Cost of Living in Childress County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Childress County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Childress County ranks #2,321 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Childress County, Texas
Childress County edges toward housing strain
Childress County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% runs 3.6 percentage points higher than the national average and 0.5 points above Texas's 18.1% state average. Renters here face slightly elevated housing cost burdens despite modest rents of $934 monthly, reflecting the challenge of lower regional incomes.
Slightly tight affordability in the Panhandle
At 18.6%, Childress County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the less affordable counties in Texas, sitting above the state average and trailing more prosperous Panhandle peers. The county faces modest affordability headwinds compared to state norms, though not extreme.
Comparison: Childress vs. Panhandle neighbors
Childress County's $934 median rent nearly matches Carson County's $933 but with a median household income $24,250 lower ($60,333 vs. $84,583), creating a tighter affordability squeeze. This income gap explains why Childress residents spend a higher percentage of earnings on housing despite similar rent levels.
Stretched budgets in Childress County
The $60,333 median household income means renters paying $934 monthly dedicate 18.6% of earnings to rent—above state average—while homeowners pay $574 toward a median home value of $115,100. Though ownership costs remain reasonable, the overall income picture leaves less cushion for renters.
Childress for budget-conscious buyers
If you're relocating to the Panhandle with a job offer in hand, ensure your expected salary matches or exceeds the $60,333 county median to avoid housing strain. Childress County's modest home values and ownership costs appeal to buyers, but renters should negotiate higher wages before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Childress County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Childress County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $934/month in gross rent, with 18.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Childress County is $934/month, while owner costs run $574/month. Owning saves approximately $360/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,600/year. With a median household income of $60,333, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 18.0% of renter households in Childress County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Crane County where rent averages $883/month, Childress County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Childress County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,408
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Childress County
Median home value is $115,100. Estimated monthly cost: $919 vs. your max of $1,408.
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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