Cost of Living in Hockley County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hockley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hockley County ranks #2,998 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hockley County, Texas
Hockley offers South Plains affordability
Hockley County renters spend 17.8% of income on rent, slightly above the national ideal but genuinely affordable in real-world terms. With median income at $54,810—below the national median—the county's $813 rent makes housing one of life's easier expenses.
Below-average burden in West Texas
Hockley's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Texas's 18.1% state average, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. At $813 monthly rent, this South Plains county beats even the state median by 16%.
Cheapest rents in the entire group
Hockley's $813 median rent is the lowest here—$133 cheaper than Hemphill and hundreds less than Hays or Hood. Even homeowners pay modestly at $690 monthly, making this rural West Texas county the budget choice overall.
Housing costs just $1,503 monthly
Renters allocate 17.8% of the $54,810 income to rent, while homeowners commit 15.1% to mortgages—combined roughly 33%. This leaves households more income for healthcare, education, and savings than most Texas counties.
West Texas's best affordability bet
Hockley delivers genuine value: $813 rents, $112,700 home prices, and a 17.8% rent burden that won't bankrupt you. If you're willing to embrace West Texas plains living and lower incomes, Hockley offers the most breathing room in this county set.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hockley County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Hockley County is affordable. The median rent is $813/month against a median household income of $54,810, putting rent at 17.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Hockley County pay $813/month on average, compared to $690/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,571/year. With a median household income of $54,810, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Hockley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Hockley County is less affordable than Nolan County by roughly 6% ($813/mo vs $866/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hockley County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,279
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hockley County
Median home value is $112,700. Estimated monthly cost: $900 vs. your max of $1,279.
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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