Cost of Living in Brownwood, TX
Population 18,805 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brownwood's median household income of $47,821 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 (19% here).
Brownwood is about 70 miles southeast 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 31% lower than Abilene's $179,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brownwood
The median home value in Brownwood is $123,700 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $829/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,821/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 78.7°F and lows of 51.2°F. Overall, Brownwood has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 63 | 70 | 79 | 86 | 93 | 97 | 98 | 90 | 81 | 69 | 61 |
| Low °F | 31 | 35 | 42 | 50 | 60 | 68 | 71 | 70 | 63 | 52 | 41 | 33 |
| Precip" | 1.84 | 2.16 | 2.82 | 2.91 | 4.97 | 3.33 | 1.99 | 2.96 | 3.32 | 3.32 | 2.33 | 2.18 |
| Snow" | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brownwood, TX?
Brownwood has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brownwood, TX?
The median gross rent in Brownwood is $829 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brownwood?
The median home value in Brownwood is $123,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brownwood?
The median household income in Brownwood is $47,821 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brownwood, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brownwood is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Brownwood, TX affordable?
Yes, Brownwood 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 Brownwood?
Brownwood has average high temperatures of 78.7°F and average lows of 51.2°F. Annual precipitation is 34.1". Average annual snowfall is 0.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Brownwood at a Glance
- Population
- 18,805
- Median Income
- $47,821
- Home Value
- $123,700
- Median Rent
- $829/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
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