Cost of Living in Harrison County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harrison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harrison County ranks #2,899 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harrison County, Texas
Harrison County near Texas average
Harrison County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the Texas state average of 18.1% and significantly better than the national average of roughly 30%. This East Texas county offers stable, sustainable housing affordability.
Solid middle ground in Texas
Harrison County ranks in the affordable-to-moderate range among Texas counties, with its 17.8% rent-to-income ratio performing nearly at the state average. The median rent of $977 runs just above the state average, reflecting moderate East Texas pricing.
Between rural and urban values
Harrison County's $977 rent and $178,200 median home values position it between cheaper rural counties like Hardeman ($688 rent) and pricier Harris County ($1,349 rent). This balance reflects its position as a mid-sized East Texas hub.
Balanced income and housing costs
With a median household income of $66,040, Harrison County residents spend 17.8% on rent or roughly 15.1% on mortgage payments. This leaves healthy income available for savings and other household priorities.
Harrison offers East Texas balance
If you're considering East Texas, Harrison County delivers moderate costs with regional amenities—rents around $977 and homes under $180,000 with reasonable incomes. It's a solid middle-ground option between rural affordability and urban opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harrison County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Harrison County is affordable. The median rent is $977/month against a median household income of $66,040, putting rent at 17.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $977/month rent versus $834/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $143/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,743/year. With a median household income of $66,040, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Harrison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Harrison County is less affordable than Bee County by roughly 5% ($977/mo vs $1,028/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harrison County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,541
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Harrison County
Median home value is $178,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,423 vs. your max of $1,541.
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
What is the cost of living in Harrison County, Texas?
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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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