Cost of Living in Early, TX

Population 3,159 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

68
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing costs in Early stay well under national norms: a median home value of $171,000 against median household incomes of $69,375 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Texas.

Early 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. Housing prices track closely with Abilene's $179,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 56
Rent 87

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

About the Cost of Living in Early

The median home value in Early is $170,700 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,137/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,375/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Early has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$170,700
44% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$400,192
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,137/mo
13% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.5x
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 71.1%
Renter-occupied 28.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,137
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,751/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
19.5 min
28% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.7%
Carpooled
10.6%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
7.6%

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
$69,375
7% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,696
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
1% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Labor Force Participation
66.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.4%
Graduate degree 7.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.2
Male median age 32.6
Female median age 37.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.7°F
Avg Low
51.2°F
Annual Precip
34.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.7"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 596370798693979890816961
Low °F 313542506068717063524133
Precip" 1.842.162.822.914.973.331.992.963.323.322.332.18
Snow" 0.40.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Early, TX?

Early has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Early, TX?

The median gross rent in Early is $1,137 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Early?

The median home value in Early is $170,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Early?

The median household income in Early is $69,375 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Early, TX?

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

Is Early, TX affordable?

Yes, Early is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Early?

Early 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.

Early at a Glance

Population
3,159
Median Income
$69,375
Home Value
$170,700
Median Rent
$1,137/mo
Unemployment
4.8%
Avg High Temp
78.7°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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