For many families in Lubbock, the idea of having one parent stay home is appealing, especially if you have small children. However, the financial reality of any family can make that decision complicated. A recent national analysis examined how much income a single earner needs on average in each state for the other parent to stay home full-time. For Texas families, including those in Lubbock, that estimate falls in the mid-$70,000 range.
What the Texas Income Estimate Means for Lubbock Families
The statewide figure reflects average costs for housing, healthcare, food, transportation, and other essentials. While Lubbock generally has a lower cost of living than larger Texas cities, the income needed to support a family on one paycheck can still feel out of reach for many households. Since the figure is an average, it not only includes “big city” prices but also tiny towns with a lower cost of living than Lubbock, so around $70,000 is probably fairly accurate……