Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Medina County, Texas
Medina County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,231 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,196 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.67 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,231
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,196
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $23.67
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Texas
Only here
Renting in Medina County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Uvalde County, the typical rent is $981: 18% less than in Medina County ($1,196).
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At 84%, Medina County ranks 16th among the 251 counties in Texas with this figure for the highest 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 Medina 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 Medina County was $1,574 a month in September 2026. 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 | $935 | $17.98 | $37,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $941 | $18.10 | $37,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,231 | $23.67 | $49,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,600 | $30.77 | $64,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,741 | $33.48 | $69,640 |
HUD area: Medina County, 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 12 ZIP codes in Medina County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 78016 to $1,490 in 78066. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,231).
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)
| 78009 | Medina County, TX | $1,020 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,740 | $1,900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78009 | San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $1,020 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,740 | $1,900 |
| 78016 | Frio County, TX | $820 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,430 | $1,450 |
| 78016 | Medina County, TX | $820 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,430 | $1,450 |
| 78039 | Medina County, TX | $1,030 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,750 | $1,960 |
| 78039 | San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $1,030 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,750 | $1,960 |
| 78056 | Medina County, TX | $1,040 | $1,100 | $1,360 | $1,760 | $2,010 |
| 78059 | Medina County, TX | $890 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,520 | $1,650 |
| 78066 | Medina County, TX | $1,130 | $1,180 | $1,490 | $1,930 | $2,170 |
| 78850 | Medina County, TX | $950 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,630 | $1,770 |
| 78861 | Medina County, TX | $1,020 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,740 | $1,900 |
| 78886 | Medina County, TX | $970 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,660 | $1,810 |
- 78009 · Medina County, TX $1,340$1,740
- 78009 · San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX $1,340$1,740
- 78016 · Frio County, TX $1,080$1,430
- 78016 · Medina County, TX $1,080$1,430
- 78039 · Medina County, TX $1,350$1,750
- 78039 · San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX $1,350$1,750
- 78056 · Medina County, TX $1,360$1,760
- 78059 · Medina County, TX $1,170$1,520
- 78066 · Medina County, TX $1,490$1,930
- 78850 · Medina County, TX $1,250$1,630
- 78861 · Medina County, TX $1,340$1,740
- 78886 · Medina County, TX $1,280$1,660
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 Medina 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.
2,880 households rent in Medina County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Medina 51%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Medina County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Medina 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 1
400 homes in all; 396 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Tuscany Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 2208 14th St, Hondo 78861 76 homes, 72 low-income · In service since 2004
- Rosewood Apartments Public housing 9 Rosewood, Devine 78016 70 low-income homes · Run by Devine Housing Authority · Average payment: $446 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (830) 663-9845
- Brian Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 231 Stagecoach Dr, Hondo 78861 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 20 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Brian Place Apartments HUD-assisted 231 Stagecoach Dr, Hondo 78861 40 low-income homes · For families · (830) 741-2055
- Castroville Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1410 Naples St, Castroville 78009 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1993 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Hondo Brian Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 231 Stagecoach Dr, Hondo 78861 39 low-income homes · In service since 2000
- Devine Manor Senior Citizens Tax credit (LIHTC) 112 Dixon Dr, Devine 78016 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Hondo Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 3100 Avenue Q, Hondo 78861 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 4 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Hondo Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3100 Avenue Q, Hondo 78861 31 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1993
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 Medina 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 Medina 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 | $21,250 | $35,350 | $56,600 |
| 2 people | $24,250 | $40,400 | $64,650 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $45,450 | $72,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,500 | $80,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,550 | $87,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,600 | $93,750 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,650 | $100,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,700 | $106,700 |
Area median income: $101,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Medina County, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $842 – $1,029
- 1 bedroom $847 – $1,035
- 2 bedrooms $1,108 – $1,354
- 3 bedrooms $1,440 – $1,760
- 4 bedrooms $1,567 – $1,915
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
- Devine Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 53 vouchers · 70 public housing units (830) 663-9845 Devine Housing Authority: devineha@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 Medina County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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City of San Antonio/Dept of Neighborhood and Housing Services (DNHS)
100 W Houston St, San Antonio · 38 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
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Neighborhood Housing Services of San Antonio
851 Steves Ave, San Antonio · 38 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 5 more
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Greenpath Financial Wellness
12415 Old Converse Rd, Live Oak · 49 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Medina 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 Medina 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
$2,462
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,231
- Security deposit
- $1,231
- Total
- $2,462
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 Medina County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $935; 1 bedroom: $941; 2 bedrooms: $1,231; 3 bedrooms: $1,600; 4 bedrooms: $1,741. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Medina County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,231) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.67 an hour full time, or $49,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Medina County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,500 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 Medina 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 $1,108 and $1,354 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Medina County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 78016 to $1,490 in 78066. 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 Medina County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Medina 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 Medina County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Medina County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).