Cost of Living in Wood County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wood County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wood County ranks #1,523 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wood County, Texas
Wood County Rents Beat National Average
At 16.3%, Wood County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $851 per month is substantially cheaper than the nation's housing squeeze, giving renters more breathing room in their budgets.
More Affordable Than Most Texas Counties
Wood County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's 254 counties. Renters here pay $112 less per month than the Texas median, making this county a relative affordability bright spot.
Wood County's Competitive Housing Market
Compared to neighboring Young County ($849 rent) and Yoakum County ($931 rent), Wood County's $851 median rent keeps pace with similar rural Texas markets. The county's $62,524 median household income is slightly lower than Yoakum County ($82,261) but competitive with Young County ($63,723).
Rent Eats 16% of Income Here
Wood County renters allocate about 16% of their $62,524 annual income to rent, while homeowners dedicate roughly 14% to monthly owner costs of $745. Together, housing consumes roughly 30% of household income for most families—above the recommended 28% threshold but manageable compared to many Texas metros.
Rural Texas Option Worth Exploring
If you're priced out of urban Texas markets, Wood County offers solid affordability without sacrificing stability—rents are low, incomes are steady, and homeownership is accessible at a median value of $195,100. Compare this option to neighboring counties and see if small-town Texas living fits your budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wood County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Wood County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $851/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $851/month rent versus $745/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $106/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,929/year. With a median household income of $62,524, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Wood County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Wood County is less affordable than Red River County by roughly 6% ($851/mo vs $902/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wood County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,459
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
The median home in Wood County may be a stretch
Median home value is $195,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,558 vs. your max of $1,459.
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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