HUD-assisted 800 Shady Ln, Belton 76513 202 homes, 181 low-income · For families · (254) 939-1841
- Renata Square HUD-assisted 1811 E Avenue K, Temple 76501 160 low-income homes · For families · (254) 778-7568
- JMH/CV/WB Fam Public housing 711 W Calhoun Ave, Temple 76501 144 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Temple · Average payment: $347 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (254) 773-2009
- Stone Ranch Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 4401 E Rancier Ave, Killeen 76543 152 homes, 129 low-income · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 80 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Village at Fox Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 2900 Illinois Ave, Killeen 76543 128 low-income homes · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 1999
- Tremont Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1700 Bacon Ranch Rd, Killeen 76542 112 low-income homes
- Village at Meadowbend Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2787 S Mlk Dr, Temple 76504 138 homes, 103 low-income · In service since 2003
- Lofts at Temple Medical District Tax credit (LIHTC) NW of 400 SW H K Dodgen Loop (e of Scott and White Blvd.), Temple 76504 120 homes, 102 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Charrs Acres Public housing 703 S Sparks St, Belton 76513 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Belton · Average payment: $425 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (254) 939-5321
- Frances Graham Hall Public housing 100 N 7th St, Temple 76501 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Temple · Average payment: $369 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (254) 773-2009
- Golden Haven Apartments HUD-assisted 505 N 2nd St, Temple 76501 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (254) 773-2009
- Country Lane Seniors-Temple Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 2916 Country Lane Dr, Temple 76504 102 homes, 98 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 90 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Fairways at Sammons Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2201 W Adams Ave, Temple 76504 92 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Villas at Robinett Tax credit (LIHTC) Sec of Robinett RD. and W. Elms RD., Killeen 76549 104 homes, 91 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Westwind of Killeen Tax credit (LIHTC) NWC of Trimmier at E Stan Schlueter Loop (fm 3470), Killeen 76542 110 homes, 88 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Stillhouse Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 2926 Cedar Knob Rd, Harker Heights 76548 96 homes, 88 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2017
- Veranda Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 N Twin Creek Dr, Killeen 76543 88 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Al/Rat/ WB Eld Public housing 511 W Avenue V, Temple 76504 82 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Temple · Average payment: $374 a month · Average wait: 32 months · Homes at several sites · (254) 773-2009
- Village at Meadowbend Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1638 Case Rd, Temple 76504 99 homes, 79 low-income · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2006
- Hyde Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) Sec of FM 3470 and Cunningham RD., Killeen 76542 76 homes, 75 low-income
- High View Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 731 Wolf St, Killeen 76541 70 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Holland House Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 616 Josephine, Holland 76534 68 low-income homes
- Unnamed Public housing 748 W Avenue H, Belton 76513 56 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Belton · Average payment: $417 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (254) 939-5321
- Chisholm Trail Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1003 W Mlk Jr Ave, Belton 76513 60 homes, 54 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Crittenden Village Public housing 447 N Evie St, Bartlett 76511 51 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Bartlett · Average payment: $423 a month · Average wait: 59 months · (254) 527-4295
- Oak Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 339 N 10th St, Nolanville 76559 48 low-income homes · In service since 2015
- Unnamed Public housing Rogers 76569 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Rogers · Average payment: $432 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (254) 642-7785
- Prairie Village (ROGERS) Tax credit (LIHTC) 611 Paul St, Rogers 76569 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12
- Housing Authority of the city of Rogers HUD-assisted 704A Rogers Cemetery Rd, Rogers 76569 6 low-income homes · For families · (254) 642-7785
- Canyon Creek Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1476 Canyon Creek Dr, Temple 76502 199 homes
- Ridge Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 Bacon Ranch Rd, Killeen 76542 159 homes
- The Grand Reserve Seniors-Temple Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 2816 Country Lane Dr, Temple 76504 98 homes
- Hidden Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 251 Mary Ln, Salado 76571 50 homes · In service since 2016
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 Bell County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 6 agencies serve in Bell 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 | $17,900 | $29,800 | $47,700 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,050 | $54,500 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,300 | $61,300 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,550 | $68,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,000 | $73,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,400 | $79,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $52,800 | $84,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,200 | $89,900 |
Area median income: $85,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Killeen-Temple, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $829 – $1,013
- 1 bedroom $834 – $1,020
- 2 bedrooms $1,024 – $1,252
- 3 bedrooms $1,418 – $1,734
- 4 bedrooms $1,712 – $2,092
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
- Central Texas Council of Governments Section 8 vouchers · 3,690 vouchers (254) 770-2236 Central Texas Council of Governments: hank.roraback@ctcog.org
- Housing Authority of Temple Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 60 vouchers · 326 public housing units (254) 773-2009 Housing Authority of Temple: mcorey@cthc.org
- Housing Authority of Belton Public housing · 156 public housing units (254) 939-5321 Housing Authority of Belton: mcorey@cthc.org
- Housing Authority of Bartlett Public housing · 51 public housing units (254) 527-4295 Housing Authority of Bartlett: tina.v.steglich@bartletttexashousing.org
- Housing Authority of Rogers Public housing · 40 public housing units (254) 642-7785 Housing Authority of Rogers: t.vice.rha@gmail.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Killeen Public housing (254) 327-1164 Housing Authority of the City of Killeen: demetria.hunt@killeenha.org
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 Bell County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Bell County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Families in Crisis, Inc.
1305 E Rancier Ave, Killeen · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Bell 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 Bell 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
$2,276
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,138
- Security deposit
- $1,138
- Total
- $2,276
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 Bell County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $921; 1 bedroom: $927; 2 bedrooms: $1,138; 3 bedrooms: $1,576; 4 bedrooms: $1,902. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Bell County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,138) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.88 an hour full time, or $45,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Bell County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,550 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 Bell 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 $1,024 and $1,252 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Bell County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 76501 to $1,670 in 76511. 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 Bell County?
HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Bell 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 Bell County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Bell County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).