Cost of Living in Karnes County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Karnes County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Karnes County ranks #2,417 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Karnes County, Texas
Karnes County rents stay manageable
Karnes County renters spend 17.7% of income on housing, meeting the national average of 18.1% and tying for the best performance in this county group. With a median household income of $59,103 and rent of $872, Karnes delivers genuine affordability.
Beats Texas state average affordability
Karnes County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio matches Jones County's for the best result and exceeds the Texas state average of 18.1%. The median rent of $872 runs 9% below the state average, making Karnes one of Texas's most accessible counties.
Solid affordability in South Texas
Karnes's $872 rent trails only Jasper ($790) and Jim Hogg ($820) while undercutting Jefferson ($1,079), Jeff Davis ($1,314), and Johnson ($1,343). The county's 17.7% burden ties Jones County for the region's best performance.
Ownership slightly cheaper than renting
Renters contribute $872 monthly while homeowners pay $692—a $180 advantage for those purchasing the county's $136,900 median homes. Housing overall consumes approximately 17-18% of household income across both tenure types.
Excellent value for South Texas relocators
Karnes County ties Jones County for best overall affordability and ranks among Texas's most accessible housing markets. Whether you're renting or buying, Karnes delivers exceptional value comparable to Jones while offering a distinct South Texas character.
Cost of Living Advisory: Karnes County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Karnes County is affordable. The median rent is $872/month against a median household income of $59,103, putting rent at 17.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $872/month rent versus $692/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $180/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,657/year. With a median household income of $59,103, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Karnes County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Karnes County is more affordable than Cass County by roughly 6% ($872/mo vs $821/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Karnes County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,379
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Karnes County
Median home value is $136,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,093 vs. your max of $1,379.
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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