Cost of Living in Mills County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mills County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mills County ranks #459 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mills County, Texas
Mills County's surprising affordability
Mills County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% ranks among Texas's best, significantly below both the state average of 18.1% and the sustainable national benchmark. With $713 monthly rent against a $64,494 median income, Mills residents enjoy the most relaxed housing burden in this eight-county comparison.
Top-tier Texas affordability
Mills ranks in the upper echelon of Texas counties for housing affordability, combining modest rents with moderate incomes to produce exceptionally sustainable ratios. The median home value of $200,200 reflects stable property markets without speculation or crisis.
Best rent-to-income in the region
Mills's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio beats all comparable counties—Mitchell at 10.3% is exceptional but reflects extreme poverty, while Medina at 17.8% and Montague at 18.3% carry heavier burdens. Mills achieves the best balance of sustainable income and realistic housing costs.
Renters and owners both win
Renters spend only 13.3% of income on $713 rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 13% to $694 monthly ownership costs. This rare near-parity suggests a county where rental and ownership markets remain aligned and affordable, with flexibility for both paths.
Hidden gem for affordable living
Mills County offers the sweet spot: genuine affordability without desperate poverty, allowing residents to build savings alongside stable housing. For remote workers or retirees, Mills delivers Hill Country proximity with urban-level financial breathing room.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mills County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Mills County is affordable. The median rent is $713/month against a median household income of $64,494, putting rent at 13.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Mills County is $713/month, while owner costs run $694/month. Owning saves approximately $19/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,743/year. With a median household income of $64,494, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Mills County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Mills County is more affordable than Knox County by roughly 8% ($713/mo vs $661/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mills County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,505
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.9%
of gross income
The median home in Mills County may be a stretch
Median home value is $200,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,598 vs. your max of $1,505.
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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