South Central Markets to See Mixed Rent Growth in 2026

Apartment markets across the South Central region are poised to deliver mixed rent change performance in 2026. Trailing the region, San Antonio and Houston are likely to see modest declines in effective asking rents, with each market slipping about 0.2% in pricing in the coming year. Meanwhile, Austin and Fort Worth should post slight gains, though growth is projected to remain below 1% in 2026. In contrast, Oklahoma City, College Station, Dallas and Tulsa are on track for stronger rent increases of 3% or more in the coming year. With the exception of Dallas, these higher rent growth markets have seen limited new supply and/or feature distinctive demand drivers keeping rent growth intact.

For more information on the state of apartment markets across the South Central region, including forecasts, watch the webcast Market Intelligence: South Central Multifamily Market Update.