Cost of Living in Hempstead, TX

With a cost of living index of 86, Hempstead, TX is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 14% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Texas state average. Hempstead is a smaller community of 5,899 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hempstead's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,282 (3% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $145,700 (52% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.5x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Hempstead is $58,288, which is 22% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Hempstead. The area sees an average annual temperature of 69.8°F, with summers averaging 84°F and winters around 55°F. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches spread over roughly 122 days.

Everyday prices in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.