Cost of Living in Menard County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Menard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Menard County ranks #1,287 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Menard County, Texas
Menard struggles with affordability
Menard County's median household income of $48,191 is 36% below the national average, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% exceeds the state average of 18.1%, signaling real affordability strain. At just $810 monthly, rent is 16% cheaper than the state median, but limited incomes make even low rents burdensome.
Below-average income, above-average burden
Menard ranks among Texas's least affordable counties relative to income, despite modest absolute housing costs. The 20.2% rent-to-income ratio flags this rural county as a place where housing consumes a larger share of household budgets than most Texans experience.
Pricier than Mitchell, tighter than Medina
Menard's $810 rent sits between Mitchell County's bargain $481 and Medina's $1,091, but its lower incomes mean the burden feels heaviest here. McMullen County offers comparable homeownership costs but even less rental market activity, making direct comparison difficult.
Housing takes a bigger bite
Renters devote 20.2% of income to housing—above the sustainable 15-20% range—while homeowners spend roughly 17% on $680 monthly ownership costs. This imbalance reflects a county where renters face tighter constraints than homeowners, pressuring local retention.
Consider if income aligns
Menard's low housing costs attract budget-conscious movers, but only if your income is stable or portable. Remote work or business ownership would strengthen your financial footing in this rural, income-challenged region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Menard County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Menard County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $810/month in gross rent, with 19.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $810/month rent versus $680/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $130/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,143/year. With a median household income of $48,191, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Menard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Wilbarger County where rent averages $862/month, Menard County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Menard County
Rent Burden
20.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,124
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Menard County
Median home value is $105,300. Estimated monthly cost: $841 vs. your max of $1,124.
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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