Cost of Living in Waller County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Waller County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Waller County ranks #2,944 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Waller County, Texas
Waller's strong incomes buffer rising housing costs
Waller County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% sits slightly above Texas's 18.1% average but remains manageable given the county's median household income of $76,135—above both the state and national averages. The trade-off is clear: higher rents at $1,210 monthly are offset by stronger household earnings.
Premium pricing reflects Houston suburban pull
Waller's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio and $1,210 median rent rank it among Texas's pricier counties, reflecting its position as a growing Houston suburb. Yet the county's $76,135 median income—above the state norm—keeps affordability manageable despite premium housing costs.
Most expensive but best-paid in the cluster
Waller County commands the highest rents ($1,210) and mortgage costs ($1,225) among its peers, yet residents earn the strongest median income at $76,135. The county's median home value of $292,000 reflects Houston-area growth and demand for suburban space.
Ownership costs rival or exceed rent
In Waller, median ownership costs of $1,225 actually exceed median rent at $1,210—an unusual pattern reflecting high property values of $292,000. Renters spend 19.1% of income on housing while buyers allocate about 19.3%, making the county roughly balanced between tenure types in affordability terms.
Houston suburb for well-compensated migrants
Waller works best for relocators with incomes near or above the county median of $76,135, who can absorb rents at $1,210 and home prices at $292,000. The county's proximity to Houston's job market and relatively balanced affordability make it attractive for suburban living without Houston's intensity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Waller County
Affordability Verdict
Waller County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,210/month representing approximately 19.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Waller County is $1,210/month, while owner costs run $1,225/month. Renting saves approximately $15/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $48,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,500/year. With a median household income of $76,135, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Waller County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Waller County is more affordable than Victoria County by roughly 5% ($1,210/mo vs $1,151/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Waller County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,776
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.3%
of gross income
The median home in Waller County may be a stretch
Median home value is $292,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,331 vs. your max of $1,776.
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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