Cost of Living in Howard County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Howard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Howard County ranks #3,122 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Howard County, Texas
Howard County beats national affordability
Howard County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the national benchmark, making it one of Texas's more affordable housing markets despite modest wages. With median household income of $71,457—just 5% below the national average—residents enjoy better housing affordability than most of the country.
Best affordability in Texas comparison
At 16.7%, Howard County's rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Texas's state average of 18.1%, signaling genuine housing relief for renters. The median rent of $993 sits just 3% above the state average, making it a reasonably priced option in the Texas housing market.
Howard leads adjacent counties
Howard County's 16.7% affordability ratio outpaces Hunt County (20.3%), Irion County (21.2%), and Houston County (19.2%), positioning it as the most renter-friendly option in the region. Only Hutchinson County (15.6%) offers better affordability, but with significantly lower median income.
Howard County housing costs explained
Renters pay $993 monthly while homeowners carry $850, creating a compact $143 gap that favors ownership for those with downpayment ability. Against median income of $71,457 annually, housing absorbs just 16.7%—leaving substantial income for savings, healthcare, and quality of life.
Howard County: solid middle ground
If affordability and income stability matter equally, Howard County deserves your attention with its below-state-average housing burden and $150,300 median home value. Test whether your current monthly housing costs exceed $993 rent or $850 ownership—if so, a move could free up meaningful income each year.
Cost of Living Advisory: Howard County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Howard County is affordable. The median rent is $993/month against a median household income of $71,457, putting rent at 16.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Howard County is $993/month, while owner costs run $850/month. Owning saves approximately $143/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,429/year. With a median household income of $71,457, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Howard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to El Paso County where rent averages $1,045/month, Howard County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Howard County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,667
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Howard County
Median home value is $150,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,200 vs. your max of $1,667.
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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