Cost of Living in Ballinger, TX

Population 3,599 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Ballinger is a smaller Texas community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $61,250 and housing costs ($109,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Ballinger is about 50 miles south of Abilene, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Abilene's $179,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 36
Rent 71

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

About the Cost of Living in Ballinger

The median home value in Ballinger is $109,000 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $935/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,250/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 77.5°F and lows of 49.9°F. Overall, Ballinger has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$109,000
64% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$386,592
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$935/mo
29% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 70.3%
Renter-occupied 29.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$935
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,549/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
20.6 min
24% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
89.7%
Carpooled
5.8%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
3.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$61,250
18% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,921
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
26% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Labor Force Participation
57.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.5%
Graduate degree 8.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.4
Male median age 41
Female median age 47.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.5°F
Avg Low
49.9°F
Annual Precip
23.9"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 596371798692959488786759
Low °F 293442515967686962503831
Precip" 1.101.161.612.013.632.641.302.712.722.471.501.06

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ballinger, TX?

Ballinger has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ballinger, TX?

The median gross rent in Ballinger is $935 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ballinger?

The median home value in Ballinger is $109,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ballinger?

The median household income in Ballinger is $61,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ballinger, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ballinger is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Ballinger, TX affordable?

Yes, Ballinger is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Ballinger?

Ballinger has average high temperatures of 77.5°F and average lows of 49.9°F. Annual precipitation is 23.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Ballinger at a Glance

Population
3,599
Median Income
$61,250
Home Value
$109,000
Median Rent
$935/mo
Unemployment
6.1%
Avg High Temp
77.5°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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