Cost of Living in Lubbock County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lubbock County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lubbock County ranks #3,140 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lubbock County, Texas
Lubbock's housing costs outpace incomes
Lubbock County renters spend 21.5% of household income on housing, exceeding national averages and ranking among America's more affordability-challenged counties. At $1,134/month rent with a $63,367 median income, renters here face substantially tighter budgets than typical U.S. households.
Lubbock pressures renters above Texas average
Lubbock's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, marking it among the state's least affordable major counties. Rents run $171 above the Texas median, indicating strong demand pressure for a region with below-average household earnings.
Tightest squeeze alongside Live Oak
Lubbock's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio rivals Live Oak (21.1%) as the region's worst affordability and far exceeds Lipscomb (13.6%), Limestone (17.2%), and Llano (18.2%). This county's combination of elevated rents and modest incomes creates serious housing stress.
Mortgages exceed rents—homebuying escalates costs
Lubbock homeowners with median home value of $199,600 pay $1,223/month, exceeding renters by $89 and consuming roughly 23% of household income. Unlike most counties, Lubbock makes ownership more expensive than renting, complicating the traditional path to affordability.
Lubbock works best for above-average earners
If you're considering Lubbock, plan to earn significantly above the county median—this is one of the region's least affordable options for typical households. Tech workers, healthcare professionals, and remote employees with outside income will fare better than traditional job seekers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lubbock County
Affordability Verdict
Lubbock County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,134/month — about 21.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,134/month rent versus $1,223/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $89/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,414/year. With a median household income of $63,367, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Lubbock County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lubbock County sits 5% more expensive than Jefferson County ($1,079/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lubbock County
Rent Burden
21.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,479
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.2%
of gross income
The median home in Lubbock County may be a stretch
Median home value is $199,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,593 vs. your max of $1,479.
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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