Cost of Living in Lavaca County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lavaca County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lavaca County ranks #1,081 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lavaca County, Texas
Lavaca County keeps rents reasonable
Lavaca County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% falls well below the 30% affordability threshold and underperforms the national average. With median rent of $879 and median household income of $61,768, renters here allocate less than a fifth of income to housing costs.
Better than Texas average affordability
At 17.1%, Lavaca County's rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, ranking it among the state's more affordable rental markets. Its $879 monthly rent runs 9% below the state average of $963, reflecting genuinely accessible housing costs for renters.
Mid-range costs with solid values
Lavaca County's $879 rent positions it between budget-friendly Knox ($661) and pricier Lee County ($1,050), offering balanced affordability. Its $220,900 median home value puts it above Lee County's high-end properties but remains accessible compared to the region's overall wealth indicators.
Renters and owners both comfortable
Lavaca County residents earning $61,768 spend $879 monthly on rent (17.1% of income) or $691 on mortgage payments (13.4% of income). Both figures suggest healthy affordability, with homeowners enjoying particularly favorable financial positions.
Lavaca blends affordability and value
Lavaca County offers solid housing affordability alongside meaningful home equity potential, with its $220,900 median value and 13.4% owner-cost ratio. Compare it against neighboring Lee County ($1,050 rent) and Leon County ($798 rent) to find the best match for your relocation goals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lavaca County
Affordability Verdict
Lavaca County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $879/month — about 17.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lavaca County is $879/month, while owner costs run $691/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 $35,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,614/year. With a median household income of $61,768, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Lavaca County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lavaca County sits 6% less expensive than Yoakum County ($931/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lavaca County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,441
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
The median home in Lavaca County may be a stretch
Median home value is $220,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,764 vs. your max of $1,441.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Lavaca County, Texas?
What is the median rent in Lavaca County?
Is Lavaca County affordable?
How does Lavaca County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Lavaca County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Lavaca County, Texas? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Lavaca County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.