Cost of Living in Childress, TX

Population 5,964 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

45
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Childress is a smaller Texas community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,662 and housing costs ($84,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Childress lies roughly 105 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Amarillo. Median home values run roughly 55% lower than Amarillo's $187,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 71

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

About the Cost of Living in Childress

The median home value in Childress is $84,200 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $934/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,662/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.2%, 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 75.5°F and lows of 49.9°F, with about 5.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Childress has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$84,200
72% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$464,922
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$934/mo
29% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
7.5x
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 57.8%
Renter-occupied 42.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$934
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,548/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
23.4 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
0.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
93.1%
Carpooled
6.3%
Work from home
0.6%

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
$59,662
20% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,231
Unemployment Rate
0.2%
96% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Labor Force Participation
49.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.9%
Graduate degree 2.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.9
Male median age 32.4
Female median age 39

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.5°F
Avg Low
49.9°F
Annual Precip
23.7"
Annual Snowfall
5.5"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 555868768492969587766555
Low °F 293240485968727062503931
Precip" 0.770.891.362.303.503.751.962.802.381.951.190.82
Snow" 1.40.60.60.20.00.00.00.00.00.41.01.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Childress, TX?

Childress has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.

What is average rent in Childress, TX?

The median gross rent in Childress is $934 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Childress?

The median home value in Childress is $84,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Childress?

The median household income in Childress is $59,662 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Childress, TX?

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

Is Childress, TX affordable?

Yes, Childress is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Childress?

Childress has average high temperatures of 75.5°F and average lows of 49.9°F. Annual precipitation is 23.7". Average annual snowfall is 5.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Childress at a Glance

Population
5,964
Median Income
$59,662
Home Value
$84,200
Median Rent
$934/mo
Unemployment
0.2%
Avg High Temp
75.5°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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