Cost of Living in Baylor County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Baylor County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Baylor County ranks #802 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Baylor County, Texas
Baylor County's affordability paradox
Despite rock-bottom rents of $685 monthly, Baylor County's rent-to-income ratio reaches 19.4% because median household income is only $42,313. This rural county exemplifies how low rents don't guarantee affordability when local wages lag significantly behind national averages.
Cheapest rent in Texas, lowest income
Baylor County offers some of Texas's lowest housing costs alongside some of its lowest incomes. The county ranks at the extreme low end of both metrics, reflecting a economically challenged rural community.
Rents lowest in region
Baylor County's median rent of $685 beats neighboring Throckmorton and Knox counties by meaningful margins. Home values of $93,300 make ownership theoretically accessible, but local income constraints limit real purchasing power.
Low costs, lower income squeeze
With a median income of just $42,313, residents allocate $685 for rent or $572 for ownership, leaving tight margins for food, healthcare, and transportation. Nearly one-fifth of already-constrained income goes to housing, creating genuine economic stress.
Cheapest rents demand careful calculation
Baylor County offers the lowest absolute housing costs, but job opportunities and wages here are severely limited. Before relocating for cheap rent, investigate local employment prospects—affordable housing means little without stable income.
Cost of Living Advisory: Baylor County
Affordability Verdict
Baylor County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $685/month representing approximately 19.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Baylor County is $685/month, while owner costs run $572/month. Owning saves approximately $113/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,514/year. With a median household income of $42,313, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Baylor County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Baylor County is less affordable than Duval County by roughly 7% ($685/mo vs $737/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Baylor County
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$987
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Baylor County
Median home value is $93,300. Estimated monthly cost: $745 vs. your max of $987.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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