Average Rent in Howard County, TX↓ Rents falling 5.2% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 33,127
Market Overview
Howard County, TX has rental prices ranging from $873/month to $1,685/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $879/month — 37% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $71,457/year, spending $879/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Howard County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,127/month, Howard County ranks #38 most expensive of the 220 cities tracked in Texas — pricier than 77% of all US cities in our data.
The Howard County Rental Market
The Howard County, TX area has a population of about 33,127 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Howard County, TX have fallen by $62/month (5.2%) over the past year, from $1,189 to $1,127. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Howard County, TX without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,160. The local median household income of $71,457 exceeds that threshold by $36,297, making Howard County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Howard County, TX has an unemployment rate of 5.0%, 1.1 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Howard County, TX Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in TXlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth | $1,371 | $1,461 | $1,705 | $2,256 | — |
| Dallas | $1,531 | $1,606 | $1,884 | $2,361 | — |
| Brazoria County | $951 | $1,138 | $1,260 | $1,683 | — |
| Houston | $1,226 | $1,279 | $1,529 | $2,038 | — |
| San Antonio | $1,116 | $1,231 | $1,501 | $1,907 | — |
| Austin | $1,549 | $1,650 | $1,949 | $2,484 | — |
Rent or Buy in Howard County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Howard County data
Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.
Living in Howard County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Howard CountySalary needed to afford rent here
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