Cost of Living in Ector County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ector County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ector County ranks #3,138 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ector County, Texas
Ector's housing costs outpace income
Renters in Ector County spend 21.7% of their income on rent—well above the national median—despite a respectable $71,031 household income, nearly matching the national median of $74,755. High costs in this oil-boom county stretch even comfortable paychecks.
Among Texas's priciest housing markets
Ector County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks significantly above Texas's 18.1% state average, and its $1,284 monthly rent exceeds the state median of $963 by 33%. This county sits among the costlier places to live in Texas.
West Texas premium for proximity
Ector County's $1,284 rent dwarfs rural neighbors like Donley ($686) and Duval ($737), reflecting its Permian Basin location and energy-sector economy. Median home values of $190,500 are triple those of neighboring rural counties.
Significant housing expense for all
Renters spend $1,284/month and homeowners pay $961/month against the $71,031 income, consuming roughly 22% of earnings on housing. Both renters and buyers face substantial monthly obligations that limit savings elsewhere.
Best for oil-economy workers
Ector County's high costs align with oil and gas wages in the Permian Basin—move here if your industry-specific salary justifies the expense. Job seekers from lower-wage fields may find Texas's rural counties offer better overall value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ector County
Affordability Verdict
Ector County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,284/month — about 21.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,284/month rent versus $961/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $323/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $51,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,186/year. With a median household income of $71,031, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Ector County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ector County sits 4% less expensive than Bastrop County ($1,342/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ector County
Rent Burden
21.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,657
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ector County
Median home value is $190,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,521 vs. your max of $1,657.
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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