Cost of Living in Fort Bend County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fort Bend County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fort Bend County ranks #3,102 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fort Bend County, Texas
Fort Bend County exceeds national affordability limits
Fort Bend County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% sits above the national average, indicating substantial housing pressure on renters despite the county's exceptional median household income of $113,409. Higher incomes don't fully offset rents averaging $1,770 monthly, among the state's priciest.
Affluent but pricey suburban market
Fort Bend County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Texas's state average of 18.1%, unusual given that the county's median household income ($113,409) far surpasses the state's. This reflects rapid suburbanization and rising housing costs in this Houston-adjacent county.
Premium pricing for affluent suburb
Fort Bend County's $1,770 median rent dwarfs all peers—83% higher than Fannin County ($994) and 95% higher than Floyd County ($587). Median home values of $350,300 are the highest in the comparison set, nearly triple Fisher County's $77,600, reflecting Houston metropolitan demand.
High incomes absorbed by premium housing
Fort Bend County renters allocate $1,770 monthly from a median household income of $113,409, while homeowners pay $1,953 on properties valued at $350,300. Even with six-figure incomes, housing still consumes 18.7% of earnings—the highest burden despite the county's affluence.
Fort Bend requires substantial six-figure income
Fort Bend County suits high-earning households seeking Houston-area proximity and excellent schools, but at a premium price: expect $1,770+ rents or $350,000+ home purchases. If your income approaches $113,000, Fort Bend's robust housing market may justify the cost; otherwise, consider more affordable Texas alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fort Bend County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Fort Bend County is affordable. The median rent is $1,770/month against a median household income of $113,409, putting rent at 18.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Fort Bend County is $1,770/month, while owner costs run $1,953/month. Renting saves approximately $183/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $70,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $83,700/year. With a median household income of $113,409, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Fort Bend County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Fort Bend County is more affordable than Travis County by roughly 6% ($1,770/mo vs $1,669/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fort Bend County
Rent Burden
18.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,646
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.7%
of gross income
The median home in Fort Bend County may be a stretch
Median home value is $350,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,797 vs. your max of $2,646.
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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