Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Ellis County, Texas
Ellis County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,807 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,594 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $34.75 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,807
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% more than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,594
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 14% more than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $34.75
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $72,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Ellis County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Ellis County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,594, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Dallas County ($1,565).
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Ellis County has the 10th highest typical rent of the 240 counties in Texas with this figure ($1,594).
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Ellis County has the 11th highest typical household income of the 250 counties in Texas with this figure ($99,595).
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 Ellis 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 Ellis County was $1,837 a month in September 2026: 1.7% 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 | $1,491 | $28.67 | $59,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,536 | $29.54 | $61,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,807 | $34.75 | $72,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,275 | $43.75 | $91,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,892 | $55.62 | $115,680 |
HUD area: Dallas, 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 17 ZIP codes in Ellis County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 76670 to $2,250 in 75167. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,807).
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)
| 75101 | Dallas, TX | $1,170 | $1,210 | $1,420 | $1,790 | $2,270 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75119 | Dallas, TX | $1,200 | $1,240 | $1,460 | $1,840 | $2,340 |
| 75119 | Navarro County, TX | $1,200 | $1,240 | $1,460 | $1,840 | $2,340 |
| 75125 | Dallas, TX | $1,100 | $1,140 | $1,340 | $1,680 | $2,140 |
| 75152 | Dallas, TX | $1,530 | $1,570 | $1,850 | $2,330 | $2,960 |
| 75154 | Dallas, TX | $1,470 | $1,510 | $1,780 | $2,240 | $2,850 |
| 75165 | Dallas, TX | $1,420 | $1,460 | $1,720 | $2,170 | $2,750 |
| 75167 | Dallas, TX | $1,850 | $1,920 | $2,250 | $2,840 | $3,600 |
| 76041 | Dallas, TX | $1,390 | $1,440 | $1,690 | $2,130 | $2,710 |
| 76064 | Dallas, TX | $1,440 | $1,490 | $1,750 | $2,200 | $2,800 |
| 76065 | Dallas, TX | $1,720 | $1,780 | $2,090 | $2,630 | $3,350 |
| 76065 | Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $1,720 | $1,780 | $2,090 | $2,630 | $3,350 |
| 76623 | Dallas, TX | $1,190 | $1,230 | $1,450 | $1,830 | $2,320 |
| 76651 | Dallas, TX | $1,110 | $1,150 | $1,350 | $1,700 | $2,160 |
| 76670 | Dallas, TX | $870 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,750 |
| 76670 | Hill County, TX | $870 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,750 |
| 76670 | Navarro County, TX | $870 | $910 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,750 |
- 75101 · Dallas, TX $1,420$1,790
- 75119 · Dallas, TX $1,460$1,840
- 75119 · Navarro County, TX $1,460$1,840
- 75125 · Dallas, TX $1,340$1,680
- 75152 · Dallas, TX $1,850$2,330
- 75154 · Dallas, TX $1,780$2,240
- 75165 · Dallas, TX $1,720$2,170
- 75167 · Dallas, TX $2,250$2,840
- 76041 · Dallas, TX $1,690$2,130
- 76064 · Dallas, TX $1,750$2,200
- 76065 · Dallas, TX $2,090$2,630
- 76065 · Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $2,090$2,630
- 76623 · Dallas, TX $1,450$1,830
- 76651 · Dallas, TX $1,350$1,700
- 76670 · Dallas, TX $1,100$1,440
- 76670 · Hill County, TX $1,100$1,440
- 76670 · Navarro County, TX $1,100$1,440
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 Ellis 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.
17,370 households rent in Ellis County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Ellis 51%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Ellis County
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Ellis 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)
- 19
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 2
2,365 homes in all; 1,541 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Palladium Glenn Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 2400 S Hampton Rd, Glenn Heights 75154 270 homes, 252 low-income · 1 bd: 66 · 2 bd: 144 · 3 bd: 60 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Gala at Waxahachie Tax credit (LIHTC) Seq of E. Main Street and Parks Schoohouse Road, Waxahachie 75165 185 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Red Oak Apts (red Oak) Tax credit (LIHTC) 413 W Red Oak Rd, Red Oak 75154 116 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Patrick Apts Public housing 208 Patrick St, Waxahachie 75165 104 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Waxahachie · Average payment: $533 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (972) 937-5730
- Cypress Creek Apartment Homes at Waxahachie Tax credit (LIHTC) NW of Post Oak DR and US 287, Waxahachie 75165 168 homes, 98 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Terrace at Midtowne Tax credit (LIHTC) 991 Abigail Way, Midlothian 76065 92 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Ennis Village Public housing 200 Arnold St, Ennis 75119 90 homes, 89 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Ennis · Average payment: $468 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (972) 878-7451
- Creekside Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 E Burnett St, Ennis 75119 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 1998
- Grand Reserve Seniors - Waxahachie Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 129 Park Hills Dr, Waxahachie 75165 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 54 · In service since 2010
- Breckenridge Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001A Floyd St, Ennis 75119 66 low-income homes · 4 bd: 66 · In service since 1997
- Lexington Arms Tax credit (LIHTC) 418 Lexington Dr, Waxahachie 75165 61 low-income homes · 4 bd: 61 · In service since 1997
- Grove Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Parks School House Rd, Waxahachie 75165 60 low-income homes · In service since 2004
- GROVE PARK TERRACE APTS. (HAP/PD-8 Existing) HUD-assisted 400 Peters St, Waxahachie 75165 60 low-income homes · For families
- Ennis Trails Tax credit (LIHTC) Seq Dolfie Lane and Sonoma Trails, Ennis 75119 72 homes, 48 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Lakeridge Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2402 W Ennis Ave, Ennis 75119 48 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Ennis Senior Citizens Center I HUD-assisted 600 S Clay St, Ennis 75119 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (972) 875-4281
- Ennis Senior Citizens Center II HUD-assisted 501 W Lampasas St, Ennis 75119 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (972) 875-4281
- Western Hills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Ewing St, Ferris 75125 16 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Rusty Lane Duplexes Tax credit (LIHTC) 139 Rusty Ln, Waxahachie 75165 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 1995
- Misty Court Duplexes Tax credit (LIHTC) 103 Misty Ct, Waxahachie 75165 4 low-income homes · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1992
- Silverton Village Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3700 E Highway 85, Ennis 75119 248 homes
- Bent Tree Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1721 S Interstate Highway 35 E, Waxahachie 75165 247 homes
- Grace Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1212 Grace Cir, Ennis 75119 110 homes
- Country Lane Seniors-Waxahachie Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 133 Park Hills Dr, Waxahachie 75165 98 homes
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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 | $25,450 | $42,400 | $67,850 |
| 2 people | $29,100 | $48,450 | $77,550 |
| 3 people | $32,750 | $54,500 | $87,250 |
| 4 people | $36,350 | $60,550 | $96,900 |
| 5 people | $39,300 | $65,400 | $104,700 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $70,250 | $112,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $75,100 | $120,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $79,950 | $127,950 |
Area median income: $121,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,342 – $1,640
- 1 bedroom $1,382 – $1,690
- 2 bedrooms $1,626 – $1,988
- 3 bedrooms $2,048 – $2,503
- 4 bedrooms $2,603 – $3,181
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 Waxahachie Public housing · 104 public housing units (972) 937-5730 Housing Authority of Waxahachie: WHAOffice@WaxahachieHA.org
- Housing Authority of Ennis Public housing · 89 public housing units (972) 878-7451 Housing Authority of Ennis: k.toal@ennisha.org
- Housing Authority of Ferris Public housing (972) 842-2047 Housing Authority of Ferris: rdlewissparky@gmail.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 Ellis County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Navicore Solutions- Dallas, TX
17440 North Dallas Parkway, Dallas · 29 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Ellis 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 Ellis 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
$3,614
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,807
- Security deposit
- $1,807
- Total
- $3,614
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 Ellis County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,491; 1 bedroom: $1,536; 2 bedrooms: $1,807; 3 bedrooms: $2,275; 4 bedrooms: $2,892. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Ellis County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,807) without spending more than 30% of income takes $34.75 an hour full time, or $72,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ellis County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $60,550 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 Ellis 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 $1,626 and $1,988 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ellis County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 76670 to $2,250 in 75167. 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 Ellis County?
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Ellis 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 Ellis County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ellis County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).