Cost of Living in Sterling County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sterling County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sterling County ranks #1,419 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sterling County, Texas
Sterling achieves excellent affordability
Sterling County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% comfortably beats national norms, with renters spending roughly one-seventh of their $78,750 income on housing. The county's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755.
Among Texas's most affordable
Sterling's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it in the state's more affordable counties. At $968 monthly rent, Sterling aligns closely with the Texas average despite higher incomes.
Above-average income with solid rents
Sterling renters earn $78,750—second only to Somervell among this group—while paying $968 monthly rent, comparable to state averages. This strong income-to-housing ratio gives Sterling residents substantial financial flexibility.
Modest housing burden, strong income
Sterling renters allocate 14.8% of their income to housing, significantly below national and state burdens. Homeowners invest $1,041 monthly in ownership costs—15.9% of median income—while homes value at $143,200.
Above-average earnings, manageable rents
Sterling County combines strong household income with reasonable housing costs, creating one of the region's best affordability profiles. Relocators here enjoy above-average financial breathing room.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sterling County
Affordability Verdict
Sterling County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $968/month representing approximately 14.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 40.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $968/month rent versus $1,041/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $73/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,614/year. With a median household income of $78,750, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 40.0% of renter households in Sterling County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Kleberg County where rent averages $1,022/month, Sterling County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sterling County
Rent Burden
14.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,838
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sterling County
Median home value is $143,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,143 vs. your max of $1,838.
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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