Cost of Living in Upton County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Upton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Upton County ranks #1,000 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Upton County, Texas
Upton County: Texas's cheapest housing
Upton County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks lowest among all eight counties and significantly beats both the national average (20%) and Texas state average (18.1%). At just $689 monthly median rent, Upton offers genuine housing affordability despite median income of $52,321.
Most affordable corner of Texas
Upton County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio places it among Texas's most affordable regions, with median rent running 28% below the state average. The county achieves exceptional affordability through genuinely low housing costs rather than high local incomes.
Unbeatable pricing among all eight
Upton's $689 median rent is the lowest of all eight counties—25% cheaper than Trinity ($823), 39% cheaper than Tom Green ($1,125), and less than half Travis's rate. Its $106,300 median home value similarly ranks among the absolute lowest in the region.
Rock-bottom costs in rural West Texas
The typical Upton renter pays just $689 monthly while an owner carries $619—both figures represent roughly one-seventh of the county's $52,321 median income. These exceptionally low costs leave substantial income available for other household expenses.
Upton County for maximum affordability
If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Upton County delivers unmatched value among these options—rent consumes just 15.8% of income versus 20%+ elsewhere. Consider Upton if you're relocating for remote work, entrepreneurship, or any role where geographic flexibility allows you to capture this affordability advantage.
Cost of Living Advisory: Upton County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Upton County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $689/month in gross rent, with 16.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Upton County pay $689/month on average, compared to $619/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,529/year. With a median household income of $52,321, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 16.0% of renter households in Upton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Crosby County where rent averages $637/month, Upton County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Upton County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,221
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Upton County
Median home value is $106,300. Estimated monthly cost: $849 vs. your max of $1,221.
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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