Cost of Living in Deaf Smith County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Deaf Smith County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Deaf Smith County ranks #3,045 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Deaf Smith County, Texas
Deaf Smith stays below national stress
Deaf Smith County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% exceeds the national ideal but reflects a modest household income of $54,114—27% below the national median. Renters here face measurable housing pressure, though less acute than peers in high-cost metros.
Mid-range affordability in Texas
Deaf Smith County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above Texas's 18.1% state average, indicating modest housing affordability challenges. The county's median rent of $919 sits close to the state median of $963, reflecting typical West Texas costs.
Competitive with surrounding counties
Deaf Smith County's $919 median rent falls between Dawson County ($873) and DeWitt County ($955), positioning it as a middle ground in the state. Despite a lower median income of $54,114, the county's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% remains more manageable than nearby Dallas County at 23.8%.
Balanced housing costs
Deaf Smith households allocate $919 monthly for rent or $598 for mortgages on a median income of $54,114. Homeownership here costs roughly 35% less monthly than renting, creating a clear incentive for those able to purchase.
Deaf Smith for modest budgets
Moving to Deaf Smith County makes sense if you prioritize stable housing costs over high wages—rent at $919 consumes just over 20% of typical incomes. The county's lower homeownership costs offer a path to equity for buyers willing to relocate to West Texas.
Cost of Living Advisory: Deaf Smith County
Affordability Verdict
Deaf Smith County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $919/month representing approximately 20.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 21.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Deaf Smith County is $919/month, while owner costs run $598/month. Owning saves approximately $321/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,629/year. With a median household income of $54,114, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Deaf Smith County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Willacy County where rent averages $868/month, Deaf Smith County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Deaf Smith County
Rent Burden
20.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,263
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Deaf Smith County
Median home value is $116,000. Estimated monthly cost: $926 vs. your max of $1,263.
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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