Cost of Living in Tom Green County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Tom Green County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Tom Green County ranks #3,129 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Tom Green County, Texas
Tom Green rents strain local wallets
Renters in Tom Green County spend 20.4% of their income on housing, slightly above the national average of 20% and well above Texas's 18.1% state average. With a median household income of $66,254—well below the national median of $74,755—residents are stretching smaller paychecks further for shelter.
Middle-of-the-road affordability in Texas
Tom Green County ranks squarely in the middle tier of Texas affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 2.3 percentage points. The county's $1,125 median rent is 17% higher than Texas's typical $963, putting moderate cost pressure on renters statewide.
Pricier than rural neighbors
Tom Green's $1,125 median rent sits significantly higher than nearby rural counties like Upton ($689) and Trinity ($823), but below the booming Austin metro area of Travis County ($1,669). For buyers, Tom Green's $186,700 median home value offers a more affordable option than Travis's $487,600.
How your paycheck splits in Tom Green
The typical Tom Green renter pays $1,125 monthly, while a homeowner carries a $1,032 monthly mortgage payment—nearly identical cost burdens. Combined with other expenses, housing consumes roughly one-fifth of household income, leaving renters and owners with similar financial pressure despite different tenure paths.
Considering a move to Tom Green?
Tom Green offers moderate rent and purchase prices compared to Texas metros, but falls short of the deepest-discounted rural counties nearby. If you're relocating for work, compare your expected salary against the county's $66,254 median—housing costs are reasonable but not rock-bottom in the state.
Cost of Living Advisory: Tom Green County
Affordability Verdict
Tom Green County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,125/month — about 20.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Tom Green County is $1,125/month, while owner costs run $1,032/month. Owning saves approximately $93/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,229/year. With a median household income of $66,254, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Tom Green County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Tom Green County is more affordable than Dallam County by roughly 5% ($1,125/mo vs $1,074/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Tom Green County
Rent Burden
20.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,546
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Tom Green County
Median home value is $186,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,490 vs. your max of $1,546.
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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