Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Houston County vs Shelby County
How do Houston County and Shelby County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $726
- Houston County (1BR)
- $1,154
- Shelby County (1BR)
- −37%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Houston County is 37% cheaper than Shelby County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($726 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 | Houston County | Shelby County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $724 | $1,060 | −$336 (-32%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $726 | $1,154 | −$428 (-37%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $925 | $1,274 | −$349 (-27%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,253 | $1,683 | −$430 (-26%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,552 | $1,959 | −$407 (-21%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Houston County is 24% 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).