Texas · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Baylor County, TX

The median household in Baylor County, TX earns $45,370 a year ($3,781/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $973/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $38,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 2.9% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$45,370$3,781 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$973HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)97.1-2.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential TX
Census Population3,485Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Baylor County, TX

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$973Monthly market rent
Share of gross income25.7%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$38,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,134At 30% of $45,370
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Baylor County, TX

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Baylor County, TX. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Baylor County, TX
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$737$8,844$29,48019.5%
1-Bedroom Apartment$742$8,904$29,68019.6%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$973$11,676$38,92025.7%
3-Bedroom Home$1,353$16,236$54,12035.8%
4-Bedroom Home$1,432$17,184$57,28037.9%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Baylor County, TX →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Baylor County, TX

Based on the local median household income of $45,370/year ($3,781/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,890/moRent ($973 2-BR), utilities (~$143/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,134/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 97.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$756/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Texas

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Texas state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$45,370
$15,000$95,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$45,370
Net 85%
Fed 7%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$38,635After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,220Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,486Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate14.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,264 / yr
Texas state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,471 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Texas with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Baylor County, TX

What is the median household income in Baylor County, TX?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Baylor County, TX is $45,370 per year (approximately $3,781 per month).

What is the average rent in Baylor County, TX?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Baylor County, TX are $737 for a studio, $742 for 1 bedroom, $973 for 2 bedrooms, $1,353 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,432 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Baylor County, TX compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Baylor County, TX is 97.1 (2.9% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Baylor County, TX?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($973/month) in Baylor County, TX requires a minimum gross household income of $38,920 per year ($3,243 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Baylor County, TX?

For a typical household earning the median income of $45,370/year ($3,781/month) in Baylor County, TX, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,890/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,134/month to discretionary spending, and $756/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Baylor County, TX?

Residential electricity rates in Texas average 15.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $143 per month.