Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Smith County, Texas
Smith County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,277 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,238 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,277
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,238
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 12% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $24.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% less than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Smith County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Smith County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,238, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Gregg County ($1,102).
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 Smith 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 Smith County was $1,313 a month in September 2026: 2.1% 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 | $948 | $18.23 | $37,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,041 | $20.02 | $41,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,277 | $24.56 | $51,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,718 | $33.04 | $68,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,855 | $35.67 | $74,200 |
HUD area: Tyler, 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 16 ZIP codes in Smith County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 75702 to $1,720 in 75705. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,277).
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)
| 75701 | Tyler, TX | $990 | $1,090 | $1,340 | $1,800 | $1,950 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75702 | Tyler, TX | $890 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
| 75703 | Tyler, TX | $1,070 | $1,170 | $1,440 | $1,940 | $2,090 |
| 75704 | Tyler, TX | $920 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,670 | $1,800 |
| 75704 | Van Zandt County, TX | $920 | $1,010 | $1,240 | $1,670 | $1,800 |
| 75705 | Tyler, TX | $1,260 | $1,400 | $1,720 | $2,310 | $2,550 |
| 75706 | Tyler, TX | $890 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
| 75707 | Tyler, TX | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $2,000 | $2,160 |
| 75708 | Tyler, TX | $890 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
| 75709 | Tyler, TX | $970 | $1,070 | $1,310 | $1,750 | $1,940 |
| 75711 | Tyler, TX | $990 | $1,090 | $1,340 | $1,800 | $1,950 |
| 75750 | Tyler, TX | $890 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
| 75762 | Tyler, TX | $970 | $1,070 | $1,310 | $1,760 | $1,900 |
| 75771 | Tyler, TX | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,410 | $1,900 | $2,050 |
| 75791 | Tyler, TX | $1,170 | $1,280 | $1,570 | $2,110 | $2,280 |
| 75792 | Tyler, TX | $890 | $990 | $1,210 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
- 75701 · Tyler, TX $1,340$1,800
- 75702 · Tyler, TX $1,210$1,620
- 75703 · Tyler, TX $1,440$1,940
- 75704 · Tyler, TX $1,240$1,670
- 75704 · Van Zandt County, TX $1,240$1,670
- 75705 · Tyler, TX $1,720$2,310
- 75706 · Tyler, TX $1,210$1,620
- 75707 · Tyler, TX $1,490$2,000
- 75708 · Tyler, TX $1,210$1,620
- 75709 · Tyler, TX $1,310$1,750
- 75711 · Tyler, TX $1,340$1,800
- 75750 · Tyler, TX $1,210$1,620
- 75762 · Tyler, TX $1,310$1,760
- 75771 · Tyler, TX $1,410$1,900
- 75791 · Tyler, TX $1,570$2,110
- 75792 · Tyler, TX $1,210$1,620
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 Smith County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
25,919 households rent in Smith County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Smith 48%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Smith County
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Smith County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 21
- HUD-assisted
- 6
2,625 homes in all; 2,323 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Southwest Pines Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3220 Walton Rd, Tyler 75701 248 low-income homes · In service since 2005
- Park at Shiloh Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2911 Shiloh Rd, Tyler 75703 176 low-income homes · In service since 2003
- Rose Valley HUD-assisted 1007 N Northwest Loop 323, Tyler 75702 160 low-income homes · For families · (903) 592-7341
- Rose Valley Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1007 N NW Loop 323, Tyler 75702 160 low-income homes · In service since 2005
- Rose Crest Village HUD-assisted 601 Golden Rd, Tyler 75701 133 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (903) 595-5641
- Grand Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2700 N Grand Ave, Tyler 75702 120 low-income homes · In service since 2014 · For people with disabilities, families
- Parkview Gardens Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2002 Bellwood Rd, Tyler 75701 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2001
- Pinnacle at North Chase Tax credit (LIHTC) 3651 N Broadway Ave, Tyler 75702 120 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Villas of Pine Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 3110 Towne Park Dr, Tyler 75701 148 homes, 111 low-income · 1 bd: 120 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 1997
- Liberty Arms Apts. HUD-assisted 2601 N Broadway Ave, Tyler 75702 100 homes, 98 low-income · For families · (903) 592-4101
- Laurel Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 1208 E Houston St, Tyler 75702 89 homes, 88 low-income · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Moore Grocery Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 N Broadway Ave, Tyler 75702 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2008
- TRM Senior Apartments (3 Separate Locations) Tax credit (LIHTC) 815 S Athena St, Troup 75789 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2016
- Rosewood Senior Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2800 BLK. of Calloway RD., Tyler 75707 92 homes, 86 low-income · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Residences at Earl Campbell Tax credit (LIHTC) 2323 Frankston Hwy, Tyler 75701 92 homes, 80 low-income · In service since 2017
- Rose Crest Court HUD-assisted 602 Golden Rd, Tyler 75701 72 homes, 71 low-income · For older adults · (903) 526-5220
- Reserve at Hagan Tax credit (LIHTC) 606 State Highway 110 N, Whitehouse 75791 72 homes, 66 low-income
- Legacy Trails of Lindale Tax credit (LIHTC) 15121 County Road 467, Lindale 75771 76 homes, 64 low-income · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 26 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Forest Trails Tax credit (LIHTC) 1205-1271 Forest Trails Dr., 1305-1382 Hamilton DR., Lindale 75771 60 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Whitehouse Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) W-End Leamington Spa @ Rugby LN, Whitehouse 75791 72 homes, 56 low-income
- Disciple Place Village HUD-assisted 3055 State Highway 31 E, Tyler 75702 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (903) 845-7638
- Pecanwood Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 502 W Main St, Whitehouse 75791 32 low-income homes · In service since 2002
- The Cottages at Main Tax credit (LIHTC) 417 E Main St, Bullard 75757 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- The Village at Main Tax credit (LIHTC) 417 E Main St, Bullard 75757 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2018
- Pine Creek Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3304 Old Noonday Rd, Tyler 75701 113 homes
- Townparc at Tyler Tax credit (LIHTC) 2202 W NW Loop 323, Tyler 75702 95 homes
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 Smith 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 Smith 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 | $20,450 | $34,100 | $54,500 |
| 2 people | $23,400 | $38,950 | $62,300 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,800 | $70,100 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,650 | $77,850 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,550 | $84,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,450 | $90,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,350 | $96,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,250 | $102,800 |
Area median income: $97,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Tyler, TX MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $853 – $1,043
- 1 bedroom $937 – $1,145
- 2 bedrooms $1,149 – $1,405
- 3 bedrooms $1,546 – $1,890
- 4 bedrooms $1,670 – $2,041
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
- Tyler Housing Agency Section 8 vouchers · 1,022 vouchers (903) 531-1303 Tyler Housing Agency: pbutler@tylertexas.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 Smith County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Smith County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Smith 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 Smith 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
$2,554
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,277
- Security deposit
- $1,277
- Total
- $2,554
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 Smith County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $948; 1 bedroom: $1,041; 2 bedrooms: $1,277; 3 bedrooms: $1,718; 4 bedrooms: $1,855. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Smith County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,277) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.56 an hour full time, or $51,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Smith County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,650 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 Smith 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 $1,149 and $1,405 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Smith County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 75702 to $1,720 in 75705. 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 Smith County?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Smith 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 Smith County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Smith County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).