Cost of Living in Jim Wells County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jim Wells County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jim Wells County ranks #3,117 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jim Wells County, Texas
Jim Wells renters stay near equilibrium
Jim Wells County renters dedicate 22.4% of income to housing, nearly four points above the national average of 18.1%. The county's median household income of $47,492 runs $27,263 below the national median, yet moderate rents of $885 keep affordability within reach for most households.
Slightly above Texas affordability baseline
Jim Wells County's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the Texas state average of 18.1% by 4.3 points, ranking it among the state's moderately less affordable counties. The median rent of $885 sits just below the state average of $963, softening the impact of below-average incomes.
Affordable among South Texas options
Jim Wells's $885 median rent undercuts Jefferson County ($1,079) and Jeff Davis County ($1,314) while remaining higher than Jasper ($790) and Karnes ($872). The county offers solid middle-ground housing costs for the broader region.
Renting costs more than owning
Renters pay $885 monthly while homeowners spend $682—a $203 difference that favors ownership for those able to purchase. The median home value of $104,800 represents the second-lowest among these eight counties, making homeownership relatively attainable.
Budget option in South Texas housing
Jim Wells County delivers reasonable affordability for renters and some of the region's lowest home values, making it worth consideration if you're relocating to South Texas. At 22.4% of income, the rent burden remains manageable compared to higher-cost neighbors.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jim Wells County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jim Wells County is affordable. The median rent is $885/month against a median household income of $47,492, putting rent at 22.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jim Wells County is $885/month, while owner costs run $682/month. Owning saves approximately $203/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,229/year. With a median household income of $47,492, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Jim Wells County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jones County where rent averages $938/month, Jim Wells County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jim Wells County
Rent Burden
22.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,108
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jim Wells County
Median home value is $104,800. Estimated monthly cost: $837 vs. your max of $1,108.
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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