Cost of Living in Orange County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Orange County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Orange County ranks #3,031 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Orange County, Texas
Orange beats national renter burden
Orange County renters spend just 16.6% of income on housing, one of the best rates compared to the national median. This southeast Texas county offers solid affordability while maintaining an income level ($73,372) nearly matching the national average.
More affordable than Texas norm
At 16.6%, Orange County's rent-to-income ratio outperforms Texas's 18.1% average and ranks among the state's better-afforded counties. Median rent of $1,018 is only 5.7% above the Texas median, a minimal gap.
Sweet spot for Gulf Coast living
Orange's $1,018 rent is $206 cheaper than Nueces County (22.3% burden) and offers excellent income-to-cost balance relative to nearby counties. The 16.6% rent ratio makes it one of the most balanced Southeast Texas markets.
Housing takes ~17% of gross income
Orange County's median household income of $73,372 means renters pay roughly $12,216 yearly in rent—a manageable 16.6% of income. Homeowners spend $900 monthly, or about 14.8% of gross income, indicating strong affordability across both markets.
Strategic relocation from costlier areas
If you're paying more than 18% of income on housing, Orange County offers proven affordability near the Gulf Coast. The county's balanced income-to-cost ratio makes it ideal for workers relocating within Southeast Texas who want to lower their housing burden.
Cost of Living Advisory: Orange County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Orange County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,018/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Orange County is $1,018/month, while owner costs run $900/month. Owning saves approximately $118/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,571/year. With a median household income of $73,372, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Orange County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Orange County is less affordable than Wilson County by roughly 5% ($1,018/mo vs $1,069/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Orange County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,712
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Orange County
Median home value is $163,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,304 vs. your max of $1,712.
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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