Cost of Living in Austin, IN

Population 3,588 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023

39
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Austin's median household income of $30,473 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (18% here).

Located 40 miles north of Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Austin falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance)'s $222,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 29
Rent 53

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Austin

The median home value in Austin is $88,000 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $698/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $30,473/year is 59% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Austin has a cost of living index of 39 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$88,000
71% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$304,310
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$698/mo
47% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$783
2 BR
$985
3 BR
$1,286
4 BR
$1,456
Owner-occupied 64.8%
Renter-occupied 35.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$698
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,312/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.4 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.1%
Carpooled
11.0%
Work from home
4.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.0%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$30,473
59% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,351
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
35% below avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
Labor Force Participation
59.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.4%
Graduate degree 3.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.2
Male median age 47.8
Female median age 43.5

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82%
4-Year Graduation Rate
18.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,208
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Austin, IN?

Austin has a cost index of 39 (100 = national average). It is 61% below the national average.

What is average rent in Austin, IN?

The median gross rent in Austin is $698 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Austin?

The median home value in Austin is $88,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Austin?

The median household income in Austin is $30,473 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Austin, IN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Austin is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.

Is Austin, IN affordable?

Yes, Austin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 39 — about 61% below the US national average of 100.

Austin at a Glance

Population
3,588
Median Income
$30,473
Home Value
$88,000
Median Rent
$698/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in Indiana →
🗺️ County data for Indiana

Explore county-level cost of living data

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