Cost of Living in Kerr County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kerr County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kerr County ranks #2,539 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kerr County, Texas
Kerr stretches incomes on housing
Kerr County residents spend 19.1% of their $67,927 income on rent—above the national burden level—despite earning below the national median. The county's $1,079 median rent reflects its appeal as a tourist and recreation destination, creating a housing-cost squeeze for local earners.
Worse affordability than Texas average
Kerr's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% average, marking it as a less affordable county relative to state norms. Median rents of $1,079 run 12% above the state median despite below-average county incomes.
Pricier than western counterparts
Kerr's $1,079 rent and $891 owner costs exceed those of nearby Kimble ($795/$705) and Kinney ($771/$545) counties. The premium reflects Kerr's Hill Country appeal and tourism-driven real estate demand, pushing costs higher than comparable rural areas.
Nearly a third of income to housing
Kerr households allocate roughly 30% of income to combined housing costs ($1,970 monthly against $5,661 monthly income). For lower-income residents, this burden leaves limited flexibility for healthcare, education, and savings.
Kerr: beautiful but housing-tight
Kerr County's Hill Country location and outdoor recreation attract many relocators, but verify your income matches local wages before committing. If you're remote-employed or retiring with savings, Kerr's affordability challenge softens considerably.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kerr County
Affordability Verdict
Kerr County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,079/month — about 19.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Kerr County is $1,079/month, while owner costs run $891/month. Owning saves approximately $188/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 $38,186/year. With a median household income of $67,927, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Kerr County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Bee County where rent averages $1,028/month, Kerr County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kerr County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,585
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
The median home in Kerr County may be a stretch
Median home value is $285,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,276 vs. your max of $1,585.
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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