Small city in Howard County

Living in Big Spring, TX

D-

162nd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 16 of 100

Big Spring earns a grade of D- on our index, 162nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on education levels and safety.

  • Affordable
  • Safety scores low (5 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (4 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Big Spring isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthBig Spring
Where Big Spring is in Texas.
Population
22,290-15.3% since 2020
Median rent
$1,05025% lower than Texas
Median home value
$140,20051% lower than Texas
Household income
$67,581Median
Average commute
21 minOne way
Violent crime
860Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Big Spring

Big Spring is a small city in Howard County. 22,290 people lived here in 2025, down 15.3% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1963).

Places locals use include Comanche Trail Park, ABC Park and Birdwell Park.

The median age is 36.4, 35% of households have children, 65% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $67,581 a year (14% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Big Spring

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,050, 25% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.1 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Big Spring

  • Higher violent crime. 860 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 122% higher than the Texas rate.
  • Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
  • Many adults uninsured. 29% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail, wildfires and winter storms as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 115 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Big Spring suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 122% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 13% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 14% lower than the Texas median, with 111 restaurants and 10 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 29% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 122% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 8% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 87% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,050 is 25% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 17% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,050 is 25% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 75% for people on a budget.

Big Spring report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Big Spring with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade A-

    Median rent $1,050, homes cost 2.1x income.

    80 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D

    Median household income $67,581, 6.6% unemployed.

    20 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C+

    6 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.

    49 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade F

    860 violent crimes per 100k, 2,448 property crimes per 100k.

    5 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D

    5 grocery stores, 111 restaurants, 13 parks mapped in town.

    23 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade C+

    Average commute 21 min, 3.1% work from home.

    49 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade F

    13% have a bachelor’s degree.

    4 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    29% of adults uninsured.

    7 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D

    65% of homes owner-occupied.

    21 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D-

    87% of homes have broadband.

    16 of 100 vs US cities

Where Big Spring stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 2.1x43% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $1,05025% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 21 min21% lower than Texas (27 min)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 13%21 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 29%9 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Median household income: $67,58114% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Big Spring

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Big Spring is $1,050 a month, 25% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $42,000 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 $954 for a one-bedroom, $1,217 for a two-bedroom and $1,492 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 $140,200, 51% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $767 before tax, or $886 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 Big Spring pays $1,420 a year, 66% 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 Big Spring

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Big SpringStudio$9481 bedroom$9542 bedrooms$1,2173 bedrooms$1,4924 bedrooms$1,812
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Howard County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent25% lower than Texas$1,050$1,403$1,413
Median home value51% lower than Texas$140,200$283,800$332,700
Home value to income43% lower than Texas2.1x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent1 points higher than Texas53%52%51%
Median property tax per year66% lower than Texas$1,420$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them2 points higher than Texas65%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas196319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$886
Mortgage payment
$767
Property tax
$118
Median rent, for comparison
$1,050

Based on a $140,200 home in Big Spring, 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 Big Spring safe?

In 2025, Big Spring Police Department reported 187 violent crimes and 532 property crimes. That works out to 860 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 122% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,448 property crimes per 100,000, 17% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 20% 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 Big Spring by yearTexas86020212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
860
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,448
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Big Spring by yearTexas2,44820212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Big Spring

Big Spring has 6 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 Big Spring ISD.

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
49
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
80
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

  • BMarcy ElementaryElementary, Big Spring ISD82 of 100
  • BMoss ElementaryOther, Big Spring ISD82 of 100
  • BWashington ElementaryElementary, Big Spring ISD82 of 100
  • CBig Spring High SchoolHigh, Big Spring ISD79 of 100
  • CBig Spring IntermediateMiddle, Big Spring ISD79 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Big Spring

We grade 11 areas inside Big Spring. The top three are Northeast Big Spring (B+), East Big Spring (B-) and Indian Hills (B-). If price matters most, Indian Hills has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $930 a month. Central Big Spring is the priciest, at $1,400. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Big Spring 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.

    11 Big Spring neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1B+Northeast Big Spring2,052 people, median rent $1,390, home $217,000100fit
    2. 2B-East Big Spring1,411 people, median rent $1,330, home $151,00090fit
    3. 3C+Central Big Spring2,001 people, median rent $1,400, home $118,00080fit
    4. 4B-Indian Hills2,627 people, median rent $930, home $182,00070fit
    5. 5CBrennard3,533 people, median rent $1,100, home $98,00060fit
    6. 6D+Edwards Heights1,649 people, median rent $1,010, home $207,00050fit
    7. 7DNorthwest Big Spring1,076 people, median rent $950, home $76,00040fit
    8. 8DWasson Place973 people, median rent $1,460, home $170,00030fit
    9. 9DRice967 people, median rent $800, home $52,00020fit
    10. 10DNorth Big Spring823 people, median rent $830, home $45,00010fit
    11. 11D-Indianola1,045 people, median rent $1,110, home $43,0000fit
    All 11 Big Spring neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Big Spring

    Everyday places mapped inside Big Spring, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Comanche Trail Park, ABC Park, Birdwell Park.

    The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 21% shorter than the Texas average. 3% 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 $67,581, income per person is $31,414, unemployment is 6.6% and 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    5
    Pharmacies
    4
    Restaurants
    111
    Cafes
    10
    Bars
    6
    Parks
    13
    Gyms
    8
    Hospitals and urgent care
    8
    Childcare
    5
    Libraries
    2

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income14% lower than Texas$67,581$78,476$80,734
    Income per person23% lower than Texas$31,414$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate1 points higher than Texas6.6%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line3 points higher than Texas17%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher21 points lower than Texas13%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher7 points lower than Texas79%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance9 points higher than Texas29%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet4 points lower than Texas87%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute21% lower than Texas21 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas3.1%14%15%
    Workers who work from home3.1%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk1.2%
    Workers who bike0.1%

    Who lives in Big Spring

    Under 1820%
    18 to 3426%
    35 to 6441%
    65 and over12%

    Median age 36.4 years. 35% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White36%
    Hispanic or Latino53%
    Black5.5%
    Asian1.2%
    Other or more than one race3.9%

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

    Weather in Big Spring

    Big Spring has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 31°F. There are about 115 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 20 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Big Spring30°50°70°90°58J62F71M79A87M94J96J95A88S79O67N58DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Big Spring, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

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

    • River floodingLow
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesHigh
    • 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 Big Spring

    Nearby, Stanton gets a B, Colorado City gets a B- and Midland 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. BStantonTown, 2,638 people20 mi
    2. B-Colorado CityTown, 3,976 people38 mi
    3. CMidlandCity, 136,640 people39 mi
    4. B+Sterling CityTown, 1,256 people40 mi
    5. D-LamesaTown, 8,393 people44 mi
    6. C+SnyderSmall city, 11,241 people46 mi

    Living in Big Spring: common questions

    Is Big Spring, TX a good place to live?

    Big Spring earns a grade of D- on our index, 162nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on education levels and safety.

    How much does it cost to live in Big Spring?

    Median rent in Big Spring is $1,050 a month, 25% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $140,200, 51% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.1x 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 $886, including property tax.

    Is Big Spring safe?

    In 2025, Big Spring Police Department reported 860 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 122% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,448 per 100,000, 17% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Big Spring?

    We found 6 rated public school campuses inside Big Spring. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 49 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Big Spring?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Big Spring are Northeast Big Spring, East Big Spring and Indian Hills. We score 11 areas in the city.

    Does Big Spring flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Big Spring as low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: 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 Big Spring?

    Summers in Big Spring peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 31°F. Expect around 115 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 20 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Big Spring?

    The average one-way commute is 21 min, 21% lower than the Texas average. About 3.1% 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.