Cost of Living in Gaines County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Gaines County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Gaines County ranks #1,679 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Gaines County, Texas
Gaines leads on affordability metrics
At 12.3%, Gaines County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Texas's best, significantly outperforming the state average of 18.1%. Residents here keep more of their income after paying rent, with median rent of $788 sitting below both state and national norms.
Top-tier housing affordability in Texas
Gaines County ranks at the forefront of Texas housing affordability, offering renters and owners exceptional cost relief relative to income. The county's strong median household income of $76,605 paired with moderate housing costs creates the sweet spot many Texans seek.
Beats rural peers on rent affordability
Gaines's $788 monthly rent undercuts Freestone ($844), Frio ($1,006), and Gillespie ($1,331), positioning it as a renter's haven in West Texas. Homeowners here pay $811 per month—nearly identical to renters—against a $185,300 median home value, offering genuine flexibility for either path.
Income buoys both renters and owners
Gaines renters spend just 12.3% of their $76,605 median income on housing—the lowest burden among these eight counties. Homeowners commit 12.8% to monthly costs, creating a rare scenario where both renters and buyers enjoy comfortable affordability.
Move here for unbeatable affordability
If housing cost burden is your top priority, Gaines County outshines nearly every other Texas county with rent and ownership costs that consume minimal income. Compare your potential housing payment here to Gillespie or Galveston, and you'll see why Gaines deserves a hard look.
Cost of Living Advisory: Gaines County
Affordability Verdict
Gaines County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $788/month representing approximately 12.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Gaines County is $788/month, while owner costs run $811/month. Renting saves approximately $23/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,757/year. With a median household income of $76,605, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Gaines County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Gaines County is more affordable than Duval County by roughly 7% ($788/mo vs $737/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Gaines County
Rent Burden
12.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,787
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Gaines County
Median home value is $185,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,479 vs. your max of $1,787.
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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