Cost of Living in Elm Creek, TX

Population 3,730 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Elm Creek a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $117,000. At 8.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 105 miles northwest of Laredo, Elm Creek is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Laredo's $182,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 38

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

About the Cost of Living in Elm Creek

The median home value in Elm Creek is $116,500 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $62,331/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, 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 85.2°F and lows of 62.6°F. Overall, Elm Creek has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$116,500
62% below avg
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 89.3%
Renter-occupied 10.7%

🛒 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
31.8 min
18% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.4%
Carpooled
2.5%
Work from home
15.1%

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
$62,331
16% below avg
Per Capita Income
$18,211
Unemployment Rate
8.2%
70% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.2%
Labor Force Participation
60.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 1.9%
0

👥 Demographics

Median Age 27.9
Male median age 19.4
Female median age 37.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
85.2°F
Avg Low
62.6°F
Annual Precip
19.8"
Annual Snowfall
0.1"
40° 58° 75° 93° 110° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 68738087939810010194867568
Low °F 444856637177797973645344
Precip" 0.610.631.181.503.062.321.482.692.632.080.910.70
Snow" 0.00.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 34 — Good
72.4%
Good air days/yr
101
Max AQI recorded
330
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Elm Creek, TX?

Elm Creek has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is the average home price in Elm Creek?

The median home value in Elm Creek is $116,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Elm Creek?

The median household income in Elm Creek is $62,331 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Elm Creek, TX?

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

Is Elm Creek, TX affordable?

Yes, Elm Creek is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Elm Creek?

Elm Creek has average high temperatures of 85.2°F and average lows of 62.6°F. Annual precipitation is 19.8". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Elm Creek at a Glance

Population
3,730
Median Income
$62,331
Home Value
$116,500
Unemployment
8.2%
Avg High Temp
85.2°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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