Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Rusk County, Texas
Rusk County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,205 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,015 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.17 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,205
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 19% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,015
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 28% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $23.17
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 15% less than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Rusk County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Panola County has the lowest typical rent ($834), 18% below the $1,015 in Rusk County.
-
16% of households in Rusk 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 Rusk 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 Rusk County was $1,203 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 | $839 | $16.13 | $33,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $921 | $17.71 | $36,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,205 | $23.17 | $48,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,448 | $27.85 | $57,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,584 | $30.46 | $63,360 |
HUD area: Rusk 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 20 ZIP codes in Rusk County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 75682 to $1,290 in 75681. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,205).
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)
| 75641 | Longview, TX | $910 | $920 | $1,130 | $1,450 | $1,530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75641 | Rusk County, TX | $910 | $920 | $1,130 | $1,450 | $1,530 |
| 75652 | Panola County, TX | $810 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,510 |
| 75652 | Rusk County, TX | $810 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,510 |
| 75654 | Cherokee County, TX | $850 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,470 | $1,600 |
| 75654 | Rusk County, TX | $850 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,470 | $1,600 |
| 75658 | Rusk County, TX | $820 | $900 | $1,170 | $1,410 | $1,540 |
| 75667 | Rusk County, TX | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,360 | $1,490 |
| 75680 | Rusk County, TX | $840 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,450 | $1,590 |
| 75681 | Rusk County, TX | $900 | $990 | $1,290 | $1,550 | $1,700 |
| 75682 | Rusk County, TX | $810 | $860 | $1,110 | $1,360 | $1,480 |
| 75684 | Rusk County, TX | $890 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
| 75684 | Tyler, TX | $890 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
| 75687 | Rusk County, TX | $840 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,450 | $1,590 |
| 75689 | Rusk County, TX | $810 | $890 | $1,160 | $1,410 | $1,530 |
| 75691 | Longview, TX | $910 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,450 | $1,530 |
| 75691 | Panola County, TX | $910 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,450 | $1,530 |
| 75691 | Rusk County, TX | $910 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,450 | $1,530 |
| 75784 | Cherokee County, TX | $890 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,440 | $1,600 |
| 75784 | Rusk County, TX | $890 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,440 | $1,600 |
- 75641 · Longview, TX $1,130$1,450
- 75641 · Rusk County, TX $1,130$1,450
- 75652 · Panola County, TX $1,150$1,380
- 75652 · Rusk County, TX $1,150$1,380
- 75654 · Cherokee County, TX $1,220$1,470
- 75654 · Rusk County, TX $1,220$1,470
- 75658 · Rusk County, TX $1,170$1,410
- 75667 · Rusk County, TX $1,130$1,360
- 75680 · Rusk County, TX $1,210$1,450
- 75681 · Rusk County, TX $1,290$1,550
- 75682 · Rusk County, TX $1,110$1,360
- 75684 · Rusk County, TX $1,210$1,620
- 75684 · Tyler, TX $1,210$1,620
- 75687 · Rusk County, TX $1,210$1,450
- 75689 · Rusk County, TX $1,160$1,410
- 75691 · Longview, TX $1,150$1,450
- 75691 · Panola County, TX $1,150$1,450
- 75691 · Rusk County, TX $1,150$1,450
- 75784 · Cherokee County, TX $1,180$1,440
- 75784 · Rusk County, TX $1,180$1,440
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 Rusk County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,814 households rent in Rusk County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Rusk 44%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Rusk County
HUD lists 7 properties with homes for low-income households in Rusk 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)
- 4
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 2
406 homes in all; 387 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Millpoint Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 751 Kilgore Dr, Henderson 75652 76 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2005
- Flanagan Heights Public housing 500 Broadway St, Henderson 75652 71 homes, 70 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Henderson · Average payment: $353 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (903) 657-3444
- Henderson Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1400 Block of Hwy 259, Henderson 75654 80 homes, 68 low-income · In service since 2017
- Mustang Village I Public housing 212 W Ward St, Overton 75684 60 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Overton · Average payment: $480 a month · Average wait: 17 months · Homes at several sites · (903) 834-6213
- Abbington Park Tax credit (LIHTC) Sec of S. Standish Street and W. Ragley Street, Henderson 75654 64 homes, 58 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Chalice Apartments, the HUD-assisted 301 N Marshall St, Henderson 75652 31 low-income homes · For older adults
- Tatum Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 Elders Dr, Tatum 75691 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1994
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 Rusk County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Rusk 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 | $18,450 | $30,800 | $49,250 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,200 | $56,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,600 | $63,300 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,950 | $70,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,500 | $75,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $51,000 | $81,550 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,500 | $87,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $58,050 | $92,800 |
Area median income: $87,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Rusk County, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $755 – $923
- 1 bedroom $829 – $1,013
- 2 bedrooms $1,085 – $1,326
- 3 bedrooms $1,303 – $1,593
- 4 bedrooms $1,426 – $1,742
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 Tatum Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 253 vouchers (903) 947-6464 Housing Authority of Tatum: Susan@tatumbeckvillehousing.com
- Housing Authority of Henderson Public housing · 70 public housing units (903) 657-3444 Housing Authority of Henderson: hendersonha@suddenlinkmail.com
- Housing Authority of Overton Public housing · 60 public housing units (903) 834-6213 Housing Authority of Overton: overtonha1@phamail.com
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 Rusk County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Rusk County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Rusk 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 Rusk 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
$2,410
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,205
- Security deposit
- $1,205
- Total
- $2,410
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 Rusk County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $839; 1 bedroom: $921; 2 bedrooms: $1,205; 3 bedrooms: $1,448; 4 bedrooms: $1,584. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Rusk County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,205) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.17 an hour full time, or $48,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Rusk County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,950 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 Rusk 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 $1,085 and $1,326 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Rusk County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 75682 to $1,290 in 75681. 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 Rusk County?
HUD lists 7 properties with homes for low-income households in Rusk 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 Rusk County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rusk County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).