Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Potter County, Texas
Potter County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,107 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,022 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,107
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 26% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,022
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 27% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $21.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,280 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 Potter County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Potter County has the 11th lowest homeownership rate of the 251 counties in Texas with this figure (57%).
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 Potter 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 Potter County was $1,133 a month in September 2026: 7.4% 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 | $797 | $15.33 | $31,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $904 | $17.38 | $36,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,107 | $21.29 | $44,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,512 | $29.08 | $60,480 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,678 | $32.27 | $67,120 |
HUD area: Amarillo, 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 13 ZIP codes in Potter County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 79101 to $1,290 in 79111. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,107).
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)
| 79010 | Amarillo, TX | $830 | $920 | $1,140 | $1,550 | $1,700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79010 | Oldham County, TX | $830 | $920 | $1,140 | $1,550 | $1,700 |
| 79058 | Amarillo, TX | $780 | $840 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,690 |
| 79058 | Moore County, TX | $780 | $840 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,690 |
| 79101 | Amarillo, TX | $730 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,570 |
| 79102 | Amarillo, TX | $730 | $830 | $1,020 | $1,390 | $1,570 |
| 79103 | Amarillo, TX | $890 | $1,000 | $1,230 | $1,680 | $1,860 |
| 79104 | Amarillo, TX | $730 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,570 |
| 79106 | Amarillo, TX | $800 | $910 | $1,110 | $1,520 | $1,680 |
| 79107 | Amarillo, TX | $760 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,450 | $1,610 |
| 79108 | Amarillo, TX | $780 | $880 | $1,080 | $1,480 | $1,650 |
| 79111 | Amarillo, TX | $930 | $1,050 | $1,290 | $1,760 | $1,960 |
| 79124 | Amarillo, TX | $850 | $960 | $1,180 | $1,610 | $1,790 |
- 79010 · Amarillo, TX $1,140$1,550
- 79010 · Oldham County, TX $1,140$1,550
- 79058 · Amarillo, TX $1,060$1,390
- 79058 · Moore County, TX $1,060$1,390
- 79101 · Amarillo, TX $1,010$1,390
- 79102 · Amarillo, TX $1,020$1,390
- 79103 · Amarillo, TX $1,230$1,680
- 79104 · Amarillo, TX $1,010$1,390
- 79106 · Amarillo, TX $1,110$1,520
- 79107 · Amarillo, TX $1,060$1,450
- 79108 · Amarillo, TX $1,080$1,480
- 79111 · Amarillo, TX $1,290$1,760
- 79124 · Amarillo, TX $1,180$1,610
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 Potter 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.
18,186 households rent in Potter County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 29%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Potter 50%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Potter County
HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Potter County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 22
- HUD-assisted
- 5
2,156 homes in all; 1,631 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Jason Avenue Residential Tax credit (LIHTC) 527 Jason Ave, Amarillo 79107 252 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 106 · 3 bd: 80 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2009
- Amarillo Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1223 S Roberts St, Amarillo 79102 148 low-income homes · Studio: 13 · 1 bd: 64 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 1991 · For families · (806) 373-1074
- North Grand Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2801 N Grand St, Amarillo 79107 144 low-income homes · In service since 2004
- Townparc at Amarillo Tax credit (LIHTC) 6501 Woodward St, Amarillo 79106 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2007
- The Commons at ST. Anthonys Tax credit (LIHTC) SWC Amarillo BLVD. and N. Polk ST., Amarillo 79107 124 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Cathy's Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 2701 N Grand St, Amarillo 79107 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2007
- Glennwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2000 SE 28th Ave, Amarillo 79103 120 low-income homes · In service since 2004
- Astoria Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3118 SW 15th Ave, Amarillo 79102 156 homes, 117 low-income · 2 bd: 140 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1997
- Canyons Retirement Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 2200 SW 7th Ave, Amarillo 79106 111 homes, 105 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 71 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 1
- Northwest Village Apartments HUD-assisted 6101 W I 40, Amarillo 79106 94 homes, 93 low-income · For older adults · (806) 355-0481
- Marabella Tax credit (LIHTC) 5781 W Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo 79106 101 homes, 85 low-income · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 56 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Bivins Village Phase II HUD-assisted 3201 Tee Anchor Blvd, Amarillo 79104 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (806) 342-5530
- Bivins Village HUD-assisted 3201 Tee Anchor Blvd, Amarillo 79104 59 low-income homes · For older adults · (806) 342-5530
- Spring Terrace Apts - Amarillo Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2600 S Spring St, Amarillo 79103 50 low-income homes · For families · (806) 374-7522
- Mitay Inc Scattered Site Tax credit (LIHTC) 1901 NW 17th Ave, Amarillo 79107 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1994
- 1213 Pecan ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 1213 Pecan St, Amarillo 79107 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1990
- 1229 Pecan ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 1229 Pecan St, Amarillo 79107 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1990
- 2503 N Wilson ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 2503 N Wilson St, Amarillo 79107 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1990
- 2512 Thorne DR Tax credit (LIHTC) 2512 Thorne Dr, Amarillo 79107 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1990
- 2904 Walnut ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 2904 Walnut St, Amarillo 79107 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1990
- 814 S Kentucky Tax credit (LIHTC) 814 S Kentucky St, Amarillo 79106 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1990
- Residences of Plum Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 5900 Plum Creek Dr, Amarillo 79124 182 homes
- Green Tree Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2301 Seth Ln, Amarillo 79108 129 homes
- Talmage at Park Central Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 SW 15th Ave, Amarillo 79101 118 homes
- NWTH Meridian, LTD Tax credit (LIHTC) 2201 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo 79106 34 homes
2 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 Potter 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 Potter 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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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 | $19,150 | $31,850 | $51,000 |
| 2 people | $21,850 | $36,400 | $58,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,950 | $65,550 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,500 | $72,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $49,150 | $78,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,800 | $84,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,450 | $90,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $60,100 | $96,100 |
Area median income: $90,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Amarillo, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $717 – $877
- 1 bedroom $814 – $994
- 2 bedrooms $996 – $1,218
- 3 bedrooms $1,361 – $1,663
- 4 bedrooms $1,510 – $1,846
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
- Panhandle Community Services Section 8 vouchers · 2,071 vouchers (806) 372-2531
- City of Amarillo Section 8 vouchers · 1,856 vouchers (806) 378-3098 City of Amarillo: Jason.Riddlespurger@amarillo.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 Potter County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Potter County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Potter 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 Potter 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
$2,214
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,107
- Security deposit
- $1,107
- Total
- $2,214
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 Potter County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $797; 1 bedroom: $904; 2 bedrooms: $1,107; 3 bedrooms: $1,512; 4 bedrooms: $1,678. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Potter County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,107) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.29 an hour full time, or $44,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Potter County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,500 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 Potter 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 $996 and $1,218 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Potter County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 79101 to $1,290 in 79111. 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 Potter County?
HUD lists 25 properties with homes for low-income households in Potter County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Potter County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Potter County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).