Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in McLennan County, Texas
McLennan County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,297 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,173 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.94 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,297
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 13% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,173
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 16% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $24.94
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 57%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% more than in Texas
Only here
Renting in McLennan County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Nearby, in Falls County, the typical rent is $731: 38% less than in McLennan County ($1,173).
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McLennan County has the 10th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 202 counties in Texas with this figure (57%).
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At 62%, McLennan County ranks 22nd among the 251 counties in Texas with this figure for the lowest homeownership rate.
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 McLennan 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 McLennan County was $1,416 a month in September 2026: 1.9% 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 | $903 | $17.37 | $36,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,029 | $19.79 | $41,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,297 | $24.94 | $51,880 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,693 | $32.56 | $67,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,705 | $32.79 | $68,200 |
HUD area: Waco, 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 28 ZIP codes in McLennan County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 76624 to $1,910 in 76633. 13 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,297).
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)
| 76624 | Limestone County, TX | $770 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76624 | Waco, TX | $770 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 76630 | Falls County, TX | $850 | $960 | $1,210 | $1,590 | $1,610 |
| 76630 | Waco, TX | $850 | $960 | $1,210 | $1,590 | $1,610 |
| 76633 | Bosque County, TX | $1,330 | $1,520 | $1,910 | $2,500 | $2,520 |
| 76633 | Waco, TX | $1,330 | $1,520 | $1,910 | $2,500 | $2,520 |
| 76638 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $1,030 | $1,170 | $1,480 | $1,930 | $1,950 |
| 76638 | Waco, TX | $1,030 | $1,170 | $1,480 | $1,930 | $1,950 |
| 76640 | Waco, TX | $770 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 76643 | Waco, TX | $1,130 | $1,290 | $1,620 | $2,120 | $2,130 |
| 76654 | Waco, TX | $770 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,450 | $1,490 |
| 76655 | Falls County, TX | $1,090 | $1,240 | $1,570 | $2,060 | $2,110 |
| 76655 | Waco, TX | $1,090 | $1,240 | $1,570 | $2,060 | $2,110 |
| 76657 | Killeen-Temple, TX | $980 | $1,120 | $1,410 | $1,840 | $1,870 |
| 76657 | Waco, TX | $980 | $1,120 | $1,410 | $1,840 | $1,870 |
| 76691 | Hill County, TX | $800 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,500 | $1,550 |
| 76691 | Waco, TX | $800 | $910 | $1,150 | $1,500 | $1,550 |
| 76701 | Waco, TX | $900 | $1,050 | $1,300 | $1,670 | $1,710 |
| 76704 | Waco, TX | $770 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 76705 | Waco, TX | $770 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 76706 | Falls County, TX | $890 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,670 | $1,680 |
| 76706 | Waco, TX | $890 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,670 | $1,680 |
| 76707 | Waco, TX | $880 | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,660 | $1,670 |
| 76708 | Waco, TX | $910 | $1,030 | $1,300 | $1,700 | $1,710 |
| 76710 | Waco, TX | $870 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,630 | $1,640 |
| 76711 | Waco, TX | $1,070 | $1,210 | $1,530 | $2,000 | $2,010 |
| 76712 | Waco, TX | $1,060 | $1,210 | $1,520 | $1,980 | $2,000 |
| 76798 | Waco, TX | $890 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,670 | $1,680 |
- 76624 · Limestone County, TX $1,120$1,440
- 76624 · Waco, TX $1,120$1,440
- 76630 · Falls County, TX $1,210$1,590
- 76630 · Waco, TX $1,210$1,590
- 76633 · Bosque County, TX $1,910$2,500
- 76633 · Waco, TX $1,910$2,500
- 76638 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,480$1,930
- 76638 · Waco, TX $1,480$1,930
- 76640 · Waco, TX $1,120$1,440
- 76643 · Waco, TX $1,620$2,120
- 76654 · Waco, TX $1,120$1,450
- 76655 · Falls County, TX $1,570$2,060
- 76655 · Waco, TX $1,570$2,060
- 76657 · Killeen-Temple, TX $1,410$1,840
- 76657 · Waco, TX $1,410$1,840
- 76691 · Hill County, TX $1,150$1,500
- 76691 · Waco, TX $1,150$1,500
- 76701 · Waco, TX $1,300$1,670
- 76704 · Waco, TX $1,120$1,440
- 76705 · Waco, TX $1,120$1,440
- 76706 · Falls County, TX $1,280$1,670
- 76706 · Waco, TX $1,280$1,670
- 76707 · Waco, TX $1,270$1,660
- 76708 · Waco, TX $1,300$1,700
- 76710 · Waco, TX $1,250$1,630
- 76711 · Waco, TX $1,530$2,000
- 76712 · Waco, TX $1,520$1,980
- 76798 · Waco, TX $1,280$1,670
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 McLennan County, 57% 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.
57%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
37,183 households rent in McLennan County
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 43%
Compared with the state and the country
- McLennan 57%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in McLennan County
HUD lists 32 properties with homes for low-income households in McLennan 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
- 8
- public housing
- 5
3,613 homes in all; 2,766 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Kate Ross Annex Public housing 934 S 12th St, Waco 76706 284 homes, 282 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Waco · Average payment: $271 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (254) 752-0324
- South Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Kennedy Cir, Waco 76706 250 low-income homes · 1 bd: 68 · 2 bd: 94 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 24 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Summit at the Villages of Waco Apartments HUD-assisted 1100 N 6th St, Waco 76707 250 low-income homes · For families · (254) 301-7055
- Estella Maxey Public housing 1000 Delano St, Waco 76704 250 homes, 247 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Waco · Average payment: $249 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (254) 752-0324
- Riverside Apartments HUD-assisted 1738/1740/1742 Dallas Circle, Waco 76704 152 low-income homes · For families · (254) 799-3311
- Brazos Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2525 E Lake Shore Dr, Waco 76705 144 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 40 · In service since 1999
- North Crest Court HUD-assisted 4200 N 19th St, Waco 76708 120 low-income homes · For older adults · (254) 757-2242
- Costa Esmeralda Tax credit (LIHTC) 1516 Gurley Ln, Waco 76706 112 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2011
- University Apartments - Waco HUD-assisted 2900 Primrose Dr, Waco 76706 104 low-income homes · For families · (254) 662-4411
- Cottages of Oak Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 Woodgate Dr, Waco 76712 144 homes, 100 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
- The Reserve at Dry Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 N Old Temple Rd, Hewitt 76643 113 homes, 90 low-income · In service since 2018
- Dripping Springs Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2405 J J Flewellen Rd, Waco 76704 100 homes, 85 low-income · 1 bd: 64 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2005
- Residences at Lake Waco Tax credit (LIHTC) 1700 W State Highway 6, Waco 76712 114 homes, 79 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Barron's Branch Tax credit (LIHTC) 817 Colcord Ave, Waco 76707 92 homes, 77 low-income · In service since 2015
- North Crest Creekside HUD-assisted 2001 Stewart Dr, Waco 76708 76 homes, 75 low-income · For older adults · (254) 757-2242
- Unnamed Public housing 301 N Johnson Dr, McGregor 76657 75 homes, 74 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of McGregor · Average payment: $506 a month · Average wait: 7 months · Homes at several sites · (254) 840-2276
- Avanti Viking Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 6501 Sanger Ave, Waco 76710 82 homes, 69 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Red Oak Apts (WACO) Tax credit (LIHTC) 4510 S 3rd St Rd, Waco 76706 80 homes, 64 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2005
- Brook Oaks Senior Residences HUD-assisted 1725 Colcord Ave, Waco 76707 56 homes, 55 low-income · For older adults · (254) 754-6000
- Unnamed Public housing 1308 Avenue E, Moody 76557 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of City of Moody · Average payment: $499 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (254) 853-2577
- Golden Trails Tax credit (LIHTC) 314 Melodie Dr, West 76691 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 12 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Cherrywood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Tokio Rd, West 76691 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2011
- Rachael Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 435 Little Ave, Mc Gregor 76657 48 homes, 43 low-income · In service since 2017
- Mcgregor Seniors Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1007 S Madison St, Mc Gregor 76657 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Unnamed Public housing 300 N Main St, Mart 76664 32 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Mart · Average payment: $317 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (254) 752-0324
- Village Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 Village Place Dr, Lorena 76655 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2010
- Tanglewood Apartments Company HUD-assisted 4500 N 19th St, Waco 76708 96 homes, 30 low-income · For families · (254) 753-3731
- Waco Apartments fka Robinson Gardens Apts. HUD-assisted 2724 Robinson Dr, Waco 76706 208 homes, 25 low-income · For families · (254) 662-3550
- River Park Aptsnt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Waco 76704 124 homes · In service since 2008
- The Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2509 E Lake Shore Dr, Waco 76705 120 homes · In service since 2003
- Historic Lofts of Waco High1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 815 Columbus Ave, Waco 76701 104 homes
- Barron's Branch II Tax credit (LIHTC) 817 Colcord Ave, Waco 76707 76 homes · In service since 2016
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 McLennan County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in McLennan 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 | $19,000 | $31,650 | $50,600 |
| 2 people | $21,700 | $36,150 | $57,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,650 | $65,050 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,150 | $72,250 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,800 | $78,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,400 | $83,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,000 | $89,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,600 | $95,400 |
Area median income: $90,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Waco, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $813 – $993
- 1 bedroom $926 – $1,132
- 2 bedrooms $1,167 – $1,427
- 3 bedrooms $1,524 – $1,862
- 4 bedrooms $1,535 – $1,876
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 Waco Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 3,122 vouchers · 529 public housing units (254) 752-0324 Housing Authority of the City of Waco: mileth@wacopha.org
- Housing Authority of McGregor Public housing · 74 public housing units (254) 840-2276 Housing Authority of McGregor: mcgregorha@housingemail.com
- Housing Authority of City of Moody Public housing · 50 public housing units (254) 853-2577 Housing Authority of City of Moody: moodyha@housingemail.com
- Housing Authority of Mart Public housing · 32 public housing units (254) 752-0324 Housing Authority of Mart: mileth@wacopha.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 McLennan County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in McLennan County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Neighborhood Housing Services of Waco, Inc.
922 Franklin Ave, Waco · Spanish
- Budget and credit workshops
- Workshops for new owners
- and 2 more
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Waco Community Development Corporation
1624 Colcord Ave, Waco · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in McLennan 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 McLennan 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
$2,594
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,297
- Security deposit
- $1,297
- Total
- $2,594
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 McLennan County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $903; 1 bedroom: $1,029; 2 bedrooms: $1,297; 3 bedrooms: $1,693; 4 bedrooms: $1,705. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in McLennan County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,297) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.94 an hour full time, or $51,880 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in McLennan County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,150 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 McLennan 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 $1,167 and $1,427 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in McLennan County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 76624 to $1,910 in 76633. 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 McLennan County?
HUD lists 32 properties with homes for low-income households in McLennan 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 McLennan County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In McLennan County, 57% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).