Cost of Living in Brazos County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brazos County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brazos County ranks #3,131 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brazos County, Texas
Brazos rents strain tight household budgets
Despite earning 22% less than the U.S. median ($58,388 vs. $74,755), Brazos County residents pay $1,160 monthly rent—substantially above many Texas averages. This results in a 23.8% rent-to-income ratio, one of the state's worst affordability readings.
Brazos ranks among Texas's least affordable
Brazos County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among counties in this comparison and far above Texas's 18.1% average. Low incomes paired with college-town inflation drive this outsized burden, making Brazos one of the state's affordability challenge zones.
Brazos bears higher costs than peer counties
Brazos's $1,160 monthly rent significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Grimes and Burleson counties, reflecting Texas A&M's presence in College Station. The 23.8% rent-to-income ratio towers above regional peers, signaling a college-town cost premium.
Housing dominates Brazos household budgets
Brazos renters spend 23.8% of income on rent while homeowners spend 28.6% on owner costs—both unsustainably high. Median home values of $279,700 remain out of reach for many working families, despite lower incomes than Houston or Dallas metro areas.
College-town costs merit careful consideration
Brazos County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio and $279,700 home values rank among Texas's least affordable markets for earners under $70,000. If relocating to College Station, prioritize stable, above-average income and compare to nearby rural counties for potential savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brazos County
Affordability Verdict
Brazos County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,160/month representing approximately 23.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 36.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Brazos County pay $1,160/month on average, compared to $1,393/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 17%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $59,700/year. With a median household income of $58,388, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Brazos County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Brazos County sits 5% more expensive than McLennan County ($1,106/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brazos County
Rent Burden
23.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,362
per month
Owner Cost Burden
28.6%
of gross income
The median home in Brazos County may be a stretch
Median home value is $279,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,233 vs. your max of $1,362.
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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