Cost of Living in Starr County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Starr County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Starr County ranks #2,013 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Starr County, Texas
Starr faces severe affordability pressure
Starr County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% is the highest in this group and well above national norms, with renters spending more than one-fifth of their $38,182 income on housing. The county's median household income is 49% below the national median of $74,755.
Least affordable county profiled
Starr's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, making it the least affordable in this analysis. Despite lower rents of $715 monthly, the county's severely depressed incomes create acute housing pressure.
Lowest incomes, highest burden
Starr renters earn just $38,182—about half of Somervell County's $83,382—while carrying the region's second-highest rent burden at 22.5%. The $715 monthly rent is cheap, but represents an outsized share of scarce household income.
Housing squeezes limited income
Starr renters spend 22.5% of their median income on housing, leaving limited resources for food, healthcare, and education. Homeowners fare better, investing $425 monthly in ownership—13.3% of income—with median home values of just $93,300.
Cheap housing, severe income limits
Starr County offers the region's lowest rents and home values, but economic opportunity remains scarce. Relocators should prioritize this area only if secure, well-paying employment is already arranged.
Cost of Living Advisory: Starr County
Affordability Verdict
Starr County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $715/month representing approximately 22.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Starr County is $715/month, while owner costs run $425/month. Owning saves approximately $290/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $18,214/year. With a median household income of $38,182, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Starr County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Archer County where rent averages $766/month, Starr County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Starr County
Rent Burden
22.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$891
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Starr County
Median home value is $93,300. Estimated monthly cost: $745 vs. your max of $891.
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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