Cost of Living in Freestone County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Freestone County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Freestone County ranks #2,596 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Freestone County, Texas
Freestone's rent costs less than most
At 17.3%, Freestone County's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.1%, signaling better affordability for renters. The county's median rent of $844 per month sits well below Texas's state median of $963, giving renters more breathing room in their budgets.
More affordable than most Texas counties
Freestone ranks among Texas's more affordable counties, with renters spending a smaller share of income on housing than the state average. This positions the county as a value play for Texans seeking lower cost-of-living options without sacrificing access to urban corridors.
Competitive with surrounding rural counties
Freestone's rent of $844 undercuts nearby Goliad County ($724) only slightly but significantly beats Gillespie County ($1,331), making it attractive for renters priced out of Hill Country. Homebuyers here find median values of $164,400, moderate compared to pricier neighbors to the south and west.
Renters and owners both gain ground
Renters pay 17.3% of their $58,460 median income toward housing, while homeowners commit just 15.5% to a median monthly cost of $752. This balanced affordability across tenure types makes Freestone appealing to both demographic groups seeking stability and low housing cost burden.
Move here if affordability matters most
If you're relocating within Texas and want rent or mortgage payments that don't dominate your paycheck, Freestone delivers both. Compare this county's housing costs to Gillespie or Galveston, and you'll see substantial monthly savings that add up over years.
Cost of Living Advisory: Freestone County
Affordability Verdict
Freestone County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $844/month representing approximately 17.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 32.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $844/month rent versus $752/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $92/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,229/year. With a median household income of $58,460, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Freestone County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Rains County where rent averages $895/month, Freestone County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Freestone County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,364
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Freestone County
Median home value is $164,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,312 vs. your max of $1,364.
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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