Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Smith County vs Shelby County
How do Smith County and Shelby County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $801
- Smith County (1BR)
- $1,154
- Shelby County (1BR)
- −31%
- 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 Smith County is 31% cheaper than Shelby County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($801 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 | Smith County | Shelby County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $796 | $1,060 | −$264 (-25%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $801 | $1,154 | −$353 (-31%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,051 | $1,274 | −$223 (-18%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,368 | $1,683 | −$315 (-19%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,392 | $1,959 | −$567 (-29%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Smith County is 16% 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).