Cost of Living in Gillespie County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Gillespie County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Gillespie County ranks #2,048 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Gillespie County, Texas
Gillespie's rent squeeze outpaces state
Gillespie County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% stands significantly above Texas's state average of 18.1%, signaling an affordability challenge for renters. Median rent of $1,331 per month far exceeds the state median of $963, driven by the county's Hill Country appeal and proximity to Austin.
Among Texas's least affordable counties
Gillespie ranks near the bottom of Texas counties for housing affordability, with renters bearing a notably heavy cost burden relative to the $67,799 median income. The county's popularity as a Hill Country destination has inflated housing costs beyond what local incomes can comfortably sustain.
Costliest rent; median homes priciest
Gillespie's $1,331 monthly rent is the highest among these eight counties, while median home values of $432,300 nearly double Galveston's $284,900. These premium prices reflect Hill Country cache and Austin-area spillover demand—but they come at the expense of affordability for average-income households.
Renters struggle; homebuyers pay dearly
Renters in Gillespie spend a staggering 23.6% of their $67,799 income on housing, the highest burden across all eight counties. Homeowners commit 18.3% to a median monthly cost of $1,033, also among the highest, making Gillespie work only for well-above-average earners.
Move here only if income allows
Gillespie rewards the well-to-do with Hill Country beauty and Austin proximity, but renters and modest earners should compare costs carefully before relocating. If you're earning significantly above $67,799, Gillespie's premium housing costs become manageable; otherwise, consider more affordable neighbors like Gaines or Garza.
Cost of Living Advisory: Gillespie County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Gillespie County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,331/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Gillespie County pay $1,331/month on average, compared to $1,033/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,271/year. With a median household income of $67,799, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Gillespie County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Gillespie County sits 4% less expensive than Midland County ($1,383/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Gillespie County
Rent Burden
23.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,582
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.3%
of gross income
The median home in Gillespie County may be a stretch
Median home value is $432,300. Estimated monthly cost: $3,451 vs. your max of $1,582.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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