Town in Bowie County, part of the Texarkana metro

Living in De Kalb, TX

C+

333rd of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 55 of 100
3rd of 7 in the Texarkana area

De Kalb earns a grade of C+ on our index, 333rd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for retirees.

  • Good for retirees
  • Affordable
  • Home ownership scores low (2 of 100)
  • Internet access scores low (2 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where De Kalb isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthDe Kalb
Where De Kalb is in Texas.
Population
1,455-6.1% since 2020
Median rent
$89136% lower than Texas
Median home value
$89,20069% lower than Texas
Household income
$50,104Median
Average commute
23 minOne way
Violent crime
143Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in De Kalb

De Kalb sits about 31 miles from downtown Texarkana, in the Texarkana, TX-AR metro. 1,455 people lived here in 2025, down 6.1% from 2020. It is spread out.

The median age is 28.8, 38% of households have children, 45% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $50,104 a year (36% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in De Kalb

  • Low violent crime. 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 63% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $891, 36% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.8 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.

Cons of living in De Kalb

  • Spotty home internet. Only 68% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who De Kalb suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 63% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 62% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 36% lower than the Texas median, with 13 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 14% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 63% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 81% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 68% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $891 is 36% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 24% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $891 is 36% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 80% for people on a budget.

De Kalb report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare De Kalb 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 A-

    Median rent $891, homes cost 1.8x income.

    86 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D+

    Median household income $50,104, 3.8% unemployed.

    25 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B

    3 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.

    65 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B-

    143 violent crimes per 100k, 427 property crimes per 100k.

    57 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: no grade

    3 grocery stores, 13 restaurants, 0 parks mapped in town.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade C

    Average commute 23 min, 1.7% work from home.

    42 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D+

    16% have a bachelor’s degree.

    26 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D+

    14% of adults uninsured.

    27 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade F

    45% of homes owner-occupied.

    2 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade F

    68% of homes have broadband.

    2 of 100 vs US towns

Where De Kalb stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 1.8x51% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $89136% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 38%13 points lower than Texas (52%)

Worse than Texas

  • Homes with broadband internet: 68%24 points lower than Texas (91%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 45%18 points lower than Texas (63%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 16%17 points lower than Texas (34%)

Cost of living in De Kalb

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in De Kalb is $891 a month, 36% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $36,000 a year. Right now 38% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $874 for a one-bedroom, $1,118 for a two-bedroom and $1,403 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 $89,200, 69% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $488 before tax, or $605 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 De Kalb pays $1,406 a year, 67% 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 De KalbStudio$8391 bedroom$8742 bedrooms$1,1183 bedrooms$1,4034 bedrooms$1,683
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Texarkana, TX-Texarkana, AR HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent36% lower than Texas$891$1,403$1,413
Median home value69% lower than Texas$89,200$283,800$332,700
Home value to income51% lower than Texas1.8x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent13 points lower than Texas38%52%51%
Median property tax per year67% lower than Texas$1,406$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them18 points lower than Texas45%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197119921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$605
Mortgage payment
$488
Property tax
$117
Median rent, for comparison
$891

Based on a $89,200 home in De Kalb, 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 De Kalb safe?

In 2025, De Kalb Police Department reported 2 violent crimes and 6 property crimes. That works out to 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 63% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 427 property crimes per 100,000, 80% lower than the state rate.

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 De Kalb by yearTexas143202320242025

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

Violent crime
143
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
427
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in De Kalb by yearTexas427202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in De Kalb

De Kalb has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Dekalb 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
65
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
83
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

  • BDekalb High SchoolHigh, Dekalb ISD88 of 100
  • BDekalb ElementaryElementary, Dekalb ISD84 of 100
  • CJames L Germany MiddleMiddle, Dekalb ISD78 of 100

Daily life in De Kalb

Everyday places mapped inside De Kalb, from Overture Maps.

The average one-way commute is 23 minutes, 15% shorter than the Texas average. 2% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Texarkana is about 31 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in De Kalb work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $50,104, income per person is $23,787, unemployment is 3.8% and 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
3
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
13
Cafes
1
Bars
0
Parks
0
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
1
Libraries
0

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income36% lower than Texas$50,104$78,476$80,734
Income per person42% lower than Texas$23,787$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas3.8%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line5 points higher than Texas19%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher17 points lower than Texas16%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher2 points higher than Texas88%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance6 points lower than Texas14%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet24 points lower than Texas68%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute15% lower than Texas23 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home13 points lower than Texas1.7%14%15%
Workers who work from home1.7%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0.6%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in De Kalb

Under 1830%
18 to 3432%
35 to 6422%
65 and over16%

Median age 28.8 years. 38% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White52%
Hispanic or Latino21%
Black22%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race5.1%

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

Weather in De Kalb

De Kalb has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 32°F. There are about 88 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 53 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in De Kalb30°50°70°90°56J59F67M75A82M89J93J94A88S77O66N57DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Dekalb, 2 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

    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 De Kalb

    Nearby, New Boston gets a C, Hooks gets a C- and Naples gets a D. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. CNew BostonTown, 4,571 people12 mi
    2. C-HooksTown, 2,299 people20 mi
    3. DNaplesTown, 1,412 people21 mi
    4. B-OmahaTown, 1,316 people23 mi
    5. A+Red LickTown, 1,333 people25 mi
    6. FClarksvilleTown, 2,853 people26 mi

    De Kalb in the Texarkana area

    How it ranks among 7 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Red Lick1,333 people6 mito downtown
    2. 2B+Wake Village5,867 people3 mito downtown
    3. 3C+De Kalb1,976 people31 mito downtown
    4. 4CNew Boston4,571 people19 mito downtown
    5. 5C-Hooks2,299 people12 mito downtown
    6. 6D+Nash4,032 people3 mito downtown

    Living in De Kalb: common questions

    Is De Kalb, TX a good place to live?

    De Kalb earns a grade of C+ on our index, 333rd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for retirees.

    How much does it cost to live in De Kalb?

    Median rent in De Kalb is $891 a month, 36% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $89,200, 69% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.8x 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 $605, including property tax.

    Is De Kalb safe?

    In 2025, De Kalb Police Department reported 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 63% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 427 per 100,000, 80% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in De Kalb?

    We found 3 rated public school campuses inside De Kalb. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 65 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What is the weather like in De Kalb?

    Summers in De Kalb peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 32°F. Expect around 88 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 53 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in De Kalb?

    The average one-way commute is 23 min, 15% lower than the Texas average. About 1.7% of workers work from home. It is about 31 miles from downtown Texarkana.

    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.