Cost of Living in Montague County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Montague County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Montague County ranks #2,483 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Montague County, Texas
Montague balances modest income gracefully
Montague County's median household income of $62,818 is 16% below the national average, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% sits just 0.2 percentage points above the state average of 18.1%. At $957 monthly rent—nearly identical to the state median—Montague demonstrates how slightly-below-average incomes can sustain average housing burdens.
Reliable middle-ground affordability
Montague ranks in the mid-tier of Texas counties for affordability, offering neither exceptional deals nor alarming pressures. The median home value of $189,400 reflects stable North Texas commuter-belt positioning, drawing demand from Dallas-area workers seeking rural lifestyle.
North Texas gateway affordability
Montague's $957 rent and $62,818 income sit between rural poverty (Mitchell, McMullen) and prosperous energy/commuter markets (Midland, Medina). As a North Texas county within commuting distance of the DFW metroplex, it captures moderate rents without the premium prices of suburbs closer to Dallas.
Slight edge toward ownership
Renters spend 18.3% of income on $957 rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 16% to $820 monthly ownership costs. The ownership advantage reflects lower mortgage payments on moderately priced properties, encouraging household formation and community stability.
DFW commuters, take note
Montague offers rural Texas living with reasonable Dallas commute access, making it ideal for remote workers or those with flexible schedules. Homeownership here builds faster equity than renting, and the community attracts young families seeking affordable North Texas alternatives to suburban sprawl.
Cost of Living Advisory: Montague County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Montague County is affordable. The median rent is $957/month against a median household income of $62,818, putting rent at 18.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Montague County pay $957/month on average, compared to $820/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,143/year. With a median household income of $62,818, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Montague County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Ochiltree County where rent averages $905/month, Montague County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Montague County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,466
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
The median home in Montague County may be a stretch
Median home value is $189,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,512 vs. your max of $1,466.
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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