Cost of Living in Shepherd, TX

With a cost of living index of 66, Shepherd, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 34% cheaper than the national average and 21% below the Texas state average of 88. Shepherd is a small community of 2,124 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Shepherd's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $642 (51% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $144,100 (53% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Shepherd is $48,368, which is 36% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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 Shepherd. The area sees an average annual temperature of 67.7°F, with summers averaging 82°F and winters around 53°F. Annual rainfall totals 47.7 inches spread over roughly 123 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.