Cost of Living in Wharton, TX

Population 8,671 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

60
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $47,692, median household incomes in Wharton land roughly 36% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Wharton is about 35 miles southwest of Sugar Land, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 63% lower than Sugar Land's $407,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 49
Rent 76

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

About the Cost of Living in Wharton

The median home value in Wharton is $149,300 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $993/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,692/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, 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 80.7°F and lows of 61.4°F. Overall, Wharton has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$149,300
51% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$218,116
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$993/mo
24% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.5x
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 46.3%
Renter-occupied 53.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$993
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,607/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
26.4 min
2% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.8%
Carpooled
7.7%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
3.4%
Bicycle
1.3%
Work from home
3.0%

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
$47,692
36% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,676
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
37% above avg
Poverty Rate
21.2%
Labor Force Participation
59.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.9%
Graduate degree 5.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.4
Male median age 35.1
Female median age 37.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
80.7°F
Avg Low
61.4°F
Annual Precip
49.7"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 646874808792959490837467
Low °F 455055606974767672625346
Precip" 3.632.833.494.265.244.224.165.274.424.653.783.76

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wharton, TX?

Wharton has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.

What is average rent in Wharton, TX?

The median gross rent in Wharton is $993 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wharton?

The median home value in Wharton is $149,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Wharton?

The median household income in Wharton is $47,692 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wharton, TX?

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

Is Wharton, TX affordable?

Yes, Wharton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Wharton?

Wharton has average high temperatures of 80.7°F and average lows of 61.4°F. Annual precipitation is 49.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wharton at a Glance

Population
8,671
Median Income
$47,692
Home Value
$149,300
Median Rent
$993/mo
Unemployment
6.6%
Avg High Temp
80.7°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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