Cost of Living in Brown County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brown County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brown County ranks #2,790 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brown County, Texas
Brown County rents outpace national norms
Brown County renters spend 19.3% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average of 18.1%—manageable but tightening household budgets. The median income here is $55,305, nearly $20,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755, meaning that extra percentage point hits harder on smaller paychecks.
Solidly affordable among Texas counties
Brown County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it in the middle tier of Texas affordability, slightly above the state average of 18.1%. With median rent of $887 versus the state average of $963, renters here benefit from below-state-average housing costs.
Cheaper rents than Hill Country rivals
Brown County's $887 monthly rent undercuts nearby Burnet County by $437 and Caldwell County by $258, offering a real cost advantage for those seeking Central Texas living. However, neighboring Callahan County ($881) offers nearly identical affordability with slightly lower rent and owner costs.
Where Brown County incomes go
Renters spend $887 monthly while homeowners carry $777 in monthly costs, with median home values sitting at $149,900. On a $55,305 annual income, housing consumes roughly 19% of gross income for renters and 17% for owners—leaving adequate room for other essentials.
Brown County for the budget-conscious
If you're relocating to Central Texas on a modest budget, Brown County delivers lower rents and home values than trendier neighbors like Burnet while staying below state averages. Compare your income against the $887 rent baseline and $149,900 home prices to see if Brown County's affordability works for your move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brown County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Brown County is affordable. The median rent is $887/month against a median household income of $55,305, putting rent at 19.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Brown County pay $887/month on average, compared to $777/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,300/year. With a median household income of $55,305, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Brown County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Brown County is less affordable than Jones County by roughly 5% ($887/mo vs $938/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brown County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,290
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Brown County
Median home value is $149,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,197 vs. your max of $1,290.
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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