Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Howard County, Texas
Howard County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,217 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,034 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.40 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,217
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,034
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 26% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $23.40
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,680 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 Howard County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Howard County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,034, more than any of its 4 neighboring counties; next is Martin County ($971).
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12% of households in Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard County was $1,452 a month in September 2026: 6% 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 | $948 | $18.23 | $37,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $954 | $18.35 | $38,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,217 | $23.40 | $48,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,492 | $28.69 | $59,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,812 | $34.85 | $72,480 |
HUD area: Howard County, TX. 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 10 ZIP codes in Howard County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 79721 to $1,600 in 79748. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,217).
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)
| 79511 | Borden County, TX | $1,000 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79511 | Howard County, TX | $1,000 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,580 | $1,910 |
| 79720 | Borden County, TX | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 79720 | Glasscock County, TX | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 79720 | Howard County, TX | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 79720 | Martin County, TX | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 79721 | Howard County, TX | $940 | $950 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,800 |
| 79733 | Howard County, TX | $940 | $950 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,800 |
| 79748 | Howard County, TX | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 79748 | Martin County, TX | $1,290 | $1,300 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
- 79511 · Borden County, TX $1,280$1,580
- 79511 · Howard County, TX $1,280$1,580
- 79720 · Borden County, TX $1,600$2,000
- 79720 · Glasscock County, TX $1,600$2,000
- 79720 · Howard County, TX $1,600$2,000
- 79720 · Martin County, TX $1,600$2,000
- 79721 · Howard County, TX $1,210$1,480
- 79733 · Howard County, TX $1,210$1,480
- 79748 · Howard County, TX $1,600$2,000
- 79748 · Martin County, TX $1,600$2,000
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 Howard 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.
3,717 households rent in Howard County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 31%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Howard 51%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Howard County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Howard County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 3
713 homes in all; 595 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Canterbury Apts HUD-assisted 1600 S Lancaster St, Big Spring 79720 179 low-income homes · For older adults · (432) 263-1265
- Limestone Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1401 N US Highway 87, Big Spring 79720 76 low-income homes · In service since 2003
- Park Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1905 Wasson Rd, Big Spring 79720 76 homes, 74 low-income · In service since 2012 · For families · (432) 267-6421
- Laredo Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 1002 N Main St, Big Spring 79720 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 32 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Laredo Hills HUD-assisted 1002 N Main St, Big Spring 79720 68 low-income homes · For families · (432) 267-5191
- Heritage Heights at Big Spring Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 Airbase Rd, Big Spring 79720 66 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Knollwood Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 Mlk Blvd, Big Spring 79720 64 low-income homes · In service since 2005
- Northcrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1002 N Main St, Big Spring 79720 68 homes · In service since 2014
- Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 Mlk Blvd, Big Spring 79720 48 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 Howard County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Howard 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 | $19,050 | $31,750 | $50,750 |
| 2 people | $21,800 | $36,250 | $58,000 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,800 | $65,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,300 | $72,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,950 | $78,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,550 | $84,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,200 | $89,900 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,800 | $95,700 |
Area median income: $90,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Howard County, TX. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $853 – $1,043
- 1 bedroom $859 – $1,049
- 2 bedrooms $1,095 – $1,339
- 3 bedrooms $1,343 – $1,641
- 4 bedrooms $1,631 – $1,993
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
- Big Spring Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 385 vouchers (432) 263-4090 Big Spring Housing Authority: bshatx@sbcglobal.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 Howard County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Midland Community Development Corp
208 S Marienfeld St, Midland · 43 miles away · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Howard 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 Howard 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
$2,434
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,217
- Security deposit
- $1,217
- Total
- $2,434
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 Howard County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $948; 1 bedroom: $954; 2 bedrooms: $1,217; 3 bedrooms: $1,492; 4 bedrooms: $1,812. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Howard County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,217) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.40 an hour full time, or $48,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Howard County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,300 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 Howard 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 $1,095 and $1,339 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Howard County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 79721 to $1,600 in 79748. 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 Howard County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Howard County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Howard County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Howard County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).