Cost of Living in Milam County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Milam County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Milam County ranks #2,405 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Milam County, Texas
Milam balances modest income with fair rents
Milam County's median household income of $59,076 trails the national average by 21%, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% exceeds the state average by just 1.2 percentage points. At $948 monthly rent—nearly matching the state median of $963—Milam offers accessible housing in a lower-income context.
Below-average income, average burden
Milam ranks in the lower half of Texas counties by income but maintains near-average housing burden ratios, suggesting stabilized local markets. The median home value of $168,900 reflects steady property values without rapid speculation or decline.
Affordable relative to central Texas
Milam's $948 rent is 20% cheaper than Montague County's $957 and significantly lower than rapidly growing central Texas counties like Williamson or Travis. Its income level ($59,076) sits between rural counties like Menard and more prosperous commuter communities, offering middle-ground housing economics.
Balanced dual housing market
Renters spend 19.3% of income on $948 rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 15% to $723 monthly ownership costs, creating strong homeownership incentives. This gap suggests renters might accelerate toward ownership, or that the rental market lags homeowner affordability.
Solid ground for Austin proximity
Milam County offers affordability while remaining within commutable distance of Austin's job market, making it ideal for cost-conscious workers seeking central Texas opportunity. Homeownership here builds equity faster than renting, given the favorable ownership-to-rent cost ratio.
Cost of Living Advisory: Milam County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Milam County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $948/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Milam County is $948/month, while owner costs run $723/month. Owning saves approximately $225/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,986/year. With a median household income of $59,076, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Milam County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lamar County where rent averages $897/month, Milam County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Milam County
Rent Burden
19.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,378
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Milam County
Median home value is $168,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,348 vs. your max of $1,378.
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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