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City Report · FL

Brownsville

Pop. 16,936·73rd most expensive in Florida·Brownsville rents are up 16.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,482/mo
Year-over-Year
+16.4%
Month-over-Month
-2.8%
vs US Median
+$520
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Brownsville · $2,482
More expensive than 79% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
73% of income
EXPENSIVE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,482/mo, rent takes about 73% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$99,000/yr
Local median income
$40,795/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Brownsville's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,520
1 BR
$1,700
2 BR
$2,100
3 BR
$2,730
4 BR+
$3,240
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,100/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,482 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$29,784/yr
At $2,482/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 16.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+16.4% YoY, -2.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Brownsville, FL is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
16,936
Median income
$40,795
Median age
40.2
Renters
64.3%
Age distribution
21.1%
22.5%
25.3%
13.4%
17.6%
Under 1821.1%
18–3422.5%
35–5425.3%
55–6413.4%
65+17.6%
Gender
49.9%
50.1%
Male49.9%
Female50.1%
Race & ethnicity
46%
51.6%
White9%
Black46%
Hispanic51.6%
Education (25+)
27.3%
39.8%
19.2%
13.6%
No HS diploma27.3%
HS diploma39.8%
Some college19.2%
Bachelor's+13.6%
Housing tenure
35.7%
64.3%
Owner35.7%
Renter64.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Brownsville, FL has changed in 5 years

Income
$30,394 → $40,795
up 34.2%
Population
17,726 → 16,936
down 4.5%
Renter share
70.3% → 64.3%
-6.0 pts
Bachelor's+
14.2% → 13.6%
-0.6 pts
Median age
34.5 → 40.2
+5.7 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in Brownsville, FL now reports about $40,795, up from $30,394 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 17,726 to 16,936 between 2021 and 2024, a 4.5% change. About 64.3% of households rent today, against 70.3% in 2021.

Community

Discussions about Brownsville

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View Brownsville rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Brownsville on your salary?

At $2,482/mo, how Brownsville rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Brownsville rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Brownsville. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Brownsville

About renting in Brownsville, FL

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Brownsville is $2,482/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,520/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,100/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,700/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,730/mo.

At 73% of local median household income ($40,795/yr), Brownsville ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 16.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Brownsville an affordable city for renters?

Brownsville is considered expensive for renters. At $2,482/mo, rent takes approximately 73% of the local median household income ($40,795/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Brownsville significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Brownsville?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $99,000/year (~$48/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,482/mo in Brownsville. The local median household income is $40,795/yr, meaning the typical Brownsville household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Brownsville?

Rent in Brownsville has increased 16.4% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Brownsville rent compare to other cities in Florida?

Brownsville is one of the pricier cities in Florida for rent, ranking #73 out of 291 tracked cities at $2,482/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Brownsville?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Brownsville ($2,482/mo): Pinewood ($1,997/mo), Gladeview ($2,167/mo), West Little River ($2,370/mo).

What percentage of Brownsville residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 64.3% of Brownsville households are renters, while 35.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Brownsville has a strong rental market.

How does Brownsville rent compare to the national average?

Brownsville's median rent of $2,482/mo is $520 (27%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Florida, it ranks #73 out of 291 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
73%
EXPENSIVE

At $2,482/mo, rent takes ~73% of Brownsville's median household income ($40,795/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Brownsville 73%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Brownsville affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Brownsville, FL

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