Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Texas

$1,079/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$159,600

Median Home Value

12% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,079/mo

12% above state average

Median Home Value

$159,600

43% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Jefferson County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Jefferson County$1,079/mo

Texas Average$963/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,079/mo

Median Gross Rent

$159,600

Median Home Value

$860/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio21.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Jefferson County, Texas?

Jefferson County, Texas has a median monthly rent of $1,079/mo and a median home value of $159,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Jefferson County?

The median gross rent in Jefferson County is $1,079/mo. This is 12% above state average for Texas.

Is Jefferson County affordable?

Jefferson County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Jefferson County's rent compare to the state average?

Jefferson County's median rent of $1,079/mo is 12% above state average of $963/mo for Texas.

What is the median home value in Jefferson County?

The median home value in Jefferson County, Texas is $159,600. This is 43% below the national median home value of $281,900.