Nearly six in ten North Texas residents who answered a recent affordability survey reported they are “just getting by” or “struggling to make ends meet,” underscoring the mounting financial pressure on local families.
The non‑scientific poll collected 1,083 responses. Of those, 33.2% described their situation as “just getting by,” 21.5% said they were “struggling to make ends meet,” and 4.4% admitted they were “unable to consistently afford basic needs.” Only 27.4% felt mostly comfortable, while 13.6% said they were financially comfortable.
Groceries top the list of budget strains
When respondents were asked which expense was hardest on their budget, 27.3% pointed to groceries, followed by utilities at 19.2% and housing at 17.2%.
Frisco families feel the pinch
Frisco mother of three Graciela Montoya says the rising cost of food has made it increasingly difficult to stretch her family’s budget. “Now with $100 it’s no longer enough for meat, just the vegetables and fruit and buying a little,” she told NBC 5.
Montoya was met by volunteers from Preston Trail Community Church while attending a free lunch program hosted by Frisco Family Services. Volunteer Runay Hollis emphasized the urgency, noting, “We need it right now, and especially the way the world is. The high gas prices and things and stuff, people need help.”
Rent surges 80 % in a decade
Housing costs are another growing challenge. Census data shows median gross rent in Frisco rose from $1,222 per month in 2014 to $2,200 in 2024 – an $978 increase, or roughly an 80 % jump over ten years. Even after adjusting for inflation, the rise amounts to about 36.5 %.
For families already grappling with higher grocery bills and utility costs, the surge in rent adds a further burden.
Balancing work and childcare
Montoya’s husband works, but the family could benefit from a second income. After leaving the workforce following the birth of her youngest child, Montoya hopes to return to a job that fits her children’s school schedule, allowing the family to avoid additional childcare expenses. “I want to start looking for a job to see if I can accommodate from 9 to 12 and a half so I can have time to drop the kids off at school and pick them up. So I hope that God will give me something to accommodate,” she said.
Her situation reflects the broader pressures highlighted by the survey – rising grocery costs, steep rent increases, and the challenge of earning enough to cover everyday needs.
Local leaders and community organizations continue to provide assistance, but the data suggests that many North Texas families will need sustained support as the cost of living climbs.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
