Cost of Living in Wharton County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wharton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wharton County ranks #3,104 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wharton County, Texas
Wharton delivers solid affordability for renters
Wharton County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% sits just above the state average of 18.1% and comfortably below national affordability thresholds. With median rent at $986 and household income of $66,100—slightly below national average—renters here allocate reasonable housing shares to their budgets.
Reliable affordability in coastal Texas
Wharton ranks near the state average with a 17.9% rent-to-income ratio, positioning it as one of coastal Texas's more affordable counties. The $986 rent aligns with state medians while incomes of $66,100 support manageable affordability.
Affordable edge in rural competition
Wharton's $986 rent ties with Walker County as the region's cheapest, while its $66,100 income exceeds Walker County but trails most other peers. The county offers strong value: rural rents with better household earnings than many agricultural neighbors.
Balanced affordability across housing types
Wharton renters pay $986 monthly (17.9% of income) while homeowners spend $892—making ownership slightly cheaper and more accessible than renting. Median home values of $182,700 sit below the regional average, offering reasonable entry points for buyers.
Solid choice for coastal Texas affordability
Wharton appeals to families seeking coastal proximity without Gulf resort pricing: the 17.9% rent-to-income ratio delivers genuine affordability near the Texas coast. With ownership costs lower than rent and home values around $182,700, the county balances accessibility across both tenure types.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wharton County
Affordability Verdict
Wharton County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $986/month — about 17.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Wharton County pay $986/month on average, compared to $892/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 $39,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,229/year. With a median household income of $66,100, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Wharton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Wharton County sits 6% more expensive than Childress County ($934/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wharton County
Rent Burden
17.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,542
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wharton County
Median home value is $182,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,459 vs. your max of $1,542.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Wharton County, Texas?
What is the median rent in Wharton County?
Is Wharton County affordable?
How does Wharton County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Wharton County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Wharton County, Texas? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Wharton County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.