Cost of Living in Frio County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Frio County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Frio County ranks #2,808 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Frio County, Texas
Frio renters face above-average squeeze
Frio County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% exceeds Texas's state average of 18.1% and the national benchmark, meaning renters here dedicate a larger paycheck share to housing. Median rent of $1,006 per month sits above the state median of $963, pressing household budgets harder than peers statewide.
Less affordable than most Texas counties
Frio ranks below the state average in housing affordability, with renters bearing a notably heavier cost burden than typical Texans. The county's affordability challenge stems from rent levels that outpace both state averages and the modest $60,098 median household income.
Costlier rent than surrounding counties
Frio's $1,006 monthly rent significantly exceeds nearby Goliad County's $724 and Garza County's $797, making it one of the pricier options in its rural region. Homebuying here offers relief: median owner costs of just $699 per month are competitive with neighbors, though the $110,100 median home value suggests limited inventory diversity.
Renters squeezed; owners find value
Renters in Frio spend 20.1% of their $60,098 income on housing—well above the comfort zone—while homeowners spend a lean 13.9% of income. This split suggests Frio works better for buyers willing to purchase than for those seeking to rent affordably.
Consider if you're buying, not renting
Relocating to Frio makes financial sense if homeownership is in your plans, with owner costs and home values among Texas's most reasonable. But prospective renters should compare Frio's $1,006 rent to more affordable neighbors like Goliad before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Frio County
Affordability Verdict
Frio County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,006/month — about 20.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,006/month rent versus $699/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $307/month cheaper — a 31% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,957/year. With a median household income of $60,098, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Frio County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Frio County sits 5% more expensive than DeWitt County ($955/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Frio County
Rent Burden
20.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,402
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Frio County
Median home value is $110,100. Estimated monthly cost: $879 vs. your max of $1,402.
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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