Cost of Living in Parmer County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Parmer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Parmer County ranks #2,305 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Parmer County, Texas
Parmer renters slightly above national norm
Parmer County renters spend 17.9% of income on housing, just under 1 percentage point above the national average. The panhandle county's modest median income of $68,164 means this ratio, while reasonable, requires careful budgeting.
Close to Texas state affordability average
Parmer's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just 0.2 percentage points below Texas's 18.1% state average, making it representative of typical Texas housing burden. Median rent of $1,015 is only 5.4% above the state median of $963.
Moderate costs in panhandle tier
Parmer's $1,015 rent falls between Ochiltree's budget $905 and Oldham's $1,125, positioning it as the panhandle's middle-ground option. Its 17.9% burden is better than Palo Pinto County's 18.9% despite similar income levels.
Housing takes ~18% of gross income
Parmer's median household earns $68,164 yearly and dedicates roughly $12,180 to rent annually. Homeowners spend just $754 monthly on ownership costs—merely 13.3% of income—showing that buyers here enjoy notably better affordability than renters.
Solid option for panhandle relocation
Parmer County works well if you're relocating to the Texas panhandle and value balanced affordability over minimum costs. Renters from higher-burden areas (like Nueces at 22.3%) could save $200+ monthly, while buyers benefit from sub-$130,000 median home values and low ownership ratios.
Cost of Living Advisory: Parmer County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Parmer County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,015/month in gross rent, with 21.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,015/month rent versus $754/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $261/month cheaper — a 26% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,314/year. With a median household income of $68,164, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Parmer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lampasas County where rent averages $961/month, Parmer County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Parmer County
Rent Burden
17.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,590
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Parmer County
Median home value is $127,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,016 vs. your max of $1,590.
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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