Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in University Park, TX?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 104.7% of gross income.
University Park rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Texas state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Texas cities have lower median rent than University Park, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for University Park
View full rent data for University Park, TX →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in University Park, TX?
Median rent in University Park is $5,424 a month. A typical firefighter in Texas earns about $62,182 a year, which makes that rent 104.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in University Park?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Texas (~$62,182/yr) supports up to $1,555 a month in rent. University Park's current median rent is $5,424/mo, which is $3,869/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in University Park?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a firefighter in Texas works roughly 181.4 hours a month to cover University Park's median rent of $5,424.
Where is rent cheaper than University Park for a firefighter?
Nearby Texas cities with lower median rent include South Padre Island ($4,212/mo), Spicewood ($3,358/mo), Spicewood ($3,274/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.