Nearly 6 in 10 North Texas Residents Report Financial Strain in New Survey

North Texas households are feeling a sharp tightening of their wallets, with a recent survey finding that 59.1% of residents are just getting by, struggling to make ends meet, or unable to consistently afford basic needs. The nonscientific audience survey collected 1,083 responses from the region. These figures indicate a widespread financial pressure on local families.

The survey broke down the financial status of respondents into specific categories. Thirty-three point two percent described their situation as just getting by. An additional 21.5% said they were struggling to make ends meet. Another 4.4% reported that they were unable to consistently afford basic needs. In contrast, 27.4% described themselves as mostly comfortable financially, and 13.6% said they were financially comfortable.

When asked which expenses were putting the greatest strain on their budgets, the majority of respondents pointed to food costs. Groceries emerged as the biggest strain, selected by 27.3% of participants. Utilities followed as the second biggest concern at 19.2%, and housing accounted for 17.2% of responses. This ranking suggests that daily consumable costs are currently weighing more heavily on local budgets than the cost of shelter for the general respondent pool.

Housing costs, however, remain a critical issue for specific age groups. Among respondents aged 25 to 34 and 35 to 44, housing emerged as the biggest financial burden. This demographic shift highlights how younger families in the area are dealing with different economic pressures than the broader survey population.

The impact of rising costs is visible in the day-to-day lives of families in Frisco. Graciela Montoya, a mother of three, said the rising cost of groceries has made it increasingly difficult to stretch her family’s budget. She noted that a $100 grocery budget no longer covers meat, forcing her to buy mostly vegetables and fruit. Montoya attended a free lunch program hosted by Frisco Family Services over the summer, where volunteers from Preston Trail Community Church distributed food to families facing financial challenges.

Runay Hollis, a volunteer at the program, said the need for assistance was especially important as families faced higher everyday expenses. Hollis pointed to high gas prices and other costs as reasons why people need help right now. The program provided a temporary relief for families like Montoya’s who are trying to manage higher everyday expenses.

Housing costs in Frisco have risen sharply over the past ten years. Census data shows that the median gross rent in the city increased from $1,222 per month in 2014 to $2,200 in 2024. This represents an increase of $978 per month, or approximately 80%, over the decade. Even after adjusting for inflation, the increase was about 36.5%. These rising housing costs add to the financial pressure for families already dealing with grocery bills and utilities.

Montoya said her husband works, but their family could benefit from a second income. She previously worked but stopped after the birth of her youngest child. She is now hoping to return to work while balancing the responsibilities of raising three children. Finding a job that fits her children’s school schedule is particularly important because it would allow her family to avoid the additional expense of childcare. Montoya said she wants to find a job that accommodates a schedule from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. so she can drop the kids off at school and pick them up.

For Montoya, finding that balance could mean bringing in much-needed income without adding another expense to the family budget. Her experience reflects the financial pressures reported by many respondents to the survey, from the rising cost of groceries and housing to the challenge of earning enough to cover everyday needs.