Cost of Living in Runnels County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Runnels County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Runnels County ranks #2,348 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Runnels County, Texas
Runnels maintains solid affordability
Runnels County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Texas's 18.1% state average and well below national norms. With median household income of $63,490 and median rent of $894, Runnels achieves reliable housing affordability for a rural Texas county.
Runnels ranks above median
Runnels County places in the top 40% of Texas counties for rental affordability, with a 16.9% ratio that beats roughly 60% of the state's counties. This central Texas community delivers better-than-average housing balance within its state context.
Runnels outperforms most peers
Runnels's 16.9% rent burden beats Red River (23.1%), Reeves (21.1%), and Refugio (17.4%), though it trails Roberts and Robertson (both 14.0%). The county's combination of decent income and moderate rents creates a stable affordability profile.
Runnels's sustainable housing balance
Runnels households earning $63,490 annually spend $894 monthly in rent—approximately $10,728 per year—while homeowners average $682 in monthly costs. Housing takes roughly 17% of gross income, leaving 83% for taxes, utilities, food, and savings.
Solid value in central Texas
Runnels County offers above-average affordability with median home values of $103,700 and reliable income-to-housing ratios. The central Texas location provides reasonable access to larger employment markets, making it attractive for remote workers or those seeking small-town life without extreme isolation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Runnels County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Runnels County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $894/month in gross rent, with 19.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Runnels County pay $894/month on average, compared to $682/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 24%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,229/year. With a median household income of $63,490, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Runnels County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hemphill County where rent averages $946/month, Runnels County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Runnels County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,481
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Runnels County
Median home value is $103,700. Estimated monthly cost: $828 vs. your max of $1,481.
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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