Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Franklin County vs Shelby County

How do Franklin County and Shelby County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$747
Franklin County (1BR)
$1,154
Shelby County (1BR)
−35%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
Franklin County
$747/mo 1BR
Population: 42,980
County
Shelby County
$1,154/mo 1BR
Population: 926,440

A 1-bedroom in Franklin County is 35% cheaper than Shelby County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($747 vs $1,154). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Franklin County Shelby County Difference
Studio $742 $1,060 −$318 (-30%)
1 Bedroom $747 $1,154 −$407 (-35%)
2 Bedroom $980 $1,274 −$294 (-23%)
3 Bedroom $1,307 $1,683 −$376 (-22%)
4 Bedroom $1,622 $1,959 −$337 (-17%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Franklin County is 22% below the US average. Shelby County is 20% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).