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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Jefferson County, Texas

Jefferson County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,218 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,117 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.42 an hour, full time.

Four numbers to start with

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,218
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
18% less than in Texas
Typical rent
$1,117
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
20% less than in Texas
Wage needed
$23.42
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $48,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households
53%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
2% more than in Texas

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Jefferson County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Among the neighboring counties, Jasper County has the lowest typical rent ($848), 24% below the $1,117 in Jefferson County.

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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County was $1,290 a month in September 2026: 2.7% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size Fair rent per month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $980 $18.85 $39,200
1 bedroom $986 $18.96 $39,440
2 bedrooms $1,218 $23.42 $48,720
3 bedrooms $1,588 $30.54 $63,520
4 bedrooms $1,944 $37.38 $77,760

HUD area: Beaumont-Port Arthur, 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 Jefferson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 77705 to $1,540 in 77713. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,218).

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)

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 Jefferson County, 53% 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.

53%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

35,551 households rent in Jefferson County

  • Spend half or more of their income 27%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
  • Spend less than 30% 47%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Jefferson 53%
  • Texas 52%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Jefferson County

HUD lists 60 properties with homes for low-income households in Jefferson 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)
38
HUD-assisted
24
public housing
8

7,449 homes in all; 6,300 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Shire Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4020 Highway 365, Port Arthur 77642 310 low-income homes · In service since 2004
  • Heatherbrook Apartments HUD-assisted 7808 Heatherbrook Trl, Port Arthur 77642 256 low-income homes · For older adults · (409) 722-6527
  • Heatherbrook Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7900 Heatherbrook Trl, Port Arthur 77642 256 low-income homes · In service since 2005
  • Pine Club Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5015 Pine St, Beaumont 77703 232 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities
  • Stonegate Manor HUD-assisted 4121 Turtle Creek Dr, Port Arthur 77642 240 homes, 215 low-income · For families · (409) 727-0709
  • Crystalcreek Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 8101 Honeywood Trl, Port Arthur 77642 202 low-income homes · Studio: 34 · 1 bd: 156 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For older adults · (409) 727-1684
  • Ow Collins Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4440 Gulfway Dr, Port Arthur 77642 200 low-income homes · Studio: 95 · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2007 · For older adults · (409) 982-6441
  • Pebble Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4251 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur 77642 208 homes, 176 low-income · 1 bd: 136 · 2 bd: 72 · In service since 2005 · For families · (409) 724-7525
  • Park Central Tax credit (LIHTC) 2500 Highway 365, Port Arthur 77640 184 homes, 168 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 80 · In service since 2015
  • Cedarridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 7601 9th Ave, Port Arthur 77642 200 homes, 160 low-income · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2005 · For families · (409) 722-0459
  • Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 3705 E Lucas Dr, Beaumont 77708 150 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont · Average payment: $335 a month · Average wait: 39 months · (409) 951-7200
  • Plymouth Village HUD-assisted 5080 Helbig Rd, Beaumont 77708 150 low-income homes · For families · (409) 892-2532
  • Raintree Towers Apartments HUD-assisted 3030 French Rd, Beaumont 77706 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (409) 892-0196
  • Rampart Apartments HUD-assisted 1602 Village East Blvd, Port Arthur 77642 150 low-income homes · For families · (409) 721-5204
  • Starcrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3255 Elmira St, Beaumont 77705 150 low-income homes · In service since 2002 · For families · (409) 842-0743
  • Summit at North Ridge Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 4155 Maida Rd, Beaumont 77708 150 low-income homes · For families · (409) 899-8417
  • Timbers Edge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1075 Pinchback Rd, Beaumont 77707 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 62 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2009 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness · (409) 860-4146
  • Azure Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 6355 Chinn Ln, Beaumont 77708 140 low-income homes · In service since 2013
  • Louis Manor Apts. HUD-assisted 1300 Joe Louis Ave, Port Arthur 77640 132 low-income homes · For families · (409) 982-6313
  • Gracelake Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3985 Sarah St, Beaumont 77705 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2011
  • Southwood Crossing Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3901 Highway 73, Port Arthur 77642 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2007
  • Summit at Prince Hall HUD-assisted 934 W 14th St, Port Arthur 77640 120 low-income homes · For families · (409) 983-3933
  • Sunlight Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2950 S 8th St, Beaumont 77701 120 low-income homes · For families · (409) 833-1491
  • Gardens at Sienna Tax credit (LIHTC) 6210 Sienna Trl, Beaumont 77708 120 homes, 115 low-income · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 58 · In service since 2010
  • Gateway Village Seniors Tax credit (LIHTC) 2825 S 12th St, Beaumont 77701 116 homes, 110 low-income · In service since 2004 · For older adults
  • Providence on Major Tax credit (LIHTC) 3583 N Major Dr, Beaumont 77713 128 homes, 108 low-income · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities
  • Port Arthur Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3500 Turtle Creek Dr, Port Arthur 77642 104 low-income homes · In service since 2003
  • Place of Grace Tax credit (LIHTC) South Quadrant of Sarah ST. Fannett RD, Beaumont 77705 128 homes, 102 low-income · In service since 2018
  • Villas of Sunnyside Tax credit (LIHTC) 1425 Washington Village Pkwy, Beaumont 77707 144 homes, 100 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
  • Baten Arms HUD-assisted 4340 Westridge Ln, Beaumont 77706 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (409) 899-4617
  • Beverly Place Apartments HUD-assisted 5307 Gulfway Dr, Groves 77619 124 homes, 99 low-income · For families · (409) 962-0213
  • Sunset Way Apt Tax credit (LIHTC) 3280 Central Mall Dr, Port Arthur 77642 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2007
  • Lucas Gardens and Grand Pine Courts Public housing 2819 Pine St, Beaumont 77703 94 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont · Average payment: $305 a month · Average wait: 34 months · (409) 951-7200
  • Seville Row Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4325 Crow Rd, Beaumont 77706 90 low-income homes · Studio: 16 · 1 bd: 68 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2008 · For older adults · (409) 898-7656
  • Southwood Crossing Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3901 Highway 73, Port Arthur 77642 84 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2007
  • The Greens on Turtle Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 3200 Turtle Creek Dr, Port Arthur 77642 84 low-income homes · In service since 2003 · For older adults
  • Villa Main Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 901 Main Ave, Port Arthur 77642 140 homes, 81 low-income · For families · (409) 963-1224
  • The Carlyle Tax credit (LIHTC) 19245 US Highway 90, China 77613 80 low-income homes · In service since 2017
  • Pointe North Public housing 3710 Magnolia St, Beaumont 77703 79 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont · Average payment: $363 a month · Average wait: 36 months · (409) 951-7200
  • Tracewood I & II Public housing 4935 Concord Rd, Beaumont 77708 77 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont · Average payment: $270 a month · Average wait: 41 months · (409) 951-7200
  • Retreat West Beaumont Tax credit (LIHTC) SWQ of College Street and Wendelin Drive, Beaumont 77707 98 homes, 74 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
  • Regent I Public housing 1675 Regent, Beaumont 77703 160 homes, 70 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont · Average payment: $343 a month · Average wait: 34 months · (409) 951-7200
  • Century Heights Public housing 8550 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont 77706 68 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont · Average payment: $390 a month · Average wait: 41 months · (409) 951-7200
  • Beaumont Public housing 760 Enfield Ln, Beaumont 77707 63 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont · Average payment: $509 a month · Average wait: 34 months · (409) 951-7200
  • Old Dowlen Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 4167 Old Dowlen Rd, Beaumont 77706 72 homes, 62 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 48 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
  • The Willows HUD-assisted 7924 Willowood Ln, Port Arthur 77642 168 homes, 60 low-income · For families · (409) 721-5204
  • Laurel Vista Tax credit (LIHTC) NWC of Plaza 10 Circle, Beaumont 77707 69 homes, 60 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
  • Beaumont Trails Tax credit (LIHTC) SWQ Spindletop SQ and N 11th ST., Beaumont 77703 60 homes, 57 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
  • Trinity Grove Public housing 7110 Highway 105, Beaumont 77713 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont · Average payment: $409 a month · Average wait: 38 months · (409) 951-7200
  • Virginia Flats HUD-assisted 2250 W Virginia St, Beaumont 77705 110 homes, 44 low-income · For families · (409) 842-3647
  • Senior Citizens y-House of Beaumont HUD-assisted 930 Calder Ave, Beaumont 77701 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (409) 833-9660
  • Stone Hearst Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1650 E Lucas Dr, Beaumont 77703 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2006
  • The Cottages at Spindletop HUD-assisted 2835 S 8th St, Beaumont 77701 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (409) 833-1780
  • Villa de Lucas HUD-assisted 1005 E Lucas Dr, Beaumont 77703 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (409) 832-6161
  • Regent I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1715 Maime St, Beaumont 77703 160 homes
  • Legacy Senior Housing of Port Arthur Tax credit (LIHTC) 3225 Lake Arthur Dr, Port Arthur 77642 126 homes · In service since 2010
  • Woodlands the Tax credit (LIHTC) 3150 W Cardinal Dr, Beaumont 77705 105 homes
  • Cypress Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 4165 Old Dowlen Rd, Beaumont 77706 76 homes · In service since 2016
  • Beaumont Downtown Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 620 Pearl St, Beaumont 77701 36 homes
  • Timber Creek at Sienna Trails Tax credit (LIHTC) 5050 Timber Creek Loop, Beaumont 77708 36 homes

10 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. 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

  2. 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)

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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

  6. 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
1 person $18,450 $30,700 $49,150
2 people $21,640 $35,100 $56,150
3 people $27,320 $39,500 $63,150
4 people $33,000 $43,850 $70,150
5 people $38,680 $47,400 $75,800
6 people $44,360 $50,900 $81,400
7 people $50,040 $54,400 $87,000
8 people $55,720 $57,900 $92,600

Area median income: $87,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $882 – $1,078
  • 1 bedroom $887 – $1,085
  • 2 bedrooms $1,096 – $1,340
  • 3 bedrooms $1,429 – $1,747
  • 4 bedrooms $1,750 – $2,138

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 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 rule

Compare 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 Jefferson County

These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Jefferson County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

  • Tender Loving Care Center for Children, DBA Legacy CDC

    3800 Park Ln, Port Arthur · Spanish

    • Budget and financial counseling
    • Budget and credit workshops
    • and 3 more
  • Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas

    2780 Eastex Fwy, Beaumont

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 4 more

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Jefferson County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Jefferson 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
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,436

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$1,218
Security deposit
$1,218
Total
$2,436

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Jefferson County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $980; 1 bedroom: $986; 2 bedrooms: $1,218; 3 bedrooms: $1,588; 4 bedrooms: $1,944. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Jefferson County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,218) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.42 an hour full time, or $48,720 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Jefferson County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,850 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 Jefferson 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 $1,096 and $1,340 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Jefferson County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 77705 to $1,540 in 77713. 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 Jefferson County?

HUD lists 60 properties with homes for low-income households in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Jefferson County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).