Texas business owner on cost of living: 'The state of Texas is out of control'

Paige Red, a business owner based in Houston, has expressed concerns about the rising costs of property taxes, insurance, and general living expenses in Texas. "The statement was made on X."

"The state of Texas is out of control," said Red. "We pride ourselves because we don't have a state income tax. Because of property tax increases, homeowners insurance, car insurance, and the overall cost of living, Texans will have to make hard choices. It's not sustainable."

Texas does not levy a personal state income tax, which is often highlighted as a significant economic advantage for its residents. However, the state relies heavily on property taxes and sales taxes to fund public services, contributing to increasing living costs. According to the Tax Foundation, Texas ranks sixth in the nation for the highest property tax rates.

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Texas was $2,019 per year as of 2024, surpassing the national average of $2,014. Texans pay approximately 13% more than the national average for minimum coverage policies. Rising rates are attributed to factors such as increased vehicle repair costs and more frequent extreme weather events.

A 2022 report on Texas tort reform found that commercial auto liability litigation costs increased by over 118% from 2015 to 2020, significantly impacting insurance premiums. The report also noted that an increase in lawsuit frequency and "nuclear verdicts" contributed to rising costs for businesses and insurers. Ongoing tort reform efforts aim to address the surge in litigation and its effects on insurance markets.

Red is a Houston-based business owner who identifies as an "America First" and "Constitutional Conservative" activist. She joined X (formerly Twitter) in 2019 and has more than 9,000 followers. Red frequently posts about Texas politics, conservative values, and local issues.