Cost of Living in Onalaska, TX

Population 3,133 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Onalaska's median household income of $44,216 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (24% here). At 13.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Onalaska is about 50 miles northeast of The Woodlands, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 75% lower than The Woodlands' $479,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 40
Rent 78

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

About the Cost of Living in Onalaska

The median home value in Onalaska is $121,900 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,021/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,216/year is 41% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.2%, 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 78.9°F and lows of 58.5°F. Overall, Onalaska has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$121,900
60% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$177,023
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,021/mo
22% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.9x
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 74.9%
Renter-occupied 25.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,021
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,635/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
25.6 min
5% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.0%
Carpooled
23.0%
Work from home
7.1%

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
$44,216
41% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,433
Unemployment Rate
13.2%
173% above avg
Poverty Rate
24.1%
Labor Force Participation
51.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 4.1%
Graduate degree 0.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45
Male median age 46
Female median age 37

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.9°F
Avg Low
58.5°F
Annual Precip
43.6"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 616572798692949590817062
Low °F 414551586673757469594943
Precip" 3.642.873.363.234.034.572.753.243.224.364.254.13

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 37 — Good
91%
Good air days/yr
100
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
356
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Onalaska, TX?

Onalaska has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Onalaska, TX?

The median gross rent in Onalaska is $1,021 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Onalaska?

The median home value in Onalaska is $121,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Onalaska?

The median household income in Onalaska is $44,216 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Onalaska, TX?

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

Is Onalaska, TX affordable?

Yes, Onalaska is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Onalaska?

Onalaska has average high temperatures of 78.9°F and average lows of 58.5°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Onalaska at a Glance

Population
3,133
Median Income
$44,216
Home Value
$121,900
Median Rent
$1,021/mo
Unemployment
13.2%
Avg High Temp
78.9°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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