Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Orange County, Texas
Orange 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 $1,100 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
- $1,100
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 22% 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
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Orange 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 Jasper County, the typical rent is $848: 23% less than in Orange County ($1,100).
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 Orange 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 Orange County was $1,284 a month in September 2026: 1.2% 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 | $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 7 ZIP codes in Orange County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 77662 to $1,540 in 77611. 2 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)
| 77611 | Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $1,240 | $1,250 | $1,540 | $2,010 | $2,460 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77630 | Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $980 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,590 | $1,950 |
| 77632 | Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $940 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $1,880 |
| 77632 | Jasper County, TX | $940 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $1,880 |
| 77632 | Newton County, TX | $940 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $1,880 |
| 77662 | Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $810 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,630 |
| 77662 | Jasper County, TX | $810 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,630 |
- 77611 · Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX $1,540$2,010
- 77630 · Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX $1,220$1,590
- 77632 · Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX $1,180$1,540
- 77632 · Jasper County, TX $1,180$1,540
- 77632 · Newton County, TX $1,180$1,540
- 77662 · Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX $1,010$1,330
- 77662 · Jasper County, TX $1,010$1,330
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 Orange County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
8,054 households rent in Orange County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Orange 49%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Orange County
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Orange 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)
- 15
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 8
1,877 homes in all; 1,084 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 605 1st St, Orange 77630 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 122 · 3 bd: 50 · In service since 1998
- Optimist Village HUD-assisted 3650 Optimist Way, Orange 77630 96 low-income homes · For older adults · (409) 883-9949
- Auburn Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 2388 N Main St, Vidor 77662 80 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Velma Jeter Tax credit (LIHTC) 5700 Velma Jeter Dr, Orange 77632 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 29 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2015 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Arbor Pines Tax credit (LIHTC) 653 Mlk Dr, Orange 77630 76 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Fox Run Apts (2012 Bond) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2600 Allie Payne Rd, Orange 77632 74 homes, 70 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2012 · For families · (409) 883-4828
- Sikes Road Tax credit (LIHTC) 4030 Sikes Rd, Orange 77632 70 low-income homes · In service since 2015
- Heritage Center of Orange HUD-assisted 100 College St, Orange 77630 116 homes, 60 low-income · For older adults · (409) 886-3505
- CRAIG & Alexander Homes Public housing 2033 4th St, Orange 77630 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority City of Orange · Average payment: $281 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (409) 883-5882
- Honeysuckle Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 S Main St, Vidor 77662 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 1996
- Velma Jeter Public housing 2500 Allie Payne Rd, Orange 77632 80 homes, 46 low-income · Run by Housing Authority City of Orange · Average payment: $295 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (409) 883-5882
- Pineywoods Community Orange Home Team Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 W Park Ave, Orange 77630 36 low-income homes · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 18 · In service since 2007
- Cove Terrace Public housing 21 Cove Dr, Orange 77630 34 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority City of Orange · Average payment: $177 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (409) 883-5882
- Sikes Road / Willow Bend Public housing 4020 Sikes Rd, Orange 77632 70 homes, 28 low-income · Run by Housing Authority City of Orange · Average payment: $243 a month · Average wait: 55 months · (409) 883-5882
- Park Avenue Manor Public housing 2540 W Park Ave, Orange 77630 66 homes, 26 low-income · Run by Housing Authority City of Orange · Average payment: $317 a month · (409) 883-5882
- Whispering Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 816 Memphis St, West Orange 77630 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2011
- Whispering Oaks Public housing 2835 Western Ave, West Orange 77630 70 homes, 20 low-income · Run by Housing Authority City of Orange · Average payment: $301 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (409) 883-5882
- Putnam Place HUD-assisted 310 N 37th St, Orange 77630 20 homes, 19 low-income · For people with disabilities · (409) 883-9721
- James Zay Roberts Plaza Public housing 610 Burton Ave, Orange 77630 80 homes, 16 low-income · Run by Housing Authority City of Orange · Average payment: $294 a month · (409) 883-5882
- Johnson-Chavis Reserve Public housing 515 Burton Ave, Orange 77630 6 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority City of Orange · (409) 883-5882
- Sabine Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 Pine Ave, Orange 77630 200 homes
- Citrus Cove Bridge City Tax credit (LIHTC) 140 Charles Ave, Bridge City 77611 80 homes · In service since 2016
- Cypresswood Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1010 Highway 87 S, Orange 77630 76 homes
- Orange Palm Garden Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1727 N 37th St, Orange 77630 76 homes
- Twelve Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2405 Highway 12, Vidor 77662 70 homes
- Pine Grove Tax credit (LIHTC) 2450 W Park Ave, Orange 77630
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 Orange 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 Orange 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
-
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 | $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
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 Authority City of Orange Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 873 vouchers · 456 public housing units (409) 883-5882 Housing Authority City of Orange: landrumal@bmtha.org
- Housing Authority of Orange County Public housing (409) 982-6442 Housing Authority of Orange County: nobody@hud.gov
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 Orange County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Tender Loving Care Center for Children, DBA Legacy CDC
3800 Park Ln, Port Arthur · 14 miles away · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 3 more
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Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas
2780 Eastex Fwy, Beaumont · 15 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Orange 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 Orange 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
$2,436
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,218
- Security deposit
- $1,218
- Total
- $2,436
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 Orange 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 Orange 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 Orange 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 Orange 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 Orange County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 77662 to $1,540 in 77611. 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 Orange County?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Orange 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 Orange County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Orange County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).