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MarketsTexasWichita FallsCost of Living & Affordability

Cost of Living & Affordability: Wichita Falls, TX

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Wichita Falls, TX

Cap Rate
5.86%
Median Price
$170K
Rent/Mo
$1,260
1% Rule
0.74%
Fails

Housing Affordability

Wichita Falls's price-to-income ratio is 2.7x — homes cost 2.7 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 Wichita Falls (20% down at 7%) is approximately $1,131/mo for principal and interest alone — add taxes and insurance and the all-in payment reaches roughly $1,431. The median rent of $1,260/mo is actually more than the cost of buying — this is unusual and may signal rent correction risk or unique local factors. When renting is cheaper than buying, the renter pool stays deep and vacancy stays low.

Income & Employment

The median household income in Wichita Falls is $63,735, with a population of 50,000 growing at 1.8% per year. Wichita Falls 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

Wichita Falls offers an attractive combination: affordable prices keep your entry cost low while strong rent-to-price ratios drive cash flow. The affordable price point also means more residents can eventually buy, providing a natural exit strategy if you ever sell to an owner-occupant.

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How Wichita Falls Compares

Wichita Falls vs Texas state average and national average across key investment metrics. Wichita Falls outperforms both benchmarks on cap rate.

Metric
Wichita Falls
Texas Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
5.86%
3.89%
3.81%
Median Price
$170K
$264K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,260
$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
Wichita Falls, TX
5.9%
$170K
$1,260
1.72%
Anniston, AL
4.9%
$170K
$920
0.42%
Greenwood, SC
5.6%
$170K
$1,050
0.57%
Paducah, KY
6.5%
$170K
$1,220
0.81%
Somerset, KY
5.8%
$170K
$1,120
0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wichita Falls affordable for renters?
Renters in Wichita Falls spend approximately 24% 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 Wichita Falls?
Wichita Falls's price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, meaning homes cost 2.7 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 Wichita Falls?
A mortgage payment (20% down, 7% rate) on the median $170K home is approximately $904/mo before taxes and insurance. Adding those costs brings it to roughly $1,205/mo. The median rent of $1,260/mo is comparable to the cost of buying — this parity means some renters could transition to buying.
How does Wichita Falls's cost of living compare to the national average?
Home prices in Wichita Falls ($170K) are 49% below the national average. Rents ($1,260/mo) are 17% below average. Property taxes (1.72%) are above the 1.08% national average.
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Explore Wichita Falls & Related Markets

More Wichita Falls Guides

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

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