Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Matagorda County, Texas
Matagorda County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,226 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $999 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,226
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $999
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 29% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $23.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,040 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 Matagorda County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
11% of households in Matagorda 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 Matagorda 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 Matagorda County was $863 a month in September 2026: 5.6% 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 | $1,021 | $19.63 | $40,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,027 | $19.75 | $41,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,226 | $23.58 | $49,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,569 | $30.17 | $62,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,968 | $37.85 | $78,720 |
HUD area: Matagorda 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 14 ZIP codes in Matagorda County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 77428 to $1,320 in 77458. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,226).
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)
| 77414 | Matagorda County, TX | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,590 | $1,990 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77415 | Matagorda County, TX | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,590 | $1,990 |
| 77419 | Matagorda County, TX | $930 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,790 |
| 77428 | Matagorda County, TX | $910 | $930 | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,750 |
| 77440 | Matagorda County, TX | $950 | $970 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,840 |
| 77456 | Matagorda County, TX | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,580 | $1,980 |
| 77457 | Matagorda County, TX | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,590 | $1,990 |
| 77458 | Matagorda County, TX | $1,000 | $1,060 | $1,320 | $1,730 | $1,920 |
| 77465 | Calhoun County, TX | $910 | $930 | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,750 |
| 77465 | Jackson County, TX | $910 | $930 | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,750 |
| 77465 | Matagorda County, TX | $910 | $930 | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,750 |
| 77468 | Matagorda County, TX | $1,020 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,570 | $1,970 |
| 77482 | Matagorda County, TX | $890 | $970 | $1,140 | $1,500 | $1,770 |
| 77483 | Matagorda County, TX | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,590 | $1,990 |
- 77414 · Matagorda County, TX $1,240$1,590
- 77415 · Matagorda County, TX $1,240$1,590
- 77419 · Matagorda County, TX $1,130$1,440
- 77428 · Matagorda County, TX $1,100$1,400
- 77440 · Matagorda County, TX $1,150$1,470
- 77456 · Matagorda County, TX $1,230$1,580
- 77457 · Matagorda County, TX $1,240$1,590
- 77458 · Matagorda County, TX $1,320$1,730
- 77465 · Calhoun County, TX $1,100$1,400
- 77465 · Jackson County, TX $1,100$1,400
- 77465 · Matagorda County, TX $1,100$1,400
- 77468 · Matagorda County, TX $1,230$1,570
- 77482 · Matagorda County, TX $1,140$1,500
- 77483 · Matagorda County, TX $1,240$1,590
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 Matagorda 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.
4,924 households rent in Matagorda County
- Spend half or more of their income 33%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Matagorda 50%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Matagorda County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Matagorda 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 2
577 homes in all; 571 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bay Breeze HUD-assisted 800 Avenue F, Bay City 77414 100 low-income homes · For families · (979) 245-9790
- S.park & Casa del Norte Public housing 2908 Live Oak Ave, Bay City 77414 86 homes, 85 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bay City · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (979) 245-2652
- Bay Ranch Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1401 Thompson Dr, Bay City 77414 64 homes, 60 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2005
- Tejas Cove Aka NCR of Bay City HUD-assisted 1900 Palm Village Blvd, Bay City 77414 61 homes, 60 low-income · For older adults · (979) 245-4339
- Hilliard Memorial Apartments HUD-assisted 1408 Whitson St, Bay City 77414 60 low-income homes · For families · (979) 245-6582
- Bayshore Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 138 Sandpiper Cir, Palacios 77465 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2007
- Seacrest Estates Public housing 45 Seashell Blvd, Palacios 77465 44 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Palacios · Average payment: $325 a month · Average wait: 42 months · (361) 972-3721
- Golden Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Avenue H, Bay City 77414 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Henderson Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Henderson St, Palacios 77465 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995
- Bay View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1803 Gray St, Palacios 77465 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2001
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 Matagorda 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 Matagorda 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
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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 | $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: $74,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Matagorda County, TX. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $919 – $1,123
- 1 bedroom $924 – $1,130
- 2 bedrooms $1,103 – $1,349
- 3 bedrooms $1,412 – $1,726
- 4 bedrooms $1,771 – $2,165
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 Bay City Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 270 vouchers · 85 public housing units (979) 245-2652 Housing Authority of the City of Bay City: director@baycitypha.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Palacios Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 60 vouchers · 44 public housing units (361) 972-3721 Housing Authority of the City of Palacios: jhunter@palaciosha.org
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 Matagorda County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Matagorda County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Matagorda 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 Matagorda 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
$2,452
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,226
- Security deposit
- $1,226
- Total
- $2,452
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 Matagorda County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,021; 1 bedroom: $1,027; 2 bedrooms: $1,226; 3 bedrooms: $1,569; 4 bedrooms: $1,968. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Matagorda County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,226) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.58 an hour full time, or $49,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Matagorda 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 Matagorda 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 $1,103 and $1,349 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Matagorda County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 77428 to $1,320 in 77458. 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 Matagorda County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Matagorda 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 Matagorda County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Matagorda County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).