Town in McCulloch County

Living in Brady, TX

C+

346th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 53 of 100

Brady earns a grade of C+ on our index, 346th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and internet access, and trails on home ownership and jobs and income. It is a strong pick for remote workers.

  • Good for remote workers
  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (13 of 100)
  • Home ownership scores low (6 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Brady isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthBrady
Where Brady is in Texas.
Population
4,980-2.9% since 2020
Median rent
$77645% lower than Texas
Median home value
$138,80051% lower than Texas
Household income
$46,250Median
Average commute
18 minOne way
Violent crime
122Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Brady

Brady is a town in McCulloch County. 4,980 people lived here in 2025, down 2.9% from 2020. It is small-town and rural in feel.

Places locals use include Willie Washington Park, Rollie G White Complex and E. O. Martin Memorial Park.

The median age is 39.6, 28% of households have children, 55% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $46,250 a year (41% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Brady

  • Low violent crime. 122 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 69% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $776, 45% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 18 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Brady

  • Higher unemployment. 10% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, tornadoes and hail as very high here.

Who Brady suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 33% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 69% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 37% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 41% lower than the Texas median, with 41 restaurants and 3 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 70% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 20% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 69% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 60% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 94% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $776 is 45% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 85% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $776 is 45% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 54% for people on a budget.

Brady report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Brady 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 B

    Median rent $776, homes cost 3.0x income.

    64 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $46,250, 10% unemployed.

    13 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade C-

    3 rated campuses, 33% rated A or B.

    38 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade C+

    122 violent crimes per 100k, 772 property crimes per 100k.

    54 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B-

    2 grocery stores, 41 restaurants, 5 parks mapped in town.

    56 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A

    Average commute 18 min, 17% work from home.

    89 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D+

    20% have a bachelor’s degree.

    26 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D

    20% of adults uninsured.

    21 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade F

    55% of homes owner-occupied.

    7 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade B+

    94% of homes have broadband.

    73 of 100 vs US towns

Where Brady stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $77645% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 18 min32% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 3.0x17% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Median household income: $46,25041% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 20%14 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Vacant homes: 17%8 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Brady

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Brady is $776 a month, 45% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $31,000 a year. Right now 48% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $816 for a one-bedroom, $1,067 for a two-bedroom and $1,271 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 $138,800, 51% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $760 before tax, or $884 with property tax. That is $108 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 Brady pays $1,494 a year, 65% 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 BradyStudio$8111 bedroom$8162 bedrooms$1,0673 bedrooms$1,2714 bedrooms$1,537
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, McCulloch County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent45% lower than Texas$776$1,403$1,413
Median home value51% lower than Texas$138,800$283,800$332,700
Home value to income17% lower than Texas3.0x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points lower than Texas48%52%51%
Median property tax per year65% lower than Texas$1,494$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them7 points lower than Texas55%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas196619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$884
Mortgage payment
$760
Property tax
$124
Median rent, for comparison
$776

Based on a $138,800 home in Brady, 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 Brady safe?

In 2025, Brady Police Department reported 6 violent crimes and 38 property crimes. That works out to 122 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 69% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 772 property crimes per 100,000, 63% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 52% 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 Brady by yearTexas12220212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
122
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
772
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Brady by yearTexas77220212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Brady

Brady 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 Brady 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
38
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
78
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

  • BBrady High SchoolHigh, Brady ISD82 of 100
  • CBrady ElementaryElementary, Brady ISD76 of 100
  • CBrady MiddleMiddle, Brady ISD76 of 100

Daily life in Brady

Everyday places mapped inside Brady, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Willie Washington Park, Rollie G White Complex, E. O. Martin Memorial Park.

The average one-way commute is 18 minutes, 32% shorter than the Texas average. 17% of workers work from home. 4.3% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $46,250, income per person is $31,083, unemployment is 10% and 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
2
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
41
Cafes
3
Bars
3
Parks
5
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
1
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income41% lower than Texas$46,250$78,476$80,734
Income per person24% lower than Texas$31,083$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate5 points higher than Texas10%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty lineAbout the same as Texas14%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher14 points lower than Texas20%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 Texas20%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet3 points higher than Texas94%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute32% lower than Texas18 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home3 points higher than Texas17%14%15%
Workers who work from home17%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk4.3%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Brady

Under 1826%
18 to 3420%
35 to 6434%
65 and over20%

Median age 39.6 years. 28% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White56%
Hispanic or Latino38%
Black0.7%
Asian0.2%
Other or more than one race5.8%

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

Weather in Brady

Brady has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 35°F. There are about 107 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 27 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Brady30°50°70°90°58J62F70M77A84M90J93J94A87S78O67N60DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Brady, 3 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 Brady

Nearby, Eden gets a C-, Menard gets a B- and Mason 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. C-EdenTown, 1,730 people27 mi
  2. B-MenardTown, 1,008 people27 mi
  3. AMasonTown, 1,999 people29 mi
  4. CSan SabaTown, 3,056 people40 mi
  5. B-Santa AnnaTown, 1,022 people42 mi
  6. C+BangsTown, 1,633 people43 mi

Living in Brady: common questions

Is Brady, TX a good place to live?

Brady earns a grade of C+ on our index, 346th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and internet access, and trails on home ownership and jobs and income. It is a strong pick for remote workers.

How much does it cost to live in Brady?

Median rent in Brady is $776 a month, 45% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $138,800, 51% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.0x 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 $884, including property tax.

Is Brady safe?

In 2025, Brady Police Department reported 122 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 69% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 772 per 100,000, 63% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Brady?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Brady. 33% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 38 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Brady flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Brady 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 Brady?

Summers in Brady peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 35°F. Expect around 107 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 27 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Brady?

The average one-way commute is 18 min, 32% lower than the Texas average. About 17% 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.