Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Stephenville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Stephenville, you need to earn at least $51,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,088, which means the typical resident is $3,192 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 21,020

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$897	$2,990	$35,880	$-12,208
1 Bedroom	$1,064	$3,547	$42,560	$-5,528
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,282	$4,273	$51,280	+$3,192
3 Bedroom	$1,564	$5,213	$62,560	+$14,472
4 Bedroom	$1,923	$6,410	$76,920	+$28,832

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,088

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$51,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$3,192

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 32.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Stephenville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,202

Studio

$897/mo

1 BR

$1,064/mo

2 BR

$1,282/mo

3 BR

$1,564/mo

4 BR

$1,923/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Stephenville

Renting in Stephenville is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $3,192, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $897/month.

If you're relocating to Stephenville, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($897–$1,064/month) unless your income exceeds $51,280. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $641/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Stephenville is approximately $76,920. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Stephenville, Texas.

With a total population of 21,020, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 10,541 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $51,280 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

10,541

Active civilian employees in Stephenville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Stephenville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Stephenville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $51,280. The median household income in Stephenville is $48,088.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Stephenville on $48,088?

The affordability verdict for Stephenville is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 32.0%, meaning there's a $3,192 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Stephenville is $1,064/month. With a median household income of $48,088, residents spend approximately 32.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Stephenville?

A studio in Stephenville rents for approximately $897/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $35,880 to afford this.

Is Stephenville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $3,192 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Stephenville is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $51,280 to the local median household income.

How Stephenville Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements