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City Report · TX

Stafford

Pop. 17,401·180th most expensive in Texas·Rental market data updated monthly for Stafford, TX
Median rent (all units)
$1,519/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.3%
Month-over-Month
-0.7%
vs US Median
-$411
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Stafford · $1,519
More affordable than 74% of US cities · National median $1,930/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,310
1 BR
$1,370
2 BR
$1,640
3 BR
$2,190
4 BR+
$2,750
Research median
$1,640/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: May 30, 2026

Annual cost
$18,228/yr
At $1,519/mo median
Market timing
Rents falling
Good time to negotiate or lock in a lease.
Rent Reality Score
67/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 9% below what Stafford's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,519/mo
Expected by trend
$1,660/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Stafford's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Demographics

Who lives here

Stafford, TX is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, 41.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
17,401
Median income
$87,432
Median age
32.3
Renters
61.3%
Age distribution
22.5%
32.7%
21.2%
12.9%
Under 1822.5%
18–3432.7%
35–5421.2%
55–6412.9%
65+10.7%
Gender
50.1%
49.9%
Male50.1%
Female49.9%
Race & ethnicity
19.6%
30.4%
27.2%
24.2%
White19.6%
Black30.4%
Hispanic27.2%
Asian24.2%
Education (25+)
13.8%
22.2%
22.6%
41.4%
No HS diploma13.8%
HS diploma22.2%
Some college22.6%
Bachelor's+41.4%
Housing tenure
38.7%
61.3%
Owner38.7%
Renter61.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Stafford, TX has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,315 → $1,519
up 15.5%
Income
$77,718 → $87,432
up 12.5%
Population
17,170 → 17,401
up 1.3%
Renter share
52.4% → 61.3%
+8.9 pts
Bachelor's+
37.1% → 41.4%
+4.3 pts

The median rent in Stafford, TX stood at $1,315 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,519, reflecting a 15.5% increase over the period. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $77,718 in 2021 to $87,432 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.3% since 2021, moving from about 17,170 residents to roughly 17,401. Renters now make up 61.3% of households, compared with 52.4% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 41.4% of adults here, versus 37.1% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Stafford, TX market of 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Stafford on your salary?

At $1,519/mo, how Stafford rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Stafford rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Stafford

About renting in Stafford, TX

Last updated: May 30, 2026

The median rent in Stafford is $1,519/mo as of May 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,310/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,640/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,370/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,190/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($87,432/yr), Stafford ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Stafford an affordable city for renters?

Stafford is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,519/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($87,432/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Stafford falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Stafford?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $61,000/year (~$29/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,519/mo in Stafford. The local median household income is $87,432/yr, meaning the typical Stafford household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Stafford?

Rent in Stafford has decreased 2.3% over the past year as of May 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Stafford rent compare to other cities in Texas?

Stafford is one of the more affordable cities in Texas for rent, ranking #180 out of 264 tracked cities at $1,519/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Stafford?

Pecan Grove is nearby and more affordable at $1,470/mo, which is $49 less than Stafford.

What percentage of Stafford residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 61.3% of Stafford households are renters, while 38.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Stafford has a strong rental market.

How does Stafford rent compare to the national average?

Stafford's median rent of $1,519/mo is $411 (21%) below the US national median of $1,930/mo. Within Texas, it ranks #180 out of 264 tracked cities.
Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,519/mo, rent takes ~21% of Stafford's median household income ($87,432/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Stafford 21%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Stafford affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Stafford, TX

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