Cost of Living in Leon County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Leon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Leon County ranks #1,753 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Leon County, Texas
Leon County rents remain accessible
Leon County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% falls comfortably below the 30% affordability standard and outperforms national averages. With median rent of $798 and median household income of $59,975, renters here spend just 16 cents per dollar on housing—a genuinely affordable arrangement.
Better than Texas overall affordability
At 16.0%, Leon County's rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the upper tier of statewide affordability. Its $798 monthly rent runs 17% below the state average of $963, offering meaningful savings for renters compared to most Texas markets.
Mid-tier costs with balanced value
Leon County's $798 rent sits between Knox County's ultra-cheap $661 and higher-cost markets like Lee County ($1,050) and Lamar County ($897). Its $177,400 median home value positions it as an affordable middle option, offering rental and ownership pathways for different household types.
Balanced housing costs throughout
Leon County residents earning $59,975 spend $798 on rent (16.0% of income) or $692 on mortgage payments (13.8% of income). Both figures rank among the most favorable in this group, giving households substantial financial flexibility beyond housing.
Leon County offers balanced options
Leon County delivers solid affordability for both renters and owners, with its $798 rent and 13.8% owner-cost ratio creating multiple pathways to financial stability. Compare it against neighboring Lamar ($897 rent) and Lee County ($1,050 rent) to see how Leon positions itself as an accessible choice.
Cost of Living Advisory: Leon County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Leon County is affordable. The median rent is $798/month against a median household income of $59,975, putting rent at 16.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $798/month rent versus $692/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $106/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,657/year. With a median household income of $59,975, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Leon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Falls County where rent averages $747/month, Leon County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Leon County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,399
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
The median home in Leon County may be a stretch
Median home value is $177,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,416 vs. your max of $1,399.
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 Leon County, Texas?
What is the median rent in Leon County?
Is Leon County affordable?
How does Leon County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Leon County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Leon County, Texas? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Leon 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.