Cost of Living in Refugio County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Refugio County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Refugio County ranks #2,432 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Refugio County, Texas
Refugio achieves rare balance
Refugio County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio edges below Texas's 18.1% state average and sits well below the national norm, making it genuinely affordable. With a median household income of $58,016 and median rent of $842, Refugio offers one of the better housing-cost-to-income balances in rural Texas.
Refugio ranks among Texas's best
Refugio County places in the top tier of Texas counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats approximately 70% of all Texas counties. This coastal bend community punches above its weight in housing accessibility relative to local earning power.
Coastal calm vs. inland strain
Refugio's 17.4% rent burden is noticeably better than Red River (23.1%) and Reeves (21.1%) to the north, rivaling Roberts and Robertson counties near the state's best. The combination of modest rents ($842) and decent median income ($58,016) creates unusual affordability for a rural Texas county.
Refugio's favorable housing math
A Refugio household earning $58,016 annually pays $842 monthly in rent—about $10,104 per year—while homeowners average $651 in monthly ownership costs. Housing consumes roughly 17% of gross income, below state and national thresholds, leaving more breathing room for savings and other expenses.
Strong value for coastal proximity
Refugio offers rare affordability combined with Gulf Coast access and median home values of just $94,400, making it compelling for remote workers or retirees. Investigate local employment before moving—the county's small, rural character means jobs may be scarce in specialized fields.
Cost of Living Advisory: Refugio County
Affordability Verdict
Refugio County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $842/month representing approximately 17.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 33.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $842/month rent versus $651/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $191/month cheaper — a 23% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,900/year. With a median household income of $58,016, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Refugio County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Refugio County sits 7% more expensive than Jasper County ($790/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Refugio County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,354
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Refugio County
Median home value is $94,400. Estimated monthly cost: $754 vs. your max of $1,354.
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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