Cost of Living in Shelby County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Shelby County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Shelby County ranks #2,542 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Shelby County, Texas
Shelby slightly above national affordability
Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% exceeds the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend nearly a fifth of their income on housing. This compares to households earning $50,436 annually—$24,319 below the national median of $74,755.
Mid-pack affordability in Texas
Shelby's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the less affordable half of Texas counties. The county's median rent of $832 falls $131 below the state average of $963.
Cheaper than nearby Smith County
Shelby renters pay $832 monthly compared to $1,197 in neighboring Smith County—a difference of $365 per month or 44% more for Smith renters. Yet Shelby's median household income is also lower, at $50,436 versus Smith's $71,923.
Housing absorbs a fifth of income
Shelby renters dedicate 19.8% of their $50,436 median income to monthly rent, while homeowners spend $598 on ownership costs—about 14.2% of income. The median home value of $111,700 remains accessible for buyers with moderate down payments.
Affordable rents, stretched incomes
Shelby offers lower rents than much of Texas, but household incomes lag national averages significantly. Renters and homebuyers relocating here should expect to stretch their budgets further unless earning rural Texas wages.
Cost of Living Advisory: Shelby County
Affordability Verdict
Shelby County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $832/month representing approximately 19.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $832/month rent versus $598/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $234/month cheaper — a 28% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,629/year. With a median household income of $50,436, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Shelby County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Shelby County sits 6% less expensive than Crane County ($883/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Shelby County
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,177
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Shelby County
Median home value is $111,700. Estimated monthly cost: $892 vs. your max of $1,177.
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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