Cost of Living in Real County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Real County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Real County ranks #2,943 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Real County, Texas
Real County's affordability paradox
Real County's 23.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in this eight-county comparison, driven by low median income of $45,417—nearly 40% below the national median of $74,755. At $877 monthly rent, the burden falls heavily despite modest absolute costs.
Struggling for affordability in Texas
Real County ranks among Texas's least affordable counties for renters when income is considered, despite appearing inexpensive on absolute rental prices. The county's economic constraints limit household financial flexibility despite low housing nominal costs.
Modest rent, minimal income challenge
Real County's $877 rent sits above the state average of $963 while income at $45,417 sits below most peer counties, creating affordability stress. The county offers neither the lowest rents nor the strongest incomes in this comparison.
Owning appears cheaper but risky
Homeowners pay only $449 monthly—far cheaper than renters' $877—but median home value data is unavailable, making ownership assessment difficult. With median income at $45,417, even the $449 monthly ownership cost represents significant household burden without clear equity-building benefits.
Real County requires careful planning
Real County's affordability challenge stems from low incomes rather than high rents, so relocation here works only with secure, above-county-average employment. Before committing, verify that your income will exceed the county median—otherwise, housing stress will likely persist.
Cost of Living Advisory: Real County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Real County is affordable. The median rent is $877/month against a median household income of $45,417, putting rent at 23.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $877/month rent versus $449/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $428/month cheaper — a 49% 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 $19,243/year. With a median household income of $45,417, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Real County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Real 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 Real County
Rent Burden
23.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,060
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.9%
of gross income
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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