Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$66,643$5,554 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in McLennan County, TX
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: McLennan County, TX
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Waco, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $850 | $10,200 | $34,000 | 15.3% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $996 | $11,952 | $39,840 | 17.9% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,240 | $14,880 | $49,600 | 22.3% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,599 | $19,188 | $63,960 | 28.8% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,644 | $19,728 | $65,760 | 29.6% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in McLennan County, TX
Based on the local median household income of $66,643/year ($5,554/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Texas with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in McLennan County, TX
What is the median household income in McLennan County, TX?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in McLennan County, TX is $66,643 per year (approximately $5,554 per month).
What is the average rent in McLennan County, TX?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in McLennan County, TX are $850 for a studio, $996 for 1 bedroom, $1,240 for 2 bedrooms, $1,599 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,644 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in McLennan County, TX compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in McLennan County, TX is 92.5 (7.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in McLennan County, TX?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,240/month) in McLennan County, TX requires a minimum gross household income of $49,600 per year ($4,133 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in McLennan County, TX?
For a typical household earning the median income of $66,643/year ($5,554/month) in McLennan County, TX, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,777/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,666/month to discretionary spending, and $1,111/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in McLennan 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.