Cost of Living in Rusk County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rusk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rusk County ranks #2,392 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rusk County, Texas
Rusk rents align with state average
Rusk County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the Texas average of 18.1%, despite median rent of $997 that exceeds the state's $963 median. With median household income of $67,506—nearly 10% above state median—Rusk manages competitive housing affordability.
Rusk achieves solid state standing
Rusk County ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Texas counties for rental affordability, with a 17.7% ratio that beats roughly 55% of the state's counties. This East Texas community delivers respectable housing balance within its state peers.
Rusk balances well among East Texas
Rusk's 17.7% rent burden beats Red River (23.1%) and Reeves (21.1%) but trails Refugio (17.4%), Robertson (14.0%), and Roberts (14.0%). The East Texas location provides stronger income than far-rural counties, improving its housing affordability standing.
Rusk's solid economic foundation
Rusk renters earning $67,506 annually spend $997 monthly in rent—about $11,964 per year—while homeowners average $739 in monthly costs. Housing consumes roughly 18% of household income, near state average, preserving earnings for other necessities and financial goals.
East Texas value with decent income
Rusk County offers respectable affordability with median home values of $166,900 and a relatively healthy local income base of $67,506. The East Texas location provides better employment diversity than remote rural areas, making it reasonable for workers seeking affordable housing without extreme geographic isolation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rusk County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Rusk County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $997/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Rusk County pay $997/month on average, compared to $739/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 26%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,671/year. With a median household income of $67,506, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Rusk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Rusk County sits 5% more expensive than Hemphill County ($946/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rusk County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,575
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rusk County
Median home value is $166,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,332 vs. your max of $1,575.
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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