Cost of Living in Newton County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Newton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Newton County ranks #1,823 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Newton County, Texas
Newton County faces acute affordability crisis
Newton County renters spend 25.6% of income on housing—the region's worst affordability rate and far exceeding the Texas average of 18.1%. With a $41,044 median household income nearly 45% below the national average, Newton residents face genuine housing cost stress.
Texas's most strained housing market
Newton County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the state's highest, indicating significant affordability challenges for renters. The median home value of $83,100 offers cheap homeownership but requires navigating low-income constraints.
Newton's affordability crisis stands out
Newton County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds every regional peer—the next-highest is Nacogdoches at 21.5%—despite relatively modest $877 monthly rents. The county's exceptionally low $41,044 median income is the core driver of this affordability crisis.
Newton's tight household budget reality
Renters allocate $877 monthly while homeowners pay just $508 against a $41,044 median household income. One-quarter of household budgets going to rent leaves minimal resources for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.
Newton requires cautious consideration
Newton County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio represents a housing affordability crisis; relocate here only with specific employment offers significantly exceeding the county's $41,044 median income. If you're currently spending over 25% on housing, Newton likely won't provide relief without substantial income improvement.
Cost of Living Advisory: Newton County
Affordability Verdict
Newton County is moderately affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $877/month representing approximately 25.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $877/month rent versus $508/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $369/month cheaper — a 42% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,771/year. With a median household income of $41,044, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Newton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Newton County is more affordable than Clay County by roughly 6% ($877/mo vs $825/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Newton County
Rent Burden
25.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$958
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Newton County
Median home value is $83,100. Estimated monthly cost: $663 vs. your max of $958.
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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