1st Advantage MortgageIn Mitchell County, Texas, the typical household earns $60,550 a year and the typical rent is $524. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Texas before sharing details.
On this page
- Mitchell County by the numbers
- How Mitchell County residents earn a living
- How much Mitchell County households make
- Rent, home values and ownership in Mitchell County
- The counties around Mitchell County
- Towns and communities in Mitchell County
- Room for a loan payment in Mitchell County
- Before borrowing in Mitchell County
- More Mitchell County figures
- Steps before you apply in Mitchell County
- Checking a lender's license in Texas
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
Mitchell County by the numbers
With an estimated 9,018 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Mitchell County ranks 172nd of 254 in Texas for population. It covers 911 square miles of land, or about 10 people per square mile. Under the July 2023 OMB definitions, Mitchell County is not part of any metropolitan area. The Census Bureau counts 4 places in the county (3 incorporated, 1 census-designated); the largest is Colorado City, with about 3,976 residents, or 44% of the county. With so few households sampled, Mitchell County estimates can move a lot between releases.
How Mitchell County residents earn a living
The biggest employer of Mitchell County residents, by industry, is retail trade at 20% of workers, followed by education and health care (17%). The sharpest difference from the state is in agriculture, forestry and mining, at 13% locally and 2% for Texas. Averaged over the five survey years, 5.3% of the labor force was out of work and looking. About 81% drive to work alone and 19% have trips of 45 minutes or more.
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | Mitchell County | Gap to Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 19.5% | +8.5 pts |
| Education and health care | 16.7% | -4.9 pts |
| Agriculture, forestry and mining | 13.0% | +10.7 pts |
| Construction | 9.2% | +0.7 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 8.4% | +1.7 pts |
| Public administration | 7.6% | +3.5 pts |
If your hours swing with the season or with overtime, size a loan payment against your base pay, not your best month.
How much Mitchell County households make
At $60,550, the typical Mitchell County household income is 8% below the median U.S. county ($65,681). Only 160 Texas counties post a higher median.
| Income band | Share in Mitchell County | Difference from Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 29.6% | +8.2 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 38.6% | -0.8 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 25.8% | -0.9 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 6.0% | -6.5 pts |
About 30% of households earn under $35,000, while 32% clear $100,000. The poverty rate is 13.8%, the same as the state's 13.8%. Income inequality, measured by the Gini index, comes to 0.454 here. None of these numbers decides a Mitchell County application. Lenders weigh your own documented income against your own debts.
Rent, home values and ownership in Mitchell County
Renters in Mitchell County pay a median of $524 a month, 63% below the Texas figure of $1,403. By the Census definition, 40% of Mitchell County renters are cost-burdened. Home values center on $85,800, or 1.4 years of median income. 79% of Mitchell County households own their home and 21% rent.
| Mitchell County | Texas | U.S. county median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $524/mo | $1,403/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $85,800 | $283,800 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 79% | 63% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 40% | 52% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 23% | 29% | n/a |
| Vacant units | 25% | 9% | n/a |
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).
The counties around Mitchell County
Six nearby counties, 30 to 42 miles away by the straight-line distance between their centers. Howard County leads the group on income ($69,649), Coke County trails ($43,333), and Mitchell County out-earns 3 of the six.
| Adjacent area | How far | HH income (median) | Rent (median) | Owner share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell County | - | $60,550 | $524/mo | 79% |
| Nolan County, TX | 30 mi | $50,747 | $913/mo | 68% |
| Howard County, TX | 30 mi | $69,649 | $1,034/mo | 70% |
| Scurry County, TX | 30 mi | $60,039 | $1,020/mo | 77% |
| Sterling County, TX | 33 mi | $64,954 | $952/mo | 78% |
| Coke County, TX | 34 mi | $43,333 | $729/mo | 71% |
| Borden County, TX | 42 mi | $65,625 | n/a | 66% |
Towns and communities in Mitchell County
The table lists the 4 largest of 4 Census places in Mitchell County, by population. Together all 4 hold about 5,946 people, so roughly 34% of residents live outside any named place. Incomes vary by place: $54,074 at the median in Lake Colorado City, $41,838 in Loraine. No Mitchell County place has a separate guide yet; this county page serves all 4.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado City | city | 3,976 | $53,448 | n/a | 8 mi |
| Lake Colorado City | CDP | 980 | $54,074 | $617 | 3 mi |
| Loraine | town | 813 | $41,838 | $373 | 14 mi |
| Westbrook | city | 177 | n/a | n/a | 6 mi |
A CDP is a named community without its own municipal government.
Room for a loan payment in Mitchell County
The debt-to-income ratio is the main affordability test lenders use. Applied to Mitchell County's medians:
- Monthly gross at the median, Mitchell County: $5,046
- Housing at the median rent of $524 uses 10%
- $1,242: what a 35% ratio leaves once rent is paid
- $1,747: what a 45% ratio leaves once rent is paid
Two-income households and single earners in Mitchell County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
Before borrowing in Mitchell County
Where the Mitchell County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:
- Medical bills. 18% of Mitchell County residents are uninsured. Before borrowing for care, ask the provider about financial assistance and payment plans.
- Long drives. With 19% of commutes over 45 minutes, tires and repairs are fixed costs in many Mitchell County budgets.
- Repairs on manufactured housing. With 13% of homes here, compare a personal loan with any dealer or park repair program.
More Mitchell County figures
11% of Mitchell County adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or more. 17.5% of residents have no health coverage.
| Mitchell County | Texas | U.S. county median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 36.7 | 35.6 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 11.5% | 33.8% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 16.1% | 14.0% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 17.5% | 17.1% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 3.0% | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 4.2% | 14.4% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 13.8% | 13.8% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 5.3% | 5.3% | 4.4% |
| One-way commute | Share of Mitchell County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 40.8% |
| 15 to 29 min | 23.6% |
| 30 to 44 min | 16.8% |
| 45 to 59 min | 13.8% |
| 60+ min | 4.9% |
Steps before you apply in Mitchell County
Steps that save money for Mitchell County residents:
- Price the Mitchell County expense first and borrow that amount, no more.
- Compare the total repaid on every offer, not just the payment.
- Confirm the lender is licensed in Texas.
- Confirm the first due date before setting up autopay.
Checking a lender's license in Texas
Consumer lenders serving Mitchell County are licensed by the state, not the county; in Texas that is the Texas Department of Banking. The Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner handles consumer-credit questions as well. Problems with a lender can also go to the CFPB. The Texas guide covers state rules in more detail.
Nearby and statewide guides
The Texas guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mitchell County a high-income county?
Its $60,550 median ranks 161st of 254 Texas counties and compares with $65,681 for the median U.S. county.
How much is rent in Mitchell County?
Median gross rent, utilities included, is $524 a month; 40% of renters spend 30% or more of income on it.
Should Mitchell County homeowners use home equity instead?
Maybe, but weigh the risk: 79% of Mitchell County homes are owner-occupied, and a home-equity loan or line is secured by the house while a personal loan usually is not.
Does this page cover Colorado City?
Yes, along with the other 3 Census places in Mitchell County, such as Lake Colorado City, Loraine, Westbrook.
Are Mitchell County applicants treated differently?
No. Everyone answers the same questions and is screened on the same objective points; lending partners set their own criteria under fair-lending laws.