Town in Runnels County

Living in Ballinger, TX

B+

176th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 76 of 100

Ballinger gets an overall grade of B+ and ranks 176th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on health and education levels. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for remote workers
  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • River flooding risk is very high
  • Tornado risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Ballinger isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthBallinger
Where Ballinger is in Texas.
Population
3,499-3.5% since 2020
Median rent
$98630% lower than Texas
Median home value
$109,40061% lower than Texas
Household income
$58,870Median
Average commute
18 minOne way
Violent crime
143Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Ballinger

Ballinger is a town in Runnels County. 3,499 people lived here in 2025, down 3.5% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1956).

Places locals use include Ballinger City Park, Ballinger Parks and Recreation and Carnegie Library of Ballinger.

The median age is 44.7, 30% of households have children, 76% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $58,870 a year (25% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Ballinger

  • Low violent crime. 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 63% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $986, 30% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.9 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 18 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Ballinger

  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, tornadoes and hail as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 116 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Ballinger suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 33% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 63% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 54% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 25% lower than the Texas median, with 25 restaurants and 3 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 88% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 19% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 63% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 90% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $986 is 30% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 80% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $986 is 30% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for people on a budget.

Ballinger report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Ballinger with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade A-

    Median rent $986, homes cost 1.9x income.

    86 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    Median household income $58,870, 5.1% unemployed.

    42 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade C-

    3 rated campuses, 33% rated A or B.

    35 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade C+

    143 violent crimes per 100k, 514 property crimes per 100k.

    54 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B-

    1 grocery store, 25 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.

    60 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A-

    Average commute 18 min, 4.9% work from home.

    84 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D+

    17% have a bachelor’s degree.

    31 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D+

    19% of adults uninsured.

    28 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade C-

    76% of homes owner-occupied.

    32 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade C

    90% of homes have broadband.

    47 of 100 vs US towns

Where Ballinger stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 31%21 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Home value to income: 1.9x49% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 76%14 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17%17 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $58,87025% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Vacant homes: 18%9 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Ballinger

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Ballinger is $986 a month, 30% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $39,000 a year. Right now 31% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $840 for a one-bedroom, $1,055 for a two-bedroom and $1,257 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 $109,400, 61% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $599 before tax, or $715 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 Ballinger pays $1,392 a year, 67% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in BallingerStudio$8021 bedroom$8402 bedrooms$1,0553 bedrooms$1,2574 bedrooms$1,520
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Runnels County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent30% lower than Texas$986$1,403$1,413
Median home value61% lower than Texas$109,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income49% lower than Texas1.9x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent21 points lower than Texas31%52%51%
Median property tax per year67% lower than Texas$1,392$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them14 points higher than Texas76%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas195619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$715
Mortgage payment
$599
Property tax
$116
Median rent, for comparison
$986

Based on a $109,400 home in Ballinger, 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 Ballinger safe?

In 2025, Ballinger Police Department reported 5 violent crimes and 18 property crimes. That works out to 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 63% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 514 property crimes per 100,000, 75% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 67% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

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 Ballinger by yearTexas14320212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
143
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
514
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Ballinger by yearTexas51420212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Ballinger

Ballinger has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 33% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Ballinger ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Ballinger High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 77 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
35
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
77
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

  • ABallinger High SchoolHigh, Ballinger ISD92 of 100
  • CBallinger ElementaryElementary, Ballinger ISD71 of 100
  • DBallinger Junior HighMiddle, Ballinger ISD69 of 100

Daily life in Ballinger

Everyday places mapped inside Ballinger, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Ballinger City Park, Ballinger Parks and Recreation, Carnegie Library of Ballinger.

The average one-way commute is 18 minutes, 32% shorter than the Texas average. 5% of workers work from home. 3.1% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $58,870, income per person is $29,973, unemployment is 5.1% and 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
3
Restaurants
25
Cafes
3
Bars
0
Parks
3
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
1
Childcare
2
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income25% lower than Texas$58,870$78,476$80,734
Income per person26% lower than Texas$29,973$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.1%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line5 points lower than Texas8.3%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher17 points lower than Texas17%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points higher than Texas90%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance1 points lower than Texas19%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet2 points lower than Texas90%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute32% lower than Texas18 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas4.9%14%15%
Workers who work from home4.9%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk3.1%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Ballinger

Under 1822%
18 to 3418%
35 to 6435%
65 and over25%

Median age 44.7 years. 30% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White58%
Hispanic or Latino33%
Black6.8%
Asian0.3%
Other or more than one race1.8%

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

Weather in Ballinger

Ballinger has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 31°F. There are about 116 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 23 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Ballinger30°50°70°90°59J63F70M79A86M92J96J95A88S79O68N60DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Ballinger 2 Nw, 2 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingVery high
  • HurricanesModerate
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsVery high
  • Strong windVery high

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 Ballinger

Nearby, Winters gets a C-, Miles gets an A and Bronte gets a C+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. C-WintersTown, 2,405 people16 mi
  2. AMilesTown, 1,030 people17 mi
  3. C+BronteTown, 1,041 people23 mi
  4. DColemanTown, 3,973 people31 mi
  5. C-EdenTown, 1,730 people36 mi
  6. B-Santa AnnaTown, 1,022 people36 mi

Living in Ballinger: common questions

Is Ballinger, TX a good place to live?

Ballinger gets an overall grade of B+ and ranks 176th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on health and education levels. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Ballinger?

Median rent in Ballinger is $986 a month, 30% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $109,400, 61% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.9x 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 $715, including property tax.

Is Ballinger safe?

In 2025, Ballinger Police Department reported 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 63% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 514 per 100,000, 75% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Ballinger?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Ballinger. 33% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 35 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Ballinger flood?

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

What is the weather like in Ballinger?

Summers in Ballinger peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 31°F. Expect around 116 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 23 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Ballinger?

The average one-way commute is 18 min, 32% lower than the Texas average. About 4.9% 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.