Cost of Living in Carthage, TX

Population 6,568 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

53
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Carthage's median household income of $44,738 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 (12% here). An unemployment rate of 1.4% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 40 miles southwest of Shreveport, Carthage falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Shreveport's $178,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 50
Rent 56

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

About the Cost of Living in Carthage

The median home value in Carthage is $153,100 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $737/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,738/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, 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 76.0°F and lows of 54.5°F. Overall, Carthage has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$153,100
50% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$192,165
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$737/mo
44% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.3x
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 66.4%
Renter-occupied 33.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$737
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,351/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
21.4 min
21% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.7%
Carpooled
13.3%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
2.4%

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
$44,738
40% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,611
Unemployment Rate
1.4%
70% below avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
Labor Force Participation
56.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.3%
Graduate degree 4.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.4
Male median age 38.7
Female median age 40.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
76.0°F
Avg Low
54.5°F
Annual Precip
50.3"
Annual Snowfall
0.4"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576169768389939488786759
Low °F 364047546269727266554538
Precip" 4.344.234.734.624.354.922.913.103.494.454.184.95
Snow" 0.20.20.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Carthage, TX?

Carthage has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.

What is average rent in Carthage, TX?

The median gross rent in Carthage is $737 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Carthage?

The median home value in Carthage is $153,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Carthage?

The median household income in Carthage is $44,738 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Carthage, TX?

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

Is Carthage, TX affordable?

Yes, Carthage is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Carthage?

Carthage has average high temperatures of 76.0°F and average lows of 54.5°F. Annual precipitation is 50.3". Average annual snowfall is 0.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Carthage at a Glance

Population
6,568
Median Income
$44,738
Home Value
$153,100
Median Rent
$737/mo
Unemployment
1.4%
Avg High Temp
76.0°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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