The New Economics of Self-Storage in Texas

Texas leads the U.S. in self-storage construction and usage. Population growth, smaller apartments, and remote work have made storage space a practical necessity for millions of Texans. With over 5,000 facilities statewide and billions invested in new development, self-storage has become one of the most reliable real-estate sectors in the state.

Why Texas Needs Self-Storage

Texas keeps gaining residents at record pace. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the state added more than 470,000 new residents in 2024, the largest net migration gain in the nation: U.S. Census Bureau – Texas Population Growth Trends. Each wave of newcomers increases the need for temporary and long-term storage while people move, renovate, or downsize.

Meanwhile, housing units are shrinking. StorageCafe found that newly built apartments in Texas are about 75 square feet smaller than those constructed in the early 2000s, forcing renters to turn to storage facilities to make up for lost space: StorageCafe – Texas Self Storage Overview. Combined with the surge in remote work, this loss of living area has made off-site storage less of a luxury and more of a household standard.

Regional Overview

Houston

Houston is the nation’s leader in both apartment construction and self-storage inventory. More than 27 million square feet of rentable storage exists across the metro—about 7 square feet per person—and the average 10×10 non-climate unit rents for roughly $100 per month. The city’s humid climate makes climate-controlled units especially valuable for long-term use. For those relocating or downsizing within the city, Houston self-storage provides secure, short-term space close to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Dallas–Fort Worth

Dallas–Fort Worth has built roughly 80 million square feet of storage, driven by rental growth and a wave of multifamily development. RentCafe’s analysis shows DFW’s self-storage supply tripled between 2015 and 2024, mirroring population and rentership increases: RentCafe – Dallas–Fort Worth Market Trends. Monthly rates average around $135, with occupancy remaining above 90 percent even as new units open.

Austin and San Antonio

Austin’s tech sector and limited housing supply have pushed per-capita storage use well above the national average. More than 10 million square feet of storage now serve the region’s residents. San Antonio ranks among the highest nationwide for self-storage space per person—about 9 square feet per capita—reflecting steady suburban expansion and a large transient population tied to military service.

Investing in Texas

Texas accounts for about 12 percent of all new U.S. self-storage construction, with consistent development in all four major metros. Despite the steady influx of new space, occupancy remains high and prices stable.

Nationwide, a 10×10 non-climate unit averages $123 per month, while a climate-controlled equivalent typically costs 20–25 percent more. In Texas, Houston and San Antonio remain slightly below that benchmark, while Austin and Dallas trend higher due to land constraints and construction costs.

For investors, the sector continues to deliver reliable performance. Cushman & Wakefield’s 2025 Self-Storage Market Outlook notes that Texas properties maintain healthy cap rates of 6–7 percent, with transaction volume stabilizing as development pipelines moderate.

What Renters Are Looking For

• Climate control – Protects furniture, electronics, and records from Texas heat and humidity.
• Security – Gated access, surveillance, and on-site staff are essential.
• Location – Close proximity to home or office saves time and transportation costs.
• Lease terms – Month-to-month flexibility helps avoid long-term commitments.
• Cleanliness – A well-maintained property is the best sign of professional management.

What’s Next

Population growth, apartment downsizing, and hybrid work will keep Texas’s self-storage market robust for years. Developers are introducing technology-driven improvements like app-based access, automated rentals, and smart climate monitoring to remain competitive.

As Texas continues to urbanize, self-storage will remain critical infrastructure for both residents and small businesses.