Cost of Living in Howe, TX

Population 3,638 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

73
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Howe is a smaller Texas community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $57,417 and housing costs ($190,000 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 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Howe sits roughly 20 miles north of McKinney. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than McKinney's $440,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 62
Rent 89

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

About the Cost of Living in Howe

The median home value in Howe is $190,000 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,167/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,417/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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 75.9°F and lows of 54.1°F. Overall, Howe has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$190,000
38% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$411,728
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,167/mo
11% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.6x
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 60.5%
Renter-occupied 39.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,167
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,781/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
30.2 min
12% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
55.3%
Carpooled
38.6%
Work from home
6.1%

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
$57,417
23% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,965
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
57% below avg
Poverty Rate
22.4%
Labor Force Participation
77.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.7%
Graduate degree 3.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 26.9
Male median age 28.8
Female median age 24.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.9°F
Avg Low
54.1°F
Annual Precip
38.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 566068758391959688786657
Low °F 343846536270747366544436
Precip" 2.702.573.513.584.773.581.961.732.814.413.193.49

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Howe, TX?

Howe has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.

What is average rent in Howe, TX?

The median gross rent in Howe is $1,167 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Howe?

The median home value in Howe is $190,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Howe?

The median household income in Howe is $57,417 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Howe, TX?

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

Is Howe, TX affordable?

Yes, Howe is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Howe?

Howe has average high temperatures of 75.9°F and average lows of 54.1°F. Annual precipitation is 38.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Howe at a Glance

Population
3,638
Median Income
$57,417
Home Value
$190,000
Median Rent
$1,167/mo
Unemployment
2.1%
Avg High Temp
75.9°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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