Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hillcrest?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest, you need to earn at least $84,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $119,688, which means the typical resident is $35,368 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 727

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,476	$4,920	$59,040	$-60,648
1 Bedroom	$1,750	$5,833	$70,000	$-49,688
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,108	$7,027	$84,320	$-35,368
3 Bedroom	$2,572	$8,573	$102,880	$-16,808
4 Bedroom	$3,162	$10,540	$126,480	+$6,792

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Hillcrest's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$119,688

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$84,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$35,368

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Hillcrest

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hillcrest's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,992

Studio

$1,476/mo

1 BR

$1,750/mo

2 BR

$2,108/mo

3 BR

$2,572/mo

4 BR

$3,162/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Hillcrest.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Hillcrest's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hillcrest

Hillcrest, Texas stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $119,688 significantly exceeds the $84,320 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $35,368 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Hillcrest, a studio at $1,476/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,572/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $102,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $126,480 would position you well — though many residents in Hillcrest manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Hillcrest, Texas.

With a total population of 727, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 339 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $84,320 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

339

Active civilian employees in Hillcrest

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hillcrest

What salary do I need to live in Hillcrest, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $84,320. The median household income in Hillcrest is $119,688.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest on $119,688?

The affordability verdict for Hillcrest is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.1%, meaning median earners have a $35,368 surplus.

What is the average rent in Hillcrest compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Hillcrest is $1,750/month. With a median household income of $119,688, residents spend approximately 21.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hillcrest?

A studio in Hillcrest rents for approximately $1,476/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $59,040 to afford this.

Is Hillcrest considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $35,368 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Hillcrest is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $84,320 to the local median household income.

How Hillcrest Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements