Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #3,141 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Texas
Jefferson County runs slightly pricy
Jefferson County renters dedicate 21.6% of income to housing, about 3.5 percentage points above the national average of 18.1%. Though the county's median household income of $59,934 trails the national figure by $14,821, residents maintain reasonable affordability through moderate rent levels.
Above-average costs for Texas renters
Jefferson County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, reflecting higher housing costs across the county. The median rent of $1,079 runs 12% above the state average, pushing the county into Texas's less affordable tier.
Priciest rents in the immediate region
Jefferson County's $1,079 median rent surpasses Jasper ($790), Jim Hogg ($820), Jim Wells ($885), and Karnes ($872) significantly. Only Johnson County's $1,343 rent—in a much wealthier area—exceeds Jefferson's housing costs.
Monthly housing eats 25% of ownership costs
Renters pay $1,079 monthly while homeowners spend $860, a $219 spread that favors purchasing for those who can afford the $159,600 median home value. Together, housing in Jefferson County claims roughly 21-22% of typical household income.
Compare Jefferson against lower-cost neighbors
Jefferson County's 21.6% rent burden exceeds several nearby alternatives; if housing affordability drives your relocation decision, Jasper County or Jim Wells County offer measurably cheaper options. Weigh the 3-4% difference in rent burden against job markets and quality-of-life factors before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jefferson County is affordable. The median rent is $1,079/month against a median household income of $59,934, putting rent at 21.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jefferson County is $1,079/month, while owner costs run $860/month. Owning saves approximately $219/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,857/year. With a median household income of $59,934, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Jefferson County is more affordable than Bee County by roughly 5% ($1,079/mo vs $1,028/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
21.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,398
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jefferson County
Median home value is $159,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,274 vs. your max of $1,398.
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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