Cost of Living in Hays County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hays County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hays County ranks #3,132 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hays County, Texas
Hays rents outpace national affordability
Hays County renters spend 19.8% of income on rent, well above the national sweet spot of roughly 15-16%. While median income here ($85,827) exceeds the national median ($74,755), housing costs are rising faster than paychecks in this fast-growing Austin suburb.
Above-average rent burden statewide
Hays ranks above Texas's 18.1% state average rent-to-income ratio, putting it in the less affordable half of Texas counties. The $1,417 median rent here is 47% higher than the state median of $963, reflecting Hays's booming population and proximity to tech jobs.
Pricier than nearby Hill and Blanco
Hays renters pay $1,417 monthly—about $490 more than Hill County ($929) and significantly more than most surrounding rural counties. Only Hood County ($1,414) comes close, both reflecting the Austin metro's expanding footprint into the Hill Country.
Housing takes a $3,204 monthly bite
Between median rent ($1,417) and median owner costs ($1,787), Hays households dedicate roughly 38% of income to housing combined. Renters alone allocate nearly 20% of the $85,827 median income just to keep a roof overhead.
Austin's growth comes with a cost
If you're considering Hays for that tech job or Hill Country lifestyle, budget $1,417+ for rent or expect a $371,400 median home price. Compare that against smaller counties like Hockley ($813 rent) or Hemphill ($946 rent) if affordability is your priority.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hays County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Hays County is affordable. The median rent is $1,417/month against a median household income of $85,827, putting rent at 19.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,417/month rent versus $1,787/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $370/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $76,586/year. With a median household income of $85,827, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Hays County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Hays County is less affordable than Dallas County by roughly 4% ($1,417/mo vs $1,469/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hays County
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,003
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.0%
of gross income
The median home in Hays County may be a stretch
Median home value is $371,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,965 vs. your max of $2,003.
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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