Starr County, Texas

Income Data

-41% vs. Texas average
$38,182
Median Household Income
$18,063
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$38,182
-41% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$18,063
-54% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Texas
#248 / 253
by median household income

How Starr County Compares

Starr County$38,182
Texas Average$64,737
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$38,182
Median Household Income
$18,063
Per Capita Income
$93,300
Median Home Value
40.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Starr County, Texas

Median Income Significantly Below National

Starr County's median household income of $38,182 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $36,573, or nearly 49%. This substantial gap ranks Starr among the lowest-income counties nationally and signals acute economic challenges for residents.

Texas's Lower-Income Counties

At $38,182, Starr ranks far below the Texas county average of $64,737—among the bottom 10% statewide. The per capita income of $18,063 is less than 55% of the state average of $33,197, indicating severe individual earning constraints.

Most Economically Challenged in Region

Starr's $38,182 income is the lowest among all peer counties examined, falling dramatically short of Shelby ($50,436) and Stephens ($54,695). This economic isolation reflects limited job diversity and opportunity compared to neighboring areas.

Housing Costs Consume Critical Resources

Starr's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% is among the highest observed, claiming nearly a quarter of already-limited median household income. Even at a median home value of $93,300, housing remains financially stressful for many households with limited discretionary income remaining.

Access Support and Build Incrementally

Starr residents should prioritize accessing local workforce development programs, employer benefits, and community financial assistance resources. Even modest saving—through matched savings programs or employer retirement plans—creates foundational financial security for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Starr County, Texas?
The median household income in Starr County, Texas is $38,182, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Starr County?
The per capita income in Starr County is $18,063, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $38,182.
How does Starr County compare to the Texas average?
Starr County's median household income of $38,182 is lower than the Texas state average of $64,737. The per capita income is $18,063, compared to the state average of $33,197.
What is the per capita income in Starr County, Texas?
The per capita income in Starr County, Texas is $18,063, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Starr County a low-income area in Texas?
Starr County's median household income of $38,182 is below the Texas average of $64,737. The per capita income of $18,063 is also lower than the state average of $33,197. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Starr County rank for income in Texas?
Starr County ranks #248 out of 253 counties in Texas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $38,182 and per capita income of $18,063, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Starr County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Starr County median

County median: $38,182 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-41%

vs. National Median

-49%

vs. Starr County MedianAbout equal
vs. Texas Average41% below
vs. National Median49% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.5x

Your monthly income ($3,182) vs. median rent ($715/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.