Cost of Living in Fort Stockton, TX

Population 8,340 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

64
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Fort Stockton can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $177,000 against $69,688 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 1.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Fort Stockton lies roughly 75 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Odessa — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Odessa's $208,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 58
Rent 74

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

About the Cost of Living in Fort Stockton

The median home value in Fort Stockton is $176,600 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $977/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,688/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.0%, 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 79.3°F and lows of 53.9°F. Overall, Fort Stockton has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$176,600
42% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$154,066
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$977/mo
26% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.1x
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 64.1%
Renter-occupied 35.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$977
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,591/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
17.2 min
36% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.1%
Carpooled
8.3%
Walked
1.4%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
1.1%

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
$69,688
7% below avg
Per Capita Income
$32,474
Unemployment Rate
1.0%
79% below avg
Poverty Rate
29.1%
Labor Force Participation
61.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.8%
Graduate degree 6.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.3
Male median age 34.1
Female median age 31.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
79.3°F
Avg Low
53.9°F
Annual Precip
12.8"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 616674828995949487806962
Low °F 364046536269717064554437
Precip" 0.640.440.590.621.651.761.691.451.721.030.580.59

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fort Stockton, TX?

Fort Stockton has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.

What is average rent in Fort Stockton, TX?

The median gross rent in Fort Stockton is $977 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fort Stockton?

The median home value in Fort Stockton is $176,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fort Stockton?

The median household income in Fort Stockton is $69,688 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fort Stockton, TX?

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

Is Fort Stockton, TX affordable?

Yes, Fort Stockton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Fort Stockton?

Fort Stockton has average high temperatures of 79.3°F and average lows of 53.9°F. Annual precipitation is 12.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Fort Stockton at a Glance

Population
8,340
Median Income
$69,688
Home Value
$176,600
Median Rent
$977/mo
Unemployment
1.0%
Avg High Temp
79.3°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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