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Cost of Living & Affordability: Longview, TX

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Longview, TX

Cap Rate
3.72%
Median Price
$210K
Rent/Mo
$1,160
1% Rule
0.55%
Fails

Housing Affordability

Longview's price-to-income ratio is 3.3x — homes cost 3.3 times the local median household income of $63,735. This is very affordable. Homes are well within reach of local workers, which can mean a smaller renter pool but also a healthier, more stable market. Rental demand comes from those who choose to rent rather than those priced out of buying.

Rent vs Buy Analysis

A typical mortgage payment on a median-priced home in Longview (20% down at 7%) is approximately $1,397/mo for principal and interest alone — add taxes and insurance and the all-in payment reaches roughly $1,768. The median rent of $1,160/mo is significantly less than buying — this rent-vs-buy gap is one of the strongest indicators of sustainable rental demand. When renting is cheaper than buying, the renter pool stays deep and vacancy stays low.

Income & Employment

The median household income in Longview is $63,735, with a population of 50,000 growing at 1.8% per year. Longview is a smaller market. Research the local employment base carefully — smaller cities can be significantly impacted by a single employer's decisions. Moderate population growth indicates a stable economic foundation.

What This Means for Investors

Longview is affordable with moderate returns. Focus on volume — the low entry point lets you scale to multiple properties faster than in more expensive markets.

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How Longview Compares

Longview vs Texas state average and national average across key investment metrics. Longview's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.

Metric
Longview
Texas Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
3.72%
3.89%
3.81%
Median Price
$210K
$264K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,160
$1,415
$1,524
Property Tax
1.72%
1.72%
1.08%
Vacancy
5.8%
5.8%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
1.8%/yr
1.8%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby South Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Longview, TX
3.7%
$210K
$1,160
1.72%
Jackson, MS
6.3%
$210K
$1,480
0.65%
Amarillo, TX
4.2%
$210K
$1,240
1.62%
Lubbock, TX
5.0%
$210K
$1,390
1.65%
Hattiesburg, MS
5.3%
$210K
$1,280
0.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Longview affordable for renters?
Renters in Longview spend approximately 22% of median household income on rent. This is within the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters have room in their budgets. The median household income is $63,735, below the level needed for comfortable renting.
What is the price-to-income ratio in Longview?
Longview's price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, meaning homes cost 3.3 times the local median income. This is very affordable — below the 4x threshold that typically signals a healthy buyer's market.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Longview?
A mortgage payment (20% down, 7% rate) on the median $210K home is approximately $1,117/mo before taxes and insurance. Adding those costs brings it to roughly $1,488/mo. The median rent of $1,160/mo is less than the cost of buying — this parity means some renters could transition to buying.
How does Longview's cost of living compare to the national average?
Home prices in Longview ($210K) are 37% below the national average. Rents ($1,160/mo) are 24% below average. Property taxes (1.72%) are above the 1.08% national average.
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Explore Longview & Related Markets

More Longview Guides

Rental Property Investment GuideRent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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