Cost of Living in Scissors, TX

Population 3,196 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

29
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Scissors run well below national norms — a median of $37,625 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $51,000). Around 39% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Located 14 miles southeast of McAllen, Scissors falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 71% lower than McAllen's $174,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 17
Rent 47

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

About the Cost of Living in Scissors

The median home value in Scissors is $51,100 — 83% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $617/month, 53% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,625/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, 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 87.3°F and lows of 67.4°F. Overall, Scissors has a cost of living index of 29 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 71% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$51,100
83% below avg
Median Rent
$617/mo
53% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
6.9x
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 83.9%
Renter-occupied 16.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$617
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,231/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
23.4 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.5%
Carpooled
15.8%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
8.2%

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
$37,625
50% below avg
Per Capita Income
$14,892
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
7% above avg
Poverty Rate
39.4%
Labor Force Participation
61.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 2.6%
Graduate degree 0.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 25.1
Male median age 21
Female median age 27.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
87.3°F
Avg Low
67.4°F
Annual Precip
22.2"
50° 63° 75° 88° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 7377838893979910094898074
Low °F 535763687478797976696054
Precip" 0.770.721.381.432.033.052.031.814.612.101.171.06

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
57.7%
Good air days/yr
95
Max AQI recorded
338
PM2.5 days
19
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Scissors, TX?

Scissors has a cost index of 29 (100 = national average). It is 71% below the national average.

What is average rent in Scissors, TX?

The median gross rent in Scissors is $617 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Scissors?

The median home value in Scissors is $51,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Scissors?

The median household income in Scissors is $37,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Scissors, TX?

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

Is Scissors, TX affordable?

Yes, Scissors is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 29 — about 71% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Scissors?

Scissors has average high temperatures of 87.3°F and average lows of 67.4°F. Annual precipitation is 22.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Scissors at a Glance

Population
3,196
Median Income
$37,625
Home Value
$51,100
Median Rent
$617/mo
Unemployment
5.2%
Avg High Temp
87.3°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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