Cost of Living in Jeff Davis County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jeff Davis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jeff Davis County ranks #359 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jeff Davis County, Texas
Jeff Davis rents devour nearly half income
Renters in Jeff Davis County face the most severe affordability crisis among these eight counties, spending 48.3% of income on housing—nearly three times the national comfort threshold of 30%. With a median household income of just $32,625, the lowest in this group, Jeff Davis households struggle under a crushing rent burden of $1,314 monthly.
Texas's toughest county for renters
Jeff Davis County ranks as one of Texas's least affordable counties, with a 48.3% rent-to-income ratio that towers over the state average of 18.1%. The county's median rent of $1,314 exceeds the state average by 36%, creating an affordability emergency.
Dramatically pricier than surrounding areas
Jeff Davis's $1,314 median rent soars above every neighbor in this analysis, including Jefferson County ($1,079) and Johnson County ($1,343 in a much wealthier area). For renters, Jeff Davis represents the region's most punishing housing market.
Rent consumes nearly half of all income
At $1,314 monthly, gross rent claims 48.3% of the median household income—leaving renters with barely half their earnings for food, transportation, and utilities. Homeowners fare better at $459 monthly, but the county's median home value of $234,400 remains out of reach for most households.
Renters should look elsewhere in Texas
Jeff Davis County's brutal rent-to-income ratio makes it a cautionary case for job seekers considering relocation. Compare this county's 48.3% burden against any other Texas option—you'll find substantially better affordability almost everywhere else.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jeff Davis County
Affordability Verdict
Jeff Davis County is cost-burdened for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,314/month representing approximately 48.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 51.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jeff Davis County is $1,314/month, while owner costs run $459/month. Owning saves approximately $855/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,671/year. With a median household income of $32,625, the median income falls short of the rent-affordability threshold. Notably, 51.0% of renter households in Jeff Davis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Jeff Davis County sits 5% less expensive than Midland County ($1,383/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jeff Davis County
Rent Burden
48.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$761
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
The median home in Jeff Davis County may be a stretch
Median home value is $234,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,871 vs. your max of $761.
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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