Cost of Living in Martin County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Martin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Martin County ranks #2,711 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Martin County, Texas
Martin's rents reflect oil-economy income
Martin County residents spend 18.3% of their income on rent, nearly matching the Texas state average of 18.1% despite earning $77,083—above the national median. The county's $1,175 median rent is notably higher than most Texas peers, reflecting the energy sector's influence on both wages and housing demand.
Mid-range affordability for Texas
Martin County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio places it squarely at the state average, making it neither notably affordable nor severely strained compared to other Texas counties. The county's higher incomes help offset its above-average rents, maintaining a balanced position statewide.
Premium rents on higher-income foundation
Martin's $1,175 median rent is the highest among its regional peers—about 41% above Madison County and 38% above Marion—but the county's median income of $77,083 is also substantially higher. This income advantage allows Martin households to absorb housing costs that would strain residents of neighboring lower-income counties.
Housing's share of the Martin budget
A typical Martin household earning $77,083 annually devotes roughly $1,408 to housing (rent and utilities), consuming 22% of gross income. Homeowners face a steeper burden, with median monthly costs of $713, but the county's $162,200 median home value still positions ownership as accessible for income earners in the energy sector.
Martin suits oil industry workers best
If you work in energy and earning above-average income, Martin County's housing market makes sense despite premium rents—your paycheck keeps pace. Renters or workers in lower-wage sectors should compare Martin's 18.3% ratio against more affordable counties like Madison (14.9%) before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Martin County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Martin County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,175/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Martin County pay $1,175/month on average, compared to $713/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 39%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,557/year. With a median household income of $77,083, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Martin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Martin County is more affordable than Calhoun County by roughly 5% ($1,175/mo vs $1,121/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Martin County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,799
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Martin County
Median home value is $162,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,295 vs. your max of $1,799.
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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