Cost of Living in Hale County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hale County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hale County ranks #2,791 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hale County, Texas
Hale County matches national average
At 18.1%, Hale County's rent-to-income ratio exactly matches the national average of 18.1%, placing renters in a typical affordability position. The median rent of $798 is notably lower than national markets, though incomes are also below the national median.
Exactly at Texas state average
Hale County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio mirrors the Texas state average precisely, making it a benchmark for affordability across the state. The median home value of $106,100 is among the lowest, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Rents near the lowest in region
Hale's $798 median rent trails only Hall County ($610) among the eight counties, undercutting Gonzales ($837), Gray ($898), and all others substantially. The county offers genuine affordability for renters with limited budgets.
Low rents, modest incomes align
Against a median household income of $52,788, renters paying $798 monthly spend 18.1% of income on housing, while homeowners invest $634 (14.4%). Both figures sit near or below state averages, creating balanced affordability across housing types.
Hale County suits budget-first movers
Hale County delivers genuine affordability with rents and home values among the lowest in the state while matching national cost-of-living ratios. If you're prioritizing low absolute housing costs over economic dynamism, Hale offers reliable value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hale County
Affordability Verdict
Hale County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $798/month representing approximately 18.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hale County is $798/month, while owner costs run $634/month. Owning saves approximately $164/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,171/year. With a median household income of $52,788, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Hale County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Hale County sits 7% more expensive than Falls County ($747/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hale County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,232
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hale County
Median home value is $106,100. Estimated monthly cost: $847 vs. your max of $1,232.
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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