Cost of Living in Hood County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hood County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hood County ranks #2,732 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hood County, Texas
Hood pulls up higher with strong income
Hood County renters spend 19.6% of income on rent, above national norms but cushioned by median income of $86,802—14% above the national median. Stronger paychecks here make even pricier housing manageable compared to lower-income counties.
Above Texas average but income-boosted
Hood's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, yet the county ranks among the highest-income places in this set. The $1,414 median rent reflects Hood's proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro and its appeal to affluent Hill Country residents.
Nearly as pricey as Hays, but more income
Hood's $1,414 rent rivals Hays ($1,417), but Hood residents earn $86,802 versus Hays's $85,827—a subtle edge that matters for affordability math. Owner costs here ($1,316) are also notably lower than Hays ($1,787), reflecting less speculative real estate pressure.
Housing claims 38% of income
Renters pay 19.6% ($1,414) toward rent monthly, while homeowners commit 18.1% ($1,316) to mortgage costs—totaling 37.7% combined. The $86,802 median income makes this manageable, though it still leaves less discretionary spending than lower-cost counties.
Hill Country lifestyle with stable income
Hood appeals to those seeking scenic Hill Country living with higher earning potential: median homes at $281,300 and income near $87K. If you've got solid Dallas-Fort Worth employment, Hood offers that Texas lake-and-ranch aesthetic without the mega-metro price shock.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hood County
Affordability Verdict
Hood County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,414/month — about 19.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Hood County pay $1,414/month on average, compared to $1,316/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $56,400/year. With a median household income of $86,802, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Hood County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Hood County sits 4% more expensive than Galveston County ($1,360/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hood County
Rent Burden
19.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,025
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Hood County may be a stretch
Median home value is $281,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,246 vs. your max of $2,025.
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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