Cost of Living in Willacy County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Willacy County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Willacy County ranks #2,986 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Willacy County, Texas
Willacy Struggles With Housing Affordability
Willacy County renters spend 22.8% of their income on housing—the highest burden in this group and significantly above the Texas average of 18.1%. With a $45,645 median household income and $868 monthly rent, affordability here is genuinely stressed.
Texas's Most Unaffordable County Here
Willacy ranks among the least affordable counties in all of Texas, with a 22.8% rent-to-income ratio that signals severe affordability strain. Only the most economically distressed counties in the state face worse housing-cost burdens.
Lowest Incomes in the Region
Willacy's $868 monthly rent is modest by Texas standards, but the $45,645 median household income is the lowest across all comparison counties. Even modest housing costs consume nearly a quarter of household earnings here.
22.8% to Rent, Maximum Strain
Renters in Willacy spend $868 monthly from a $45,645 annual income—22.8% consumed by housing before utilities, food, or other necessities. Homeowners fare better with $454 monthly payments and $60,800 median home values, making ownership a more viable option for those with down-payment savings.
Relocation Requires Strong Job Prospects
Willacy's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio makes it one of Texas's least affordable counties—suitable only for relocators with job offers that substantially exceed the $45,645 median income. If your new position brings meaningful wage growth, the area's low home prices ($60,800 median) could offer real long-term equity building.
Cost of Living Advisory: Willacy County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Willacy County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $868/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $868/month rent versus $454/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $414/month cheaper — a 48% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,457/year. With a median household income of $45,645, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Willacy County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Concho County where rent averages $919/month, Willacy County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Willacy County
Rent Burden
22.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,065
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Willacy County
Median home value is $60,800. Estimated monthly cost: $485 vs. your max of $1,065.
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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