Lufkin vs Nacogdoches: which is better to live in?
Lufkin gets D overall and Nacogdoches gets D-. Lufkin comes out ahead on our index.
Lufkin wins on cost of living, jobs and income, schools, health, home ownership and internet access. Nacogdoches wins on safety, errands and things to do, getting around and education levels.
Lufkin suits remote workers and people on a budget better, while Nacogdoches suits young professionals better.
Side by side
| Lufkin | Nacogdoches | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | D | D- |
| Population | 34,350 | 32,500 |
| Growth since 2020 | +0.5% | +1.3% |
| Median rent | $1,079 | $964 |
| Median home value | $179,600 | $186,000 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $1,196 | $1,159 |
| Median household income | $57,048 | $39,281 |
| Property tax per year | $2,559 | $1,696 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 441 | 296 |
| Property crime per 100k | 2,089 | 1,673 |
| Schools rated A or B | 56% | 22% |
| Average commute | 17 min | 16 min |
| Work from home | 6.9% | 6.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 22% | 31% |
| Median age | 34.6 years | 25.6 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 104 | 98 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Lufkin | Nacogdoches | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B (68) | C (40) |
| Jobs and income | D- (13) | F (2) |
| Schools | C (47) | D- (12) |
| Safety | D- (15) | D+ (32) |
| Errands and things to do | C- (32) | B (70) |
| Getting around | B+ (76) | A+ (95) |
| Education levels | D (16) | C- (35) |
| Health | F (4) | F (3) |
| Home ownership | D- (9) | F (4) |
| Internet access | C- (38) | D (24) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Rent is higher in Lufkin: a median of $1,079 a month, 12% higher than Nacogdoches's $964.
The median home is worth $179,600 in Lufkin and $186,000 in Nacogdoches. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $1,196 a month against $1,159, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.1 times income in Lufkin and 4.7 times in Nacogdoches.
Commute and location
Commutes average 17 minutes in Lufkin and 16 in Nacogdoches.
The two are about 21 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Nacogdoches has less violent crime. Lufkin reported 441 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Nacogdoches reported 296 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 56% of Lufkin's 16 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 22% of Nacogdoches's 9.
Common questions
Is Lufkin or Nacogdoches better to live in?
Lufkin grades higher overall (D vs D-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Lufkin cheaper than Nacogdoches?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Lufkin or Nacogdoches?
Nacogdoches, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.