City in Taylor County, the center of the Abilene metro

Living in Abilene, TX

C

45th of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 45 of 100
8th of 8 in the Abilene area

Abilene gets an overall grade of C and ranks 45th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on health and home ownership. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Health scores low (16 of 100)
  • Hail risk is very high
image
Photo: Atownbman, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
131,588+5.3% since 2020
Median rent
$1,15718% lower than Texas
Median home value
$183,70035% lower than Texas
Household income
$62,648Median
Average commute
16 minOne way
Violent crime
457Per 100k, 2025

About Abilene

About 150 miles west of Fort Worth, Abilene is the seat of Taylor County, with part of the city reaching into Jones County. Cattlemen picked the spot in 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Railway came through and skipped the old county seat at Buffalo Gap. They named it after Abilene, Kansas, the end of the Chisholm Trail.

Interstate 20 loops along the north side of town, and US 83, US 84 and US 277 tie Abilene to the rest of West Texas. Loop 322 runs along the east side. Dyess Air Force Base is by far the largest employer, with Hendrick Health and Abilene ISD next in line. The city is also a college town with three universities: Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons and McMurry. Downtown has Frontier Texas, a museum on the area's frontier past, and the restored Paramount Theatre. The Abilene Zoo, Kirby Lake and Lake Fort Phantom Hill are popular for time outdoors.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What it's like to live in Abilene

Abilene is the anchor city of the Abilene metro area. 131,588 people lived here in 2025, up 5.3% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Redbud Park, Vaughn Camp Park and Nelson Park Pavilion C.

The median age is 32.8, 32% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $62,648 a year (20% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Abilene

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,157, 18% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 16 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Abilene

  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail and winter storms as very high here.

Who Abilene suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 18% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 20% lower than the Texas median, with 453 restaurants and 44 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 55% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 18% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 18% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 29% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 92% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,157 is 18% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 42% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,157 is 18% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 81% for people on a budget.

Abilene report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Abilene with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade A-

    Median rent $1,157, homes cost 2.9x income.

    83 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    Median household income $62,648, 3.0% unemployed.

    47 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C-

    30 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.

    38 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D

    457 violent crimes per 100k, 1,659 property crimes per 100k.

    24 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D+

    24 grocery stores, 453 restaurants, 78 parks mapped in town.

    26 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade A-

    Average commute 16 min, 8.4% work from home.

    83 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D+

    27% have a bachelor’s degree.

    27 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D-

    18% of adults uninsured.

    16 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D

    56% of homes owner-occupied.

    22 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade C

    92% of homes have broadband.

    43 of 100 vs US cities

Where Abilene stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 16 min41% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 2.9x19% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $1,15718% lower than Texas ($1,403)

Worse than Texas

  • Median household income: $62,64820% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 27%7 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 56%6 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Abilene

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Abilene is $1,157 a month, 18% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $46,000 a year. Right now 53% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,047 for a one-bedroom, $1,310 for a two-bedroom and $1,702 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $183,700, 35% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,006 before tax, or $1,230 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Abilene pays $2,699 a year, 36% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Abilene

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in AbileneStudio$9581 bedroom$1,0472 bedrooms$1,3103 bedrooms$1,7024 bedrooms$2,013
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Abilene, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent18% lower than Texas$1,157$1,403$1,413
Median home value35% lower than Texas$183,700$283,800$332,700
Home value to income19% lower than Texas2.9x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas53%52%51%
Median property tax per year36% lower than Texas$2,699$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them6 points lower than Texas56%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,230
Mortgage payment
$1,006
Property tax
$225
Median rent, for comparison
$1,157

Based on a $183,700 home in Abilene, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Abilene safe?

In 2025, Abilene Police Department reported 602 violent crimes and 2,187 property crimes. That works out to 457 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 18% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,659 property crimes per 100,000, 20% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Abilene by yearTexas45720212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
457
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,659
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Abilene by yearTexas1,65920212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Abilene Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Abilene

Abilene has 30 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 50% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Abilene ISD and Wylie ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Academy for Technology Engineering Math & Science, Wylie East Elementary and Wylie West Early Childhood Center. The average rating score across all campuses is 79 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
38
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
79
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AAcademy for Technology Engineering Math & ScienceHigh, Abilene ISD94 of 100
  • AWylie East ElementaryElementary, Wylie ISD92 of 100
  • AWylie West Early Childhood CenterOther, Wylie ISD91 of 100
  • AWylie West ElementaryElementary, Wylie ISD91 of 100
  • AWylie West IntermediateElementary, Wylie ISD91 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Abilene

We grade 6 areas inside Abilene. The top three are South Abilene (B), Southwest Abilene (C+) and East Abilene (C+). If price matters most, Meadows Mobile Home Park has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,060 a month. South Abilene is the priciest, at $1,390. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Abilene neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    6 Abilene neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1BSouth Abilene24,182 people, median rent $1,390, home $259,000100fit
    2. 2C+Southwest Abilene60,192 people, median rent $1,190, home $193,00080fit
    3. 3C+East Abilene2,899 people, median rent $1,310, home $246,00060fit
    4. 4CMeadows Mobile Home Park7,862 people, median rent $1,060, home $110,00040fit
    5. 5D+West Abilene11,208 people, median rent $1,170, home $134,00020fit
    6. 6D+Central Abilene9,237 people, median rent $1,050, home $184,0000fit
    All 6 Abilene neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Abilene

    Everyday places mapped inside Abilene, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Redbud Park, Vaughn Camp Park, Nelson Park Pavilion C.

    The average one-way commute is 16 minutes, 41% shorter than the Texas average. 8% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    The median household income is $62,648, income per person is $31,321, unemployment is 3.0% and 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    24
    Pharmacies
    28
    Restaurants
    453
    Cafes
    44
    Bars
    44
    Parks
    78
    Gyms
    52
    Hospitals and urgent care
    29
    Childcare
    21
    Libraries
    14

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income20% lower than Texas$62,648$78,476$80,734
    Income per person23% lower than Texas$31,321$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.0%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas16%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher7 points lower than Texas27%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher2 points higher than Texas88%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points lower than Texas18%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas92%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute41% lower than Texas16 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home6 points lower than Texas8.4%14%15%
    Workers who work from home8.4%
    Workers who take transit0.4%
    Workers who walk2.3%
    Workers who bike0.2%

    Who lives in Abilene

    Under 1823%
    18 to 3431%
    35 to 6433%
    65 and over14%

    Median age 32.8 years. 32% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White57%
    Hispanic or Latino27%
    Black9.8%
    Asian2.3%
    Other or more than one race4.1%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Abilene

    Abilene has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 103 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 25 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Abilene30°50°70°90°59J63F71M79A86M93J96J96A89S79O68N59DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Abilene Rgnl Ap, 5 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is moderate and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingModerate
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesModerate
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsVery high
    • Strong windModerate

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Abilene

    Nearby, Potosi gets an A+, Clyde gets a C and Merkel gets a B+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. A+PotosiTown, 4,322 people10 mi
    2. CClydeTown, 3,954 people14 mi
    3. B+MerkelTown, 2,699 people17 mi
    4. C+BairdTown, 1,642 people19 mi
    5. B-AnsonTown, 2,531 people22 mi
    6. B+AlbanyTown, 1,849 people29 mi

    Abilene in the Abilene area

    How it ranks among 8 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Potosi4,322 people9 mito downtown
    2. 2B+Merkel2,699 people16 mito downtown
    3. 3BCross Plains1,019 people40 mito downtown
    4. 5B-Anson2,531 people23 mito downtown
    5. 6C+Baird1,642 people20 mito downtown
    6. 7CClyde3,954 people14 mito downtown
    7. 8CAbilene128,053 people0 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of abilene

    Living in Abilene: common questions

    Is Abilene, TX a good place to live?

    Abilene gets an overall grade of C and ranks 45th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on health and home ownership. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Abilene?

    Median rent in Abilene is $1,157 a month, 18% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $183,700, 35% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.9x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,230, including property tax.

    Is Abilene safe?

    In 2025, Abilene Police Department reported 457 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 18% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,659 per 100,000, 20% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Abilene?

    We found 30 rated public school campuses inside Abilene. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 38 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Abilene?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Abilene are South Abilene, Southwest Abilene and East Abilene. We score 6 areas in the city.

    Does Abilene flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Abilene as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: heat waves, hail, wildfires and winter storms. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Abilene?

    Summers in Abilene peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 103 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 25 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Abilene?

    The average one-way commute is 16 min, 41% lower than the Texas average. About 8.4% of workers work from home.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.