Most affordable counties in Texas

Ranking of counties in Texas by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

Texas AMI (4-person)

$98,800

HUD Income Limits

Counties with cost data

250

of 254 total

30%+ cost burdened

45.6%

HUD CHAS

Severely burdened (50%+)

20.5%

Texas vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr

around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875

5 affordable

Moderate income · $60,000/yr

around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500

155 affordable

Middle income · $90,000/yr

around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250

242 affordable

Upper middle · $140,000/yr

well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500

250 affordable

High income · $200,000/yr

top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000

250 affordable

Median owner cost statewide

$1,480

Census ACS, with-mortgage households.

Median household income

$62,041

Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in Texas are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 155 out of 250 Texas counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of Texas households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 45.6% of Texas households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 20.5% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in Texas?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in Texas is $98,800 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $79,050; 50% AMI: $49,400.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Census ACS 5-year: median owner cost with mortgage
HUD CHAS: state + national cost-burden 2017-2021
HUD Income Limits: Texas AMI thresholds

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.