Cost of Living in Smith County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Smith County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Smith County ranks #3,067 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Smith County, Texas
Smith rents creep above national norms
Smith County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% exceeds the national comfort zone, with renters spending one-fifth of their $71,923 income on housing. While the county's median household income hovers slightly below the national $74,755, rents have climbed considerably.
Among Texas's pricier counties
Smith's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. At $1,197 monthly, Smith's median rent is 24% higher than the Texas average of $963.
Notably costlier than surrounding areas
Smith County renters pay $1,197 monthly—$365 more than Shelby County and $476 more than Stonewall—reflecting its larger urban hub (Tyler) and higher demand. Despite higher rents, median income is only $1,487 above Shelby's.
A fifth of income goes to rent
Smith renters allocate 20.0% of their median income to monthly rent, while homeowners spend $1,100 on ownership costs—15.3% of income. The median home value of $220,800 represents a significant jump from surrounding rural counties.
Urban amenities come at a cost
Smith County offers the region's most developed services and employment diversity, but housing costs have risen accordingly. Relocators should expect to pay premium regional prices for access to Tyler's job market and urban infrastructure.
Cost of Living Advisory: Smith County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Smith County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,197/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Smith County is $1,197/month, while owner costs run $1,100/month. Owning saves approximately $97/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,143/year. With a median household income of $71,923, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Smith County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Smith County is more affordable than Caldwell County by roughly 5% ($1,197/mo vs $1,145/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Smith County
Rent Burden
20.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,678
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.4%
of gross income
The median home in Smith County may be a stretch
Median home value is $220,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,763 vs. your max of $1,678.
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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