Cost of Living in Lamesa, TX

Population 8,527 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

44
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 Lamesa a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $86,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Lamesa is about 50 miles north of Midland, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 71% lower than Midland's $299,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 69

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

About the Cost of Living in Lamesa

The median home value in Lamesa is $85,800 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $903/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,533/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.2%, 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 77.9°F and lows of 51.7°F, with about 2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lamesa has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$85,800
72% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$323,322
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$903/mo
31% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
7.9x
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 68.0%
Renter-occupied 31.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$903
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,517/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
25.8 min
4% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.9%
Carpooled
19.5%
Work from home
3.5%

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
$50,533
32% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,446
Unemployment Rate
9.2%
92% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.6%
Labor Force Participation
63.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.7%
Graduate degree 2.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.3
Male median age 31.6
Female median age 35.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.9°F
Avg Low
51.7°F
Annual Precip
19.6"
Annual Snowfall
2"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 586371798794969588796758
Low °F 313542506068727264534133
Precip" 0.730.801.151.552.542.491.582.402.391.841.350.78
Snow" 0.30.70.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.30.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lamesa, TX?

Lamesa has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lamesa, TX?

The median gross rent in Lamesa is $903 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lamesa?

The median home value in Lamesa is $85,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lamesa?

The median household income in Lamesa is $50,533 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lamesa, TX?

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

Is Lamesa, TX affordable?

Yes, Lamesa is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Lamesa?

Lamesa has average high temperatures of 77.9°F and average lows of 51.7°F. Annual precipitation is 19.6". Average annual snowfall is 2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lamesa at a Glance

Population
8,527
Median Income
$50,533
Home Value
$85,800
Median Rent
$903/mo
Unemployment
9.2%
Avg High Temp
77.9°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
View all cities in Texas →
🗺️ County data for Texas

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs