Midland Rents 2.7% Above US Average, But Market Considered 'Soft'

New analysis finds Midland apartment rents higher than national median, but Texas A&M research suggests overbuilding and falling occupancy rates.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:47pm

A new analysis from Construction Coverage found that Midland, Texas has a median apartment rent that is 2.7% above the national average of $1,924 per month. However, research from Texas A&M University's Real Estate Research Center suggests the Midland apartment market is 'soft' with high vacancy rates and falling rents, especially compared to the major Texas metros like Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Why it matters

The diverging data on Midland's rental market highlights the complex dynamics impacting housing costs across the country, with some areas seeing continued rent inflation while others experience oversupply and falling prices. This is an important issue for Midland residents and the local economy, as high housing costs can strain household budgets and make it difficult to attract and retain workers.

The details

The Construction Coverage analysis looked at over 380 metro areas nationwide and found that while overall inflation rose 3% in 2025, shelter costs increased 3.6%. Midland ranked 23rd among small metros, with a median rent of $1,975. However, Texas A&M's research director Daniel Oney said he considers the Midland apartment market 'soft', with a 9.4% vacancy rate, falling rents, and no new projects under construction - in contrast to the major Texas metros which have seen faster rent declines but positive net absorption.

  • The Construction Coverage analysis was released in January 2026.
  • Texas A&M's research is based on current CoStar data as of late 2025.

The players

Construction Coverage

A company that conducted an analysis of rental markets in over 380 metros across the United States.

Daniel Oney

The research director at Texas A&M University's Real Estate Research Center.

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What they’re saying

“I consider the Midland apartment market to be soft, but in better shape than the big Texas metros.”

— Daniel Oney, Research Director, Texas A&M University Real Estate Research Center

“Developers have become cautious based on this relatively soft market and there are no projects under construction.”

— Daniel Oney, Research Director, Texas A&M University Real Estate Research Center

The takeaway

The diverging data on Midland's rental market shows the complex and uneven nature of housing costs across the country, with some areas continuing to see rent inflation while others experience oversupply and falling prices. This highlights the need for policymakers and community leaders to closely monitor local housing dynamics and develop tailored solutions to address affordability challenges.