Personal loans around Mason County, TX

A quick profile of Mason County

Mason County is home to about 3,955 people, according to the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey, which makes it the 208th most populous of 254 county-level areas in Texas. Spread over 929 square miles, that works out to roughly 4.3 residents per square mile. No metropolitan area includes Mason County in the 2023 federal delineation, so its numbers stand on their own rather than as part of a metro. The Census Bureau counts 1 place in the county (1 incorporated, 0 census-designated); the largest is Mason, with about 1,999 residents, or 51% of the county. With so few households sampled, Mason County estimates can move a lot between releases.

How much Mason County households make

Half of Mason County households take in less than $74,180 a year and half take in more, 5% below the Texas median of $78,476. In the state ranking that is 55th of 254.

Some 22% of households here live on less than $35,000 a year; 29% have six-figure incomes. 7.0% of residents fall below the federal poverty line (statewide: 13.8%). Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.

Employment and commuting in Mason County

By the Census industry count, 27% of employed Mason County residents work in education and health care and 14% in agriculture, forestry and mining. Agriculture, forestry and mining stands out: 14% of workers here, versus 2% statewide. Averaged over the five survey years, 3.0% of the labor force was out of work and looking. About 80% drive to work alone and 26% have trips of 45 minutes or more. Households without a car make up 3.3% of the total (5.4% statewide).

A lender verifies what your own job pays. The county's industry mix tells you about the local economy, not about your application.

Rent, home values and ownership in Mason County

Median gross rent, utilities included, comes to $800 in Mason County versus $1,403 statewide. Rent takes 30% or more of income for 19% of renter households here. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $293,600, about 4.0 times the median household income. 80% of Mason County households own their home and 20% rent. Half the housing stock was built before 1976.

Owners with equity have a second option. Weigh a secured line against an unsecured loan by risk as well as cost before you choose (how they compare).

Mason County and the counties next door

Six nearby counties, 32 to 40 miles away by the straight-line distance between their centers. 1 of the six report a higher median household income than Mason County; Gillespie County is highest at $76,162 and Menard County lowest at $53,043.

Cities, towns and CDPs in Mason County

Mason is the only Census place mainly inside Mason County, with about 1,999 of the county's 3,955 residents. This guide covers each of the 1 places and the rural areas around them.

More Mason County figures

College graduates make up 39% of the adult population. About 14% go without health insurance.

Reading the Mason County data as a borrower

Where the Mason County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:

• Uninsured care. 14% lack coverage here; nonprofit hospitals must publish an assistance policy, so ask for it first (guide).
• Keeping the car running. At 26% with long commutes, repairs are a frequent Mason County emergency; first decide if the car is worth fixing.
• Manufactured homes. 15% of Mason County housing units are mobile homes, and their repairs are often paid with unsecured loans. Get the quote in writing.
• Retirees. At a median age of 52.7, many borrowers here rely on award letters as proof of income; favor no prepayment penalty.

Room for a loan payment in Mason County

Here is the Mason County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.

• Median income divided by twelve: $6,182 before taxes
• Housing at the median rent of $800 uses 13%
• $1,425: what a 36% ratio leaves once rent is paid

Car, student loan and card payments come out of that room first. Try your own numbers in the calculator.

Four steps for Mason County borrowers

A short checklist for Mason County borrowers:

• Borrow the amount the job needs; extra cash adds interest.
• Prequalify with soft pulls where offered, then compare in writing.
• Only work with lenders licensed for Texas borrowers.
• Confirm the first due date before setting up autopay.

Checking a lender's license in Texas

No county office licenses personal lenders. For Mason County, check the Texas Department of Banking. Texas also has the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner for consumer credit. Banks and credit unions have their own regulators, and the CFPB takes complaints about any lender. The Texas guide covers state rules in more detail.

Related local guides

For statewide rules and data, see the Texas guide.

• Texas state guide