Cost of Living in Lufkin, TX

Population 34,158 · 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

The Lufkin cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $163,000, rents near $1,043 a month. At 6.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Lufkin lies roughly 75 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Tyler. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Tyler's $216,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 79

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

About the Cost of Living in Lufkin

The median home value in Lufkin is $162,600 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,043/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,722/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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 77.8°F and lows of 55.1°F. Overall, Lufkin has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$162,600
47% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$195,501
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,043/mo
21% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,408/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.0x
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 52.0%
Renter-occupied 48.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,043
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,657/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
19.0 min
30% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.0%
Carpooled
11.5%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
1.6%
Work from home
5.1%

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
$56,722
24% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,793
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
44% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.2%
Labor Force Participation
61.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.2%
Graduate degree 8.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.4
Male median age 31.3
Female median age 36.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.8°F
Avg Low
55.1°F
Annual Precip
50.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 606471788590939489806961
Low °F 384248546369727166554539
Precip" 4.663.884.213.694.644.223.343.753.944.734.534.68

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lufkin, TX?

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

What is average rent in Lufkin, TX?

The median gross rent in Lufkin is $1,043 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lufkin?

The median home value in Lufkin is $162,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lufkin?

The median household income in Lufkin is $56,722 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lufkin, TX?

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

Is Lufkin, TX affordable?

Yes, Lufkin 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 Lufkin?

Lufkin has average high temperatures of 77.8°F and average lows of 55.1°F. Annual precipitation is 50.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lufkin at a Glance

Population
34,158
Median Income
$56,722
Home Value
$162,600
Median Rent
$1,043/mo
Unemployment
6.9%
Avg High Temp
77.8°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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