Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Galveston County, Texas
Galveston County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,497 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,404 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.79 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,497
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,404
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in Texas
- Wage needed
- $28.79
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $59,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Galveston County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Liberty County, the typical rent is $1,044: 26% less than in Galveston County ($1,404).
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At $1,404, Galveston County ranks 22nd among the 240 counties in Texas with this figure for the highest typical rent.
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 Galveston 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 Galveston County was $1,618 a month in September 2026: 1.4% 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 | $1,233 | $23.71 | $49,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,261 | $24.25 | $50,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,497 | $28.79 | $59,880 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,017 | $38.79 | $80,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,502 | $48.12 | $100,080 |
HUD area: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, 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 21 ZIP codes in Galveston County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,040 in 77517 to $1,830 in 77546. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,497).
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)
| 77510 | Brazoria County, TX | $980 | $1,000 | $1,190 | $1,600 | $1,990 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77510 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $980 | $1,000 | $1,190 | $1,600 | $1,990 |
| 77517 | Brazoria County, TX | $830 | $870 | $1,040 | $1,380 | $1,730 |
| 77517 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $830 | $870 | $1,040 | $1,380 | $1,730 |
| 77518 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,170 | $1,200 | $1,420 | $1,910 | $2,370 |
| 77539 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,250 | $1,280 | $1,520 | $2,050 | $2,540 |
| 77546 | Brazoria County, TX | $1,500 | $1,540 | $1,830 | $2,460 | $3,050 |
| 77546 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,500 | $1,540 | $1,830 | $2,460 | $3,050 |
| 77550 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,100 | $1,120 | $1,330 | $1,790 | $2,220 |
| 77551 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,260 | $1,290 | $1,530 | $2,060 | $2,560 |
| 77554 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,260 | $1,290 | $1,530 | $2,060 | $2,560 |
| 77555 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,100 | $1,120 | $1,330 | $1,790 | $2,220 |
| 77563 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,200 | $1,230 | $1,460 | $1,970 | $2,440 |
| 77565 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,470 | $1,510 | $1,790 | $2,410 | $2,990 |
| 77568 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,210 | $1,240 | $1,470 | $1,980 | $2,460 |
| 77573 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,470 | $1,500 | $1,780 | $2,400 | $2,980 |
| 77590 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,090 | $1,110 | $1,320 | $1,780 | $2,210 |
| 77591 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,110 | $1,140 | $1,350 | $1,820 | $2,260 |
| 77617 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,220 | $1,250 | $1,480 | $1,990 | $2,470 |
| 77623 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,310 | $1,750 | $2,170 |
| 77650 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,220 | $1,250 | $1,480 | $1,990 | $2,470 |
- 77510 · Brazoria County, TX $1,190$1,600
- 77510 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,190$1,600
- 77517 · Brazoria County, TX $1,040$1,380
- 77517 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,040$1,380
- 77518 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,420$1,910
- 77539 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,520$2,050
- 77546 · Brazoria County, TX $1,830$2,460
- 77546 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,830$2,460
- 77550 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,330$1,790
- 77551 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,530$2,060
- 77554 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,530$2,060
- 77555 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,330$1,790
- 77563 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,460$1,970
- 77565 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,790$2,410
- 77568 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,470$1,980
- 77573 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,780$2,400
- 77590 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,320$1,780
- 77591 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,350$1,820
- 77617 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,480$1,990
- 77623 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,310$1,750
- 77650 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,480$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 Galveston County, 55% 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.
55%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
45,522 households rent in Galveston County
- Spend half or more of their income 30%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Galveston 55%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Galveston County
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Galveston 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
- 7
- public housing
- 3
3,175 homes in all; 2,508 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Gulf Breeze Public housing 1211 21st St, Galveston 77550 377 homes, 376 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Galveston · Average payment: $347 a month · Average wait: 37 months · (409) 765-1904
- Champion Homes at Marina Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 7302 Heards Ln, Galveston 77551 256 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Costa Mariposa Tax credit (LIHTC) 7555 Medical Center Dr, Texas City 77591 252 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 132 · 3 bd: 96 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2010
- Mansions at Moses Lake Tax credit (LIHTC) 2211 34th St N, Texas City 77590 240 low-income homes · 1 bd: 143 · 2 bd: 97 · In service since 2009
- Sandpiper Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3916 Winnie St, Galveston 77550 192 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 92 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 26 · In service since 1992 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness · (409) 750-9944
- Mariposa at Bay Colony Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 Fm 517 Rd W, Dickinson 77539 180 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Highland Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Newman Rd, La Marque 77568 141 homes, 134 low-income · 1 bd: 87 · 2 bd: 54 · In service since 2010
- Church Village Apartments HUD-assisted 2902 Deats Rd, Dickinson 77539 100 low-income homes · For families · (281) 337-3579
- Horizon Meadows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1903 Main St, La Marque 77568 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2011
- Village at Morningstar Tax credit (LIHTC) 3401 Magnolia St, Texas City 77590 100 homes, 90 low-income · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Village on Hobbs Road Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Hobbs Rd, League City 77573 100 homes, 80 low-income · 2 bd: 100 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Heritage Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 12402 11th St, Santa Fe 77510 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2011
- Summit at Independent Missionary Apartments HUD-assisted 6607 Prino Rd, Hitchcock 77563 72 low-income homes · For families · (409) 986-6556
- Bent Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7410 Highway 6, Hitchcock 77563 72 homes, 54 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1999
- Colonial Park Apartments HUD-assisted 1120 34th St N, Texas City 77590 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (409) 945-9643
- Heritage Square HUD-assisted 520 3rd Ave N, Texas City 77590 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (409) 945-9345
- Santa Fe Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 12200 11th St, Santa Fe 77510 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1993
- Enchanted Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 5825 Delany Rd, Hitchcock 77563 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 1991
- The Oaks IV Public housing 4127 Avenue H, Galveston 77550 40 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Galveston · Average payment: $364 a month · Average wait: 30 months · (409) 765-1904
- Scattered Sites Public housing 2801 Avenue R, Galveston 77550 34 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Galveston · Average payment: $501 a month · Average wait: 80 months · (409) 765-1904
- Lively Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 8010 Highway 6, Hitchcock 77563 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1994
- Highland Manor HUD-assisted 901 Newman Rd, La Marque 77568 131 homes, 10 low-income · (409) 935-3351
- Village at Morningstar HUD-assisted 3401 Magnolia Ave, Texas City 77590 10 low-income homes
- Oaks of Hitchcock Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7440 Highway 6, Hitchcock 77563 158 homes
- The Retreat at Texas City Tax credit (LIHTC) 7500 Emmett F Lowry Expy, Texas City 77591 150 homes
- Gardens at Friendswood Lakes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1423 W Parkwood Ave, Friendswood 77546 113 homes
- Cedar Drive Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1017 Cedar Dr, La Marque 77568 35 homes
- Morningstar Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 3505 Magnolia St, Texas City 77590 34 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Galveston County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Galveston 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
-
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 | $21,850 | $36,400 | $58,250 |
| 2 people | $25,000 | $41,600 | $66,600 |
| 3 people | $28,100 | $46,800 | $74,900 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,200 | $89,900 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,350 | $96,550 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,500 | $103,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,650 | $109,850 |
Area median income: $104,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,110 – $1,356
- 1 bedroom $1,135 – $1,387
- 2 bedrooms $1,347 – $1,647
- 3 bedrooms $1,815 – $2,219
- 4 bedrooms $2,252 – $2,752
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 Galveston Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,801 vouchers · 450 public housing units (409) 765-1904 Housing Authority of the City of Galveston: ded@ghatx.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Texas City Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 881 vouchers (409) 945-4011 Housing Authority of the City of Texas City: bdavis@tchousing.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 Galveston County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Houston Area Urban League
5260 Griggs Rd, Houston · 42 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
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Houston Area Urban League - Branch Office
5260 Griggs Road, Houston · 42 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Fifth-Ward Community Redevelopment Corp.
4300 Lyons Ave Ste 300, Houston · 46 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Galveston 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 Galveston 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
$2,994
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,497
- Security deposit
- $1,497
- Total
- $2,994
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 Galveston County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,233; 1 bedroom: $1,261; 2 bedrooms: $1,497; 3 bedrooms: $2,017; 4 bedrooms: $2,502. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Galveston County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,497) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.79 an hour full time, or $59,880 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Galveston County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,000 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 Galveston 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 $1,347 and $1,647 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Galveston County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,040 in 77517 to $1,830 in 77546. 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 Galveston County?
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Galveston 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 Galveston County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Galveston County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).