Cost of Living in Kaufman County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kaufman County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kaufman County ranks #3,071 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kaufman County, Texas
Kaufman rents eat 19% of income
Renters in Kaufman County spend 19.1% of their income on housing, slightly above the national norm. At $1,408/month median rent against an $88,606 median household income, Kaufman households earn $13,851 more than the national median—but pay a premium on housing costs.
Above Texas average on affordability
Kaufman's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly worse than Texas's 18.1% state average, though median rents here ($1,408) are 46% higher than the state median ($963). The county sits in the middle tier of Texas counties for housing affordability.
Pricier than Kent, cheaper than Kendall
Kaufman's $1,408 rent falls between nearby Kent County ($856) and Kendall County ($1,576). Owner costs show a similar pattern: Kaufman's $1,608 monthly payment sits between Kent's $655 and Kendall's $1,717.
Nearly a third of income to housing
Combined renter and owner housing costs consume roughly 28% of Kaufman household income ($3,016 in monthly payments against $7,384 in monthly earnings). The county's above-average income helps offset housing costs that would strain lower-earning households elsewhere.
Kaufman: balance and commute distance
If you're relocating from higher-cost metros, Kaufman offers reasonable rents and strong incomes for Dallas-area proximity. Compare against Kent County to the west for deeper affordability, or Kendall County to the south if you want suburban amenities near San Antonio.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kaufman County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Kaufman County is affordable. The median rent is $1,408/month against a median household income of $88,606, putting rent at 19.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Kaufman County is $1,408/month, while owner costs run $1,608/month. Renting saves approximately $200/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $68,914/year. With a median household income of $88,606, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Kaufman County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Kaufman County sits 4% less expensive than Comal County ($1,460/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kaufman County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,067
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.8%
of gross income
The median home in Kaufman County may be a stretch
Median home value is $290,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,322 vs. your max of $2,067.
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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