Cost of Living in Live Oak County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Live Oak County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Live Oak County ranks #792 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Live Oak County, Texas
Live Oak squeezes renters hardest
Live Oak County renters spend 21.1% of household income on housing, exceeding the national average and sitting among the nation's most affordability-challenged counties. Median income of just $53,869 paired with $949/month rents creates a notably tight housing squeeze.
Well above Texas average affordability pressure
Live Oak's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, ranking it among the state's least affordable counties. Renters here face measurably more housing stress than typical Texans, despite rents running just $14 above the state median.
Worst affordability in this cluster
Live Oak's 21.1% rent burden nearly doubles Lipscomb's 13.6% and significantly exceeds Liberty (19.2%), Limestone (17.2%), and Llano (18.2%). The combination of low incomes and moderate-to-high rents makes this county the region's affordability outlier.
Homeownership offers meaningful relief
Live Oak homeowners with median home value of $142,300 pay $568/month—a stunning $381 less than renters monthly. This 40% savings gap means mortgage holders capture significantly more breathing room than renters in the same county.
Live Oak demands careful income planning
If you're considering Live Oak, prioritize homeownership over renting; the mortgage advantage is substantial and necessary given the county's lower income base. Remote workers and retirees with outside income will find better value here than traditional job seekers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Live Oak County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Live Oak County is affordable. The median rent is $949/month against a median household income of $53,869, putting rent at 21.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Live Oak County is $949/month, while owner costs run $568/month. Owning saves approximately $381/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,343/year. With a median household income of $53,869, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Live Oak County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Live Oak County sits 6% more expensive than Gray County ($898/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Live Oak County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,257
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Live Oak County
Median home value is $142,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,136 vs. your max of $1,257.
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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