Cost of Living in Duval County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Duval County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Duval County ranks #2,258 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Duval County, Texas
Duval rents affordable but incomes lag
Renters in Duval County spend 17.7% of income on housing—below the national average—but that affordability masks a lower median household income of $50,081 versus the nation's $74,755. Even cheap rents strain smaller paychecks.
Just shy of Texas average affordability
Duval County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio edges below Texas's 18.1% state average, putting it in the middle tier of affordability across the state. The $737 monthly rent is $226 below the state median of $963.
Competitive with South Texas peers
Duval County rents ($737) fall between Donley County ($686) and Eastland County ($803), offering a middle ground in the region. Median home values of $86,400 align with the most affordable parts of rural Texas.
Modest housing, modest income
Renters pay $737/month and homeowners pay $480/month against a $50,081 median income, meaning housing takes roughly 18% of earnings. While rent-to-income is acceptable, the lower overall income leaves less cushion for emergencies.
Budget-conscious families should look here
Duval County offers genuine affordability for families prioritizing low housing costs in Texas. With rents under $750 and home values under $90,000, this county rewards careful budgeters seeking financial stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Duval County
Affordability Verdict
Duval County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $737/month representing approximately 17.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 18.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Duval County pay $737/month on average, compared to $480/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 35%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,571/year. With a median household income of $50,081, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 18.0% of renter households in Duval County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Duval County is more affordable than Donley County by roughly 7% ($737/mo vs $686/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Duval County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,169
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Duval County
Median home value is $86,400. Estimated monthly cost: $690 vs. your max of $1,169.
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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