Texas · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Deaf Smith County, TX

The median household in Deaf Smith County, TX earns $60,799 a year ($5,067/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,070/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $42,800 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 2.9% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$60,799$5,067 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,070HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)97.1-2.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential TX
Census Population18,460Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Deaf Smith County, TX

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,070Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.1%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$42,800To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,520At 30% of $60,799
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Deaf Smith County, TX

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Deaf Smith 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 Deaf Smith County, TX
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$738$8,856$29,52014.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment$855$10,260$34,20016.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,070$12,840$42,80021.1%
3-Bedroom Home$1,283$15,396$51,32025.3%
4-Bedroom Home$1,604$19,248$64,16031.7%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Deaf Smith County, TX →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Deaf Smith County, TX

Based on the local median household income of $60,799/year ($5,067/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,533/moRent ($1,070 2-BR), utilities (~$143/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,520/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 97.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,013/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.

$60,799
$20,000$125,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$60,799
Net 84%
Fed 8%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$51,032After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,253Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,963Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate16.1%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,116 / yr
Texas state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,651 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Deaf Smith County, TX

What is the median household income in Deaf Smith County, TX?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Deaf Smith County, TX is $60,799 per year (approximately $5,067 per month).

What is the average rent in Deaf Smith County, TX?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Deaf Smith County, TX are $738 for a studio, $855 for 1 bedroom, $1,070 for 2 bedrooms, $1,283 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,604 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Deaf Smith 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 Deaf Smith County, TX?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,070/month) in Deaf Smith County, TX requires a minimum gross household income of $42,800 per year ($3,567 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $60,799/year ($5,067/month) in Deaf Smith County, TX, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,533/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,520/month to discretionary spending, and $1,013/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Deaf Smith 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.