Small city in Fannin County
Living in Bonham, TX
153rd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 20 of 100
Bonham earns a grade of D on our index, 153rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on safety and getting around, and trails on internet access and health.
- Jobs and income scores low (7 of 100)
- Schools scores low (5 of 100)
- Population
- 11,263+9.0% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,07324% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $201,80029% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $57,681Median
- Average commute
- 22 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 97Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Bonham
Bonham is a small city in Fannin County. 11,263 people lived here in 2025, up 9.0% from 2020. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Powder Creek Park, Simpson Park and Bonham Park.
The median age is 36.7, 42% of households have children, 64% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $57,681 a year (26% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Bonham
- Low violent crime. 97 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 75% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $1,073, 24% lower than the Texas median.
- Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 22 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
Cons of living in Bonham
- Weaker school ratings. Only 20% of the 5 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Higher unemployment. 9.4% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
- Higher poverty. 22% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.
Who Bonham suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 20% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 75% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 26% lower than the Texas median, with 58 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 18% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 21% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 75% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 44% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 82% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,073 is 24% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 3% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,073 is 24% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 61% for people on a budget.
Bonham report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Bonham 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 B+
Median rent $1,073, homes cost 3.5x income.
75 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade F
Median household income $57,681, 9.4% unemployed.
7 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade F
5 rated campuses, 20% rated A or B.
6 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade B+
97 violent crimes per 100k, 813 property crimes per 100k.
79 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade D-
3 grocery stores, 58 restaurants, 10 parks mapped in town.
12 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade B+
Average commute 22 min, 10% work from home.
76 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade F
15% have a bachelor’s degree.
7 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade F
21% of adults uninsured.
4 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade D
64% of homes owner-occupied.
17 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade F
82% of homes have broadband.
3 of 100 vs US cities
Where Bonham stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $1,07324% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Average commute: 22 min18% lower than Texas (27 min)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 46%6 points lower than Texas (52%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 15%19 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median household income: $57,68126% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Homes with broadband internet: 82%10 points lower than Texas (91%)
Cost of living in Bonham
Bonham renters pay a median of $1,073 a month, 24% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $43,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 46% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $836 for a one-bedroom, $1,093 for a two-bedroom and $1,511 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 $201,800, 29% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,105 before tax, or $1,287 with property tax. That is $214 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.
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 Bonham pays $2,194 a year, 48% 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 Bonham
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent24% lower than Texas | $1,073 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value29% lower than Texas | $201,800 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income3% lower than Texas | 3.5x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent6 points lower than Texas | 46% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year48% lower than Texas | $2,194 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them1 points higher than Texas | 64% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1975 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,105
- Property tax
- $183
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,073
Based on a $201,800 home in Bonham, 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 Bonham safe?
In 2025, Bonham Police Department reported 11 violent crimes and 92 property crimes. That works out to 97 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 75% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 813 property crimes per 100,000, 61% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 27% 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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Bonham Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Bonham
Bonham has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 20% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Bonham 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.
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
- BBonham High SchoolHigh, Bonham ISD82 of 100
- CRather L HMiddle, Bonham ISD76 of 100
- DEvans ElementaryElementary, Bonham ISD68 of 100
- FBailey Inglish Early Childhood CenterOther, Bonham ISD54 of 100
- FFinley-Oates ElementaryElementary, Bonham ISD54 of 100
Daily life in Bonham
Everyday places mapped inside Bonham, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Powder Creek Park, Simpson Park, Bonham Park.
The average one-way commute is 22 minutes, 18% shorter than the Texas average. 10% of workers work from home. 3.3% walk, bike or take transit to work.
The median household income is $57,681, income per person is $24,275, unemployment is 9.4% and 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income26% lower than Texas | $57,681 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person40% lower than Texas | $24,275 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate4 points higher than Texas | 9.4% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line8 points higher than Texas | 22% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher19 points lower than Texas | 15% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher3 points lower than Texas | 83% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points higher than Texas | 21% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet10 points lower than Texas | 82% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute18% lower than Texas | 22 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas | 10% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Bonham
Median age 36.7 years. 42% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Bonham
Bonham has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 33°F. There are about 78 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 46 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Bonham 3nne, 3 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 moderate, tornado risk is very 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 floodingModerate
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresVery high
- Winter stormsHigh
- 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 Bonham
Nearby, Savoy gets a B, Bells gets a B and Whitewright 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.
- BSavoyTown, 1,010 people11 mi
- BBellsTown, 2,497 people13 mi
- CWhitewrightTown, 1,659 people13 mi
- C-LeonardTown, 2,505 people14 mi
- B-Honey GroveTown, 1,824 people16 mi
- C-Wolfe CityTown, 1,148 people17 mi
Living in Bonham: common questions
Is Bonham, TX a good place to live?
Bonham earns a grade of D on our index, 153rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on safety and getting around, and trails on internet access and health.
How much does it cost to live in Bonham?
Renters in Bonham pay a median of $1,073 a month, 24% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $201,800, 29% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.5x 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 $1,287, including property tax.
Is Bonham safe?
In 2025, Bonham Police Department reported 97 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 75% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 813 per 100,000, 61% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Bonham?
We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Bonham. 20% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 6 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does Bonham flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Bonham as moderate, 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 Bonham?
Summers in Bonham peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 33°F. Expect around 78 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 46 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Bonham?
The average one-way commute is 22 min, 18% lower than the Texas average. About 10% 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.