Best In 55+ Real Estate™

Hood County, Texas leads the state in affordability for 55+ residents, with a home value-to-income ratio of just 3.5x—the best in Texas among counties with high 65+ populations. This data comes from ALEX Intelligence’s latest analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2024, published November 3, 2026. The ranking is based on a peer set of 254 Texas counties with at least 20,000 residents and high 65+ shares. This is not a national ranking—only Texas is considered. What does this mean for active-adult and age-restricted communities? It suggests a shift toward markets where income growth keeps pace with housing costs, reducing financial stress in retirement. For investors and planners, it signals a resilient, sustainable environment. What do you see as the next frontier in 55+ real estate? Share your insights. Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Slide 1: Michael Barera (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=69677868; Slide 2: Slegby (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=3365007; Slide 3: Michael Barera (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=69677862; Slide 4: Michael Barera (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=69677814 Home Value to Income Ratio, top 10 (ALEX Intelligence — U.S. Census Bureau 2024) #1 Hood County — 3.5x #2 Wood County — 3.6x #3 Lavaca County — 3.6x #4 Bandera County — 3.7x #5 Aransas County — 3.8x #6 Fayette County — 3.9x #7 Burnet County — 4.4x #8 Kerr County — 4.6x #9 Llano County — 5.3x #10 Gillespie County — 6.0x Source: https://alex-companies.com/data/2026-11-03-fifty-five-plus-fifty-five-plus-value-to-income-county-tx-senior-asc View and join any or all of our communities — AI, quantum, and real estate: https://alex-companies.com/reports/linkedin-groups If there's an AI, quantum, or real estate community you'd like to see us convene, tell us — this portfolio grows by request. Real Estate Strategy & Intelligence Leader. Democratized Blue Ocean Strategist & Operator. Diane Hart Alexander, MBA, MHA Chair & CEO, ALEX Companies Designated Broker, Alexander Tiffany Southwest, LLC dba ALEX.realestate, et.al. Texas License #574877-B · Broker License #565194-BB [email protected] · +1 713.591.9902