Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Walker County, Texas
Walker County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,227 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,031 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.60 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,227
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Texas
- Typical rent
- $1,031
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 27% less than in Texas
- Wage needed
- $23.60
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 57%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% more than in Texas
Only here
Renting in Walker County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 56%, Walker County ranks 9th among the 251 counties in Texas with this figure for the lowest homeownership rate.
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Walker County has the 9th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 202 counties in Texas with this figure (57%).
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Nearby, in Madison County, the typical rent is $851: 17% less than in Walker County ($1,031).
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 Walker 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 Walker County was $1,353 a month in September 2026: 0.8% 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 | $900 | $17.31 | $36,000 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,127 | $21.67 | $45,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,227 | $23.60 | $49,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,675 | $32.21 | $67,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,767 | $33.98 | $70,680 |
HUD area: Walker County, TX. 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 11 ZIP codes in Walker County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 77320 to $1,520 in 77358. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,227).
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)
| 77320 | San Jacinto County, TX | $890 | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,640 | $1,740 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77320 | Trinity County, TX | $890 | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,640 | $1,740 |
| 77320 | Walker County, TX | $890 | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,640 | $1,740 |
| 77334 | Walker County, TX | $890 | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,640 | $1,740 |
| 77340 | Walker County, TX | $900 | $1,130 | $1,230 | $1,680 | $1,770 |
| 77341 | Walker County, TX | $900 | $1,130 | $1,230 | $1,680 | $1,770 |
| 77342 | Walker County, TX | $900 | $1,130 | $1,230 | $1,680 | $1,770 |
| 77358 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,520 | $2,060 | $2,270 |
| 77358 | San Jacinto County, TX | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,520 | $2,060 | $2,270 |
| 77358 | Walker County, TX | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,520 | $2,060 | $2,270 |
| 77367 | Walker County, TX | $960 | $1,230 | $1,350 | $1,800 | $2,110 |
- 77320 · San Jacinto County, TX $1,210$1,640
- 77320 · Trinity County, TX $1,210$1,640
- 77320 · Walker County, TX $1,210$1,640
- 77334 · Walker County, TX $1,210$1,640
- 77340 · Walker County, TX $1,230$1,680
- 77341 · Walker County, TX $1,230$1,680
- 77342 · Walker County, TX $1,230$1,680
- 77358 · Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $1,520$2,060
- 77358 · San Jacinto County, TX $1,520$2,060
- 77358 · Walker County, TX $1,520$2,060
- 77367 · Walker County, TX $1,350$1,800
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 Walker County, 57% 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.
57%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
11,323 households rent in Walker County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 43%
Compared with the state and the country
- Walker 57%
- Texas 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Walker County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Walker County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 4
610 homes in all; 539 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Ridgewood West Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2830 Lake Rd, Huntsville 77340 232 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 1996
- Cedarwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2201 Bobby K Marks Dr, Huntsville 77340 68 low-income homes · For families · (936) 295-6961
- Waverly Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 255 Tafelski Rd, New Waverly 77358 50 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Waverly Village Apartments HUD-assisted 155 Tafelski Rd, New Waverly 77358 50 low-income homes · For families · (936) 344-6943
- Fish Pond at Hunstville Tax credit (LIHTC) 148 Fm 247 Rd, Huntsville 77320 48 low-income homes · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Parkview Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1110 Avenue N, Huntsville 77340 41 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For older adults · (936) 291-6460
- Senior Villages of Huntsville Tax credit (LIHTC) 140 Essex Blvd, Huntsville 77320 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 14
- Independence Village HUD-assisted 7041 Highway 75 S, Huntsville 77340 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (936) 293-8302
- The Villages at Huntsville Tax credit (LIHTC) 145 Essex Blvd, Huntsville 77320 71 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 Walker 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 Walker 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 | $17,750 | $29,550 | $47,250 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,800 | $54,000 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,000 | $60,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,200 | $67,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,600 | $72,900 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,000 | $78,300 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $52,350 | $83,700 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $55,750 | $89,100 |
Area median income: $84,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Walker County, TX. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $810 – $990
- 1 bedroom $1,014 – $1,240
- 2 bedrooms $1,104 – $1,350
- 3 bedrooms $1,508 – $1,843
- 4 bedrooms $1,590 – $1,944
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 Walker County Section 8 vouchers · 258 vouchers (936) 291-3306 Housing Authority of Walker County: mbharrelson38@gmail.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Huntsville Public housing · 99 public housing units (936) 294-0277 Housing Authority of the City of Huntsville: dewanaharding@yahoo.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 Walker County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Nid-Hca Dightman
113 N Avenue H, Humble · 55 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Walker 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 Walker 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
$2,454
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,227
- Security deposit
- $1,227
- Total
- $2,454
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 Walker County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $900; 1 bedroom: $1,127; 2 bedrooms: $1,227; 3 bedrooms: $1,675; 4 bedrooms: $1,767. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Walker County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,227) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.60 an hour full time, or $49,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Walker County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,200 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 Walker 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 $1,104 and $1,350 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Walker County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 77320 to $1,520 in 77358. 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 Walker County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Walker 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 Walker County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Walker County, 57% of renter households are in that position; in Texas, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).