Small city in Hutchinson County

Living in Borger, TX

B-

80th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 59 of 100

Borger earns a grade of B- on our index, 80th 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 internet access. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Safety scores low (18 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (10 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Borger isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthBorger
Where Borger is in Texas.
Population
11,842-5.7% since 2020
Median rent
$91035% lower than Texas
Median home value
$103,40064% lower than Texas
Household income
$61,583Median
Average commute
19 minOne way
Violent crime
486Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Borger

Borger is a small city in Hutchinson County. 11,842 people lived here in 2025, down 5.7% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1965).

Local spots people know include Huber Park, Anges Howe Field and Agnes Howe Youth Park.

The median age is 38.6, 25% of households have children, 79% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $61,583 a year (22% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Borger

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $910, 35% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.7 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 19 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Borger

  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and wildfires as very high here.

Who Borger suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 25% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 41% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 22% lower than the Texas median, with 55 restaurants and 6 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 19% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 25% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 44% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 86% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $910 is 35% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 46% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $910 is 35% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 98% for people on a budget.

Borger report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Borger 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 $910, homes cost 1.7x income.

    98 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade C-

    Median household income $61,583, 3.6% unemployed.

    38 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C+

    6 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.

    51 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D

    486 violent crimes per 100k, 1,491 property crimes per 100k.

    18 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade C+

    3 grocery stores, 55 restaurants, 21 parks mapped in town.

    51 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade A-

    Average commute 19 min, 6.0% work from home.

    82 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D-

    17% have a bachelor’s degree.

    10 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D-

    19% of adults uninsured.

    14 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade C-

    79% of homes owner-occupied.

    36 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D-

    86% of homes have broadband.

    10 of 100 vs US cities

Where Borger stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 1.7x54% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 79%16 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Median rent: $91035% lower than Texas ($1,403)

Worse than Texas

  • Vacant homes: 31%22 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17%17 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $61,58322% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Borger

Borger renters pay a median of $910 a month, 35% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $36,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 41% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $775 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,404 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 $103,400, 64% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $566 before tax, or $698 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 Borger pays $1,582 a year, 63% 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 Borger

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in BorgerStudio$7711 bedroom$7752 bedrooms$1,0143 bedrooms$1,4044 bedrooms$1,695
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Hutchinson County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent35% lower than Texas$910$1,403$1,413
Median home value64% lower than Texas$103,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income54% lower than Texas1.7x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent10 points lower than Texas41%52%51%
Median property tax per year63% lower than Texas$1,582$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them16 points higher than Texas79%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas196519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$698
Mortgage payment
$566
Property tax
$132
Median rent, for comparison
$910

Based on a $103,400 home in Borger, 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 Borger safe?

In 2025, Borger Police Department reported 57 violent crimes and 175 property crimes. That works out to 486 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 25% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,491 property crimes per 100,000, 29% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 78% 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 Borger by yearTexas48620212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
486
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,491
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Borger by yearTexas1,49120212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Borger

Borger 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 Borger 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
51
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
81
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

  • BBorger MiddleMiddle, Borger ISD87 of 100
  • BBorger High SchoolHigh, Borger ISD86 of 100
  • BBorger IntermediateMiddle, Borger ISD82 of 100
  • CCrockett ElementaryElementary, Borger ISD76 of 100
  • CGateway ElementaryElementary, Borger ISD76 of 100

Daily life in Borger

Everyday places mapped inside Borger, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Huber Park, Anges Howe Field, Agnes Howe Youth Park.

The average one-way commute is 19 minutes, 27% shorter than the Texas average. 6% of workers work from home. 3.0% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $61,583, income per person is $31,565, unemployment is 3.6% and 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
3
Pharmacies
3
Restaurants
55
Cafes
6
Bars
6
Parks
21
Gyms
4
Hospitals and urgent care
4
Childcare
2
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income22% lower than Texas$61,583$78,476$80,734
Income per person23% lower than Texas$31,565$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.6%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line1 points higher than Texas15%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher17 points lower than Texas17%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher2 points lower than Texas84%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas19%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet5 points lower than Texas86%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute27% lower than Texas19 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home8 points lower than Texas6.0%14%15%
Workers who work from home6.0%
Workers who take transit1.0%
Workers who walk1.7%
Workers who bike0.3%

Who lives in Borger

Under 1823%
18 to 3422%
35 to 6438%
65 and over16%

Median age 38.6 years. 25% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White59%
Hispanic or Latino32%
Black3.5%
Asian1.0%
Other or more than one race4.7%

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

Weather in Borger

Borger has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 27°F. There are about 82 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 22 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Borger20°40°60°80°100°54J59F68M76A84M92J95J93A87S76O64N53DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Borger, 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 very low, 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 floodingLow
  • HurricanesVery low
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesLow
  • 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 Borger

Nearby, Fritch gets a B+, Stinnett gets a B- and White Deer gets an A-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. B+FritchTown, 2,293 people11 mi
  2. B-StinnettTown, 1,170 people12 mi
  3. A-White DeerTown, 1,191 people20 mi
  4. A+PanhandleTown, 2,505 people22 mi
  5. D+PampaSmall city, 16,659 people25 mi
  6. B+DumasSmall city, 14,452 people35 mi

Living in Borger: common questions

Is Borger, TX a good place to live?

Borger earns a grade of B- on our index, 80th 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 internet access. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Borger?

Renters in Borger pay a median of $910 a month, 35% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $103,400, 64% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.7x 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 $698, including property tax.

Is Borger safe?

In 2025, Borger Police Department reported 486 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 25% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,491 per 100,000, 29% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Borger?

We found 6 rated public school campuses inside Borger. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 51 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

Does Borger flood?

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

Summers in Borger peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 27°F. Expect around 82 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 22 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Borger?

The average one-way commute is 19 min, 27% lower than the Texas average. About 6.0% 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.