Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cameron County, Texas
Cameron County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,042 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $912 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.04 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,042
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 30% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $912
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 35% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $20.04
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Cameron County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Brooks County has the lowest typical rent ($719), 21% below the $912 in Cameron County.
-
12% of households in Cameron County have no internet at home, against 6% in Texas.
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 Cameron 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 Cameron County was $1,509 a month in September 2026: 5.1% more 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 | $827 | $15.90 | $33,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $884 | $17.00 | $35,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,042 | $20.04 | $41,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,393 | $26.79 | $55,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,496 | $28.77 | $59,840 |
HUD area: Brownsville-Harlingen, 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 18 ZIP codes in Cameron County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 78566 to $1,490 in 78597. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,042).
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)
| 78520 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $830 | $890 | $1,050 | $1,400 | $1,510 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78521 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $830 | $890 | $1,050 | $1,400 | $1,510 |
| 78526 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $980 | $1,040 | $1,230 | $1,640 | $1,770 |
| 78535 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $930 | $1,000 | $1,170 | $1,570 | $1,680 |
| 78550 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $840 | $900 | $1,060 | $1,420 | $1,520 |
| 78550 | Willacy County, TX | $840 | $900 | $1,060 | $1,420 | $1,520 |
| 78552 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $970 | $1,040 | $1,220 | $1,630 | $1,750 |
| 78559 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $900 | $970 | $1,140 | $1,520 | $1,640 |
| 78559 | McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $900 | $970 | $1,140 | $1,520 | $1,640 |
| 78566 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $800 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,470 |
| 78567 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $800 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,470 |
| 78575 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $970 | $1,040 | $1,220 | $1,630 | $1,750 |
| 78578 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $800 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,470 |
| 78583 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $800 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,470 |
| 78586 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $800 | $860 | $1,010 | $1,370 | $1,470 |
| 78592 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $850 | $910 | $1,080 | $1,440 | $1,550 |
| 78593 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $810 | $870 | $1,020 | $1,360 | $1,460 |
| 78597 | Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $1,180 | $1,260 | $1,490 | $1,990 | $2,140 |
- 78520 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,050$1,400
- 78521 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,050$1,400
- 78526 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,230$1,640
- 78535 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,170$1,570
- 78550 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,060$1,420
- 78550 · Willacy County, TX $1,060$1,420
- 78552 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,220$1,630
- 78559 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,140$1,520
- 78559 · McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX $1,140$1,520
- 78566 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,010$1,370
- 78567 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,010$1,370
- 78575 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,220$1,630
- 78578 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,010$1,370
- 78583 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,010$1,370
- 78586 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,010$1,370
- 78592 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,080$1,440
- 78593 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,020$1,360
- 78597 · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX $1,490$1,990
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 Cameron County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
48,155 households rent in Cameron County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cameron 50%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cameron County
HUD lists 80 properties with homes for low-income households in Cameron 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)
- 51
- HUD-assisted
- 24
- public housing
- 12
7,744 homes in all; 6,447 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Leon Gardens Public housing 127 E Primrose Ave, La Feria 78559 320 low-income homes · Run by Cameron County Housing Authority · Average payment: $469 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (956) 541-4983
- Valley Resaca Palms Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2800 Fm 802, Brownsville 78526 250 low-income homes · 1 bd: 200 · 2 bd: 50 · In service since 1997
- Paseo Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 33168 Whipple Rd, Los Fresnos 78566 208 low-income homes · In service since 2015
- Villa del Sol Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 E Saint Charles St, Brownsville 78520 200 homes, 189 low-income · Studio: 120 · 1 bd: 71 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Paseo Plaza Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2701 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville 78526 184 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 72 · 4 bd: 72 · In service since 1997
- Rosemont of Highland Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1902 E Tyler Ave, Harlingen 78550 174 low-income homes · In service since 2003
- Sunland Country Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 502 South Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen 78552 166 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Hacienda del Sol - San Benito Tax credit (LIHTC) 698 N Stookey Rd, San Benito 78586 152 low-income homes · In service since 2014
- Champion Homes at Canyon Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 1701 Canyon Cir, Brownsville 78521 151 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2012
- Tropical Gardens at Boca Chica Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 250 Ash St, Brownsville 78521 158 homes, 150 low-income · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 55 · In service since 2006 · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville · Average payment: $370 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (956) 541-8315
- Los Vecinos Homes Public housing 702 S M St, Harlingen 78550 150 low-income homes · Run by Harlingen Housing Authority · Average payment: $402 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (956) 423-2521
- Pointsettia Gardens at Boca Chica Tax credit (LIHTC) 341 Oak St, Brownsville 78521 150 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Citrus Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2100 Grapefruit St, Brownsville 78521 148 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · (956) 540-0421
- Bonita Park Public housing 505 Arroyo Vista Ct, Harlingen 78550 148 homes, 146 low-income · Run by Harlingen Housing Authority · Average payment: $447 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (956) 423-2521
- Sundance Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1402 Vermont, Harlingen 78550 176 homes, 132 low-income · In service since 2000
- Candlewick Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1155 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville 78521 132 low-income homes · For families · (956) 546-0822
- La Villita Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 529 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville 78521 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2005
- Rockwell Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2735 Rockwell Cir, Brownsville 78521 126 homes, 125 low-income · For families · (956) 548-1189
- Rosemont of El Dorado Tax credit (LIHTC) 185 Robindale Rd, Brownsville 78521 146 homes, 124 low-income · In service since 2003
- Beacon Bay Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 306 Beacon Bay Dr, Port Isabel 78578 120 low-income homes · In service since 2002
- Kenneth Lake Public housing 100 Cornejo Dr, San Benito 78586 109 low-income homes · Run by San Benito Housing Authority · Average payment: $393 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (956) 399-7501
- Sundance Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) Tonys RD and DR Hugh Emerson RD, Brownsville 78526 132 homes, 106 low-income
- Huntington at Paseo de la Resaca Tax credit (LIHTC) Heritage Trail & Paredes Line RD, Brownsville 78526 132 homes, 105 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Ovation Senior Living Tax credit (LIHTC) W of W Lakeside Blvd, S of El Dorado Ave, Olmito 78575 124 homes, 105 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Capella Tax credit (LIHTC) SWQ of El Dorado Ave and W Lakeside BLVD, Olmito 78575 120 homes, 101 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Catalon at Paseo de la Resaca Tax credit (LIHTC) Heritage Trail & Paredes Line RD, Brownsville 78526 128 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Sunquest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 23850 N Stuart Place Rd, Harlingen 78552 128 homes, 100 low-income · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities
- Casa De Amigos I HUD-assisted 455 El Paso Rd, Brownsville 78520 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (956) 544-1803
- Canal Place Apts - San Benito Tax credit (LIHTC) 2280 W Business 77, San Benito 78586 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 56 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 1998
- Rancho del Cielo Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3375 McAllen Rd, Brownsville 78520 124 homes, 93 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 53 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 2001
- Bowie Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4650 Bowie Rd, Brownsville 78521 86 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Palmville Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1400 N Reagan St, San Benito 78586 84 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Casitas Lantana Tax credit (LIHTC) 3954 Dana Ave, Brownsville 78526 80 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- La Villita Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 529 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville 78521 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006
- Sunflower Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 404 Lions Villa Ave, La Feria 78559 80 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Villa del Mar Public housing 506 Port Rd, Port Isabel 78578 80 low-income homes · Run by Port Isabel Housing Authority · Average payment: $445 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (956) 943-2863
- Windstar Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2802 N 7th St, Harlingen 78550 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 80 · In service since 1998
- Artisan at Port Isabel Tax credit (LIHTC) 106 Port Rd, Port Isabel 78578 73 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Robinhood Apartments HUD-assisted 615 S F St, Harlingen 78550 69 low-income homes · For families · (956) 425-3800
- Lindale Village Apts HUD-assisted 24 Lindale Dr, Brownsville 78521 66 low-income homes · For older adults · (956) 542-1672
- Los Ebanos Apts - Brownsville Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2133 Barnard Rd, Brownsville 78520 65 low-income homes · For families · (956) 541-7299
- Henderson 1575 Tax credit (LIHTC) 32440 Fm 1575, Los Fresnos 78566 80 homes, 64 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 36
- Brownsville Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1860 Central Blvd, Brownsville 78520 70 homes, 64 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Bahia Palms Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1303 Pino Dr, Laguna Vista 78578 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2006
- The Palms Retirement Center, Inc HUD-assisted 525 E Davis St, Harlingen 78550 64 homes, 63 low-income · For older adults · (956) 421-4331
- Villa San Benito HUD-assisted 870 S McCullough St, San Benito 78586 60 low-income homes · For families · (956) 399-6409
- Casa Del Mar Apartments HUD-assisted 2575 Russell Dr, Brownsville 78520 57 low-income homes · For older adults · (956) 550-8400
- El Santander HUD-assisted 3604 Boca Chica Blvd, Brownsville 78521 56 low-income homes · For families · (956) 546-5588
- La Hacienda Casitas Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3567 W Business 83, Harlingen 78552 56 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 29 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · (956) 365-3738
- North Star Village Apts HUD-assisted 411 Lozano St, Harlingen 78550 56 low-income homes · For families · (956) 425-6121
- Casa De Amigos III HUD-assisted 402 E New Hampshire St, Harlingen 78550 55 low-income homes · For older adults · (956) 423-3147
- Santa Rosa Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Fm 506, Santa Rosa 78593 53 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2006
- Santa Rosa Village Apts HUD-assisted 613 FM 506 Road, Santa Rosa 78593 53 low-income homes · For older adults · (956) 636-1405
- Las Villas del Rio Hondo Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 E Colorado St, Rio Hondo 78583 64 homes, 52 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Villa Madre Apartments HUD-assisted 200 E Railroad Ave, Port Isabel 78578 52 low-income homes · For families · (956) 943-2972
- Harrison Manor HUD-assisted 601 S 17th St, Harlingen 78550 50 low-income homes · For families · (956) 423-3223
- Las Casitas de Azucar Tax credit (LIHTC) 20209 Fm 506, Santa Rosa 78593 50 low-income homes
- Rio Hondo Village HUD-assisted 1301 S Reynolds, Rio Hondo 78583 50 homes, 49 low-income · For families · (956) 748-3285
- Trail Village Tax credit (LIHTC) NW of Paseo Plaza BLVD., Brownsville 78526 48 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Combes Street Village HUD-assisted 1554 Combes St, San Benito 78586 43 low-income homes · For families · (512) 255-7122
- Hibiscus Public housing 100 Hibiscus St, Los Fresnos 78566 38 low-income homes · Run by Los Fresnos Housing Authority · Average payment: $608 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (956) 233-5012
- Las Palmas Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 27745 S Kansas City Rd, La Feria 78559 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1999 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Sunset Haven Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 301 Horizon Ln, Brownsville 78520 100 homes, 30 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville · Average payment: $293 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (956) 541-8315
- Sanchez-Vela Public housing 7100 Dahlia Cir, Brownsville 78520 30 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville · Average payment: $673 a month · (956) 541-8315
- Baxter Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 106 1/2 S A St, Harlingen 78550 24 homes, 19 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Tangelo Quarters Public housing 2225 Roosevelt St, Brownsville 78521 18 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville · Average payment: $490 a month · Average wait: 27 months · (956) 541-8315
- Second Adams Corporation Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 E Jackson St, Harlingen 78550 16 low-income homes · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1995
- Sundance Meadows HUD-assisted 865 Tonys Rd, Brownsville 78526 122 homes, 10 low-income · (956) 801-2470
- Vista Monterrey HUD-assisted 650 Jose Marti Blvd, Brownsville 78526 110 homes, 10 low-income · (956) 621-4400
- Vista Monterrey HUD-assisted 650 Jose Marti Blvd, Brownsville 78526 110 homes, 10 low-income · (956) 621-4400
- La Villita Apartments Phase 2 HUD-assisted 529 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville 78521 72 homes, 8 low-income · (956) 546-1005
- Magnolia Gardens Public housing 1280 Victoria St, San Benito 78586 8 low-income homes · Run by San Benito Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (956) 399-7501
- Sunrise Terrace HUD-assisted 2400 N Solis Rd, La Feria 78559 63 homes, 7 low-income · (956) 797-6077
- Tangelo Quarters Phase II Public housing 2305 Roosevelt St, Brownsville 78521 5 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville · (956) 541-8315
- Retama Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 151 Clara Bennett Dr, Olmito 78575 148 homes · In service since 2016
- Cunningham Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2835 Rockwell Dr, Brownsville 78521 103 homes
- Rancho del Cielo Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3375 McAllen Rd, Brownsville 78520 87 homes
- Bella Terra Tax credit (LIHTC) 3320 Galeno Crossing, Brownsville 78526 80 homes · In service since 2015
- Riverside Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 N Robertson Rd, Rio Hondo 78583 60 homes · In service since 2016
- Second North Corporation Tax credit (LIHTC) 721 N 2nd St, Harlingen 78550 10 homes
7 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 Cameron 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 Cameron County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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
-
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 | $17,600 | $29,300 | $46,900 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,500 | $53,600 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,700 | $60,300 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $41,850 | $66,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,200 | $72,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $48,550 | $77,700 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $51,900 | $83,050 |
| 8 people | $55,250 | $55,250 | $88,400 |
Area median income: $64,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $744 – $910
- 1 bedroom $796 – $972
- 2 bedrooms $938 – $1,146
- 3 bedrooms $1,254 – $1,532
- 4 bedrooms $1,346 – $1,646
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
- Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,864 vouchers · 311 public housing units (956) 541-8315 Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville: info@hacb.us
- Cameron County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,031 vouchers · 320 public housing units (956) 541-4983 Cameron County Housing Authority: dflores@cchatx.org
- Harlingen Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 830 vouchers · 496 public housing units (956) 423-2521 Harlingen Housing Authority: hbenavides@harlingen-ha.com
- San Benito Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 452 vouchers · 117 public housing units (956) 399-7501 San Benito Housing Authority: maguilar@sanbenitohousing.com
- Port Isabel Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 120 vouchers · 80 public housing units (956) 943-2863 Port Isabel Housing Authority: karena@portisabelha.com
- Los Fresnos Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 106 vouchers · 38 public housing units (956) 233-5012 Los Fresnos Housing Authority: lfha3@att.net
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 Cameron County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Cameron County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
cdcb-come dream.come build.
901 E Levee St, Brownsville · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Cameron County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
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 Cameron 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
$2,084
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,042
- Security deposit
- $1,042
- Total
- $2,084
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 Cameron County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $827; 1 bedroom: $884; 2 bedrooms: $1,042; 3 bedrooms: $1,393; 4 bedrooms: $1,496. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cameron County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,042) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.04 an hour full time, or $41,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cameron County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $41,850 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 Cameron 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 $938 and $1,146 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Cameron County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 78566 to $1,490 in 78597. 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 Cameron County?
HUD lists 80 properties with homes for low-income households in Cameron 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 Cameron County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cameron County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).