Cost of Living in Hidalgo County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hidalgo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hidalgo County ranks #3,078 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hidalgo County, Texas
Hidalgo's rent burden crushes national norms
Hidalgo County renters dedicate 21.2% of income to rent—the highest ratio in this county set and well above the 15-16% national standard. With median income at just $52,281, housing eats into already-tight household budgets across the Rio Grande Valley.
Most unaffordable rental county in comparison
Hidalgo's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, making it one of the state's least affordable counties by this metric. The mismatch reflects the Valley's lower incomes paired with rising housing demand.
High burden despite low rents
Though Hidalgo's $925 rent is among the lowest here, the county's lower median income ($52,281) means renters spend a larger share of paychecks on housing. This contrasts with wealthier counties like Hays, where higher income cushions the burden of higher rents.
One-third of income toward housing
Renters allocate 21.2% ($925) to rent, while homeowners commit 16% ($699) to mortgages—totaling 37% of the $52,281 median income combined. For a family on the Valley's lower wage scale, this leaves stretched finances for food, transportation, and savings.
Cheapest homes, but tightest budgets
Hidalgo offers the lowest home prices ($124,000) and rents ($925) in this set, but income constraints mean housing remains the toughest affordability challenge. Relocate here only with secure income sources, as local wage levels make housing disproportionately costly.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hidalgo County
Affordability Verdict
Hidalgo County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $925/month representing approximately 21.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hidalgo County is $925/month, while owner costs run $699/month. Owning saves approximately $226/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,957/year. With a median household income of $52,281, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Hidalgo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Hidalgo County is more affordable than Dawson County by roughly 6% ($925/mo vs $873/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hidalgo County
Rent Burden
21.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,220
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hidalgo County
Median home value is $124,000. Estimated monthly cost: $990 vs. your max of $1,220.
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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