Cost of Living in Mason County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mason County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mason County ranks #293 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mason County, Texas
Mason offers exceptional rental affordability
Mason County renters spend just 13.1% of their income on housing—the lowest ratio among all profiled counties and well below both the Texas average (18.1%) and national norms. With a median household income of $68,750 and median rent of $751, Mason delivers genuine affordability for working families.
Among Texas's most affordable markets
Mason County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio places it in the top tier of Texas affordability, beating roughly 85% of counties statewide. The combination of modest rents and solid incomes makes Mason a standout for renters seeking housing security.
Lowest rents in the regional cluster
Mason's $751 median rent is the cheapest among its peers—22% below Madison County and 28% below Martin County—while maintaining a respectable median income. However, homeownership carries a premium here: the median home value of $274,600 is the highest in the region, driven by the county's Hill Country appeal.
Renters thrive; buyers face sticker shock
A typical Mason renter earning $68,750 annually spends about $901 on housing, consuming just 16% of gross income and leaving ample room for savings. Prospective homeowners should note that the $274,600 median value translates to roughly $748 monthly costs—a relatively high ownership burden compared to the rental advantage.
Ideal for renters seeking affordability
Mason County is an exceptional choice for renters prioritizing housing affordability; the 13.1% rent-to-income ratio beats nearly every other Texas county. If you're considering buying, however, compare Mason's premium home values against neighboring markets like Madison before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mason County
Affordability Verdict
Mason County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $751/month — about 13.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $751/month rent versus $748/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $3/month cheaper — a 0% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,057/year. With a median household income of $68,750, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Mason County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Mason County is less affordable than Stephens County by roughly 6% ($751/mo vs $802/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mason County
Rent Burden
13.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,604
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
The median home in Mason County may be a stretch
Median home value is $274,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,192 vs. your max of $1,604.
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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