RentData

Average Rent in Shelby County, TX↑ Rents rising 3.1% YoY🔻 6th cheapest in TX

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 24,108

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Shelby County, TX has rental prices ranging from $732/month to $1,381/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $843/month — 40% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $50,436/year, spending $843/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Shelby County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $933/month, Shelby County ranks #215 most expensive of the 220 cities tracked in Texas — more affordable than 60% of all US cities in our data.

The Shelby County Rental Market

The Shelby County, TX area has a population of about 24,108 and 25% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Shelby County, TX have risen by $28/month (3.1%) over the past year, from $905 to $933. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Shelby County, TX without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,720. The local median household income of $50,436 exceeds that threshold by $16,716, making Shelby County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Shelby County, TX has an unemployment rate of 5.9%, 2.0 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 FY2025
Studio
$732
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$843
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$933
↑3.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,307
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,381
Average
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Is Shelby County, TX Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$37,320/year
Local median income: $50,436
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $933/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in TXlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome 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 Shelby County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Shelby County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$933/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $933/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Shelby County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Shelby County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Shelby County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in TX

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⚖️Compare Shelby County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋TX Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections