Texas · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Matagorda County, TX

The median household in Matagorda County, TX earns $58,628 a year ($4,886/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,173/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $46,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 2.9% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$58,628$4,886 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,173HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)97.1-2.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential TX
Census Population36,329Official resident count

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,173Monthly market rent
Share of gross income24%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$46,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,466At 30% of $58,628
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Matagorda County, TX

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Matagorda 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 Matagorda County, TX
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$912$10,944$36,48018.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment$960$11,520$38,40019.6%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,173$14,076$46,92024%
3-Bedroom Home$1,498$17,976$59,92030.7%
4-Bedroom Home$1,911$22,932$76,44039.1%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Matagorda County, TX →

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

Based on the local median household income of $58,628/year ($4,886/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,443/moRent ($1,173 2-BR), utilities (~$143/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,466/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 97.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$977/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.

$58,628
$20,000$120,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$58,628
Net 84%
Fed 8%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$49,288After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,107Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,896Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate15.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,855 / yr
Texas state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,485 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Matagorda County, TX

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Matagorda County, TX is $58,628 per year (approximately $4,886 per month).

What is the average rent in Matagorda County, TX?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Matagorda County, TX are $912 for a studio, $960 for 1 bedroom, $1,173 for 2 bedrooms, $1,498 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,911 for 4 bedrooms.

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

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,173/month) in Matagorda County, TX requires a minimum gross household income of $46,920 per year ($3,910 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $58,628/year ($4,886/month) in Matagorda County, TX, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,443/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,466/month to discretionary spending, and $977/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Matagorda 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.