Town in Frio County
Living in Dilley, TX
319th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 57 of 100
Dilley gets an overall grade of B- and ranks 319th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and safety, and trails on health and internet access.
- Low crime
- Affordable
- Short commutes
- Education levels scores low (14 of 100)
- Health scores low (6 of 100)
- Population
- 3,809+4.4% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,2799% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $106,40063% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $62,600Median
- Average commute
- 20 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 50Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Dilley
Dilley is a town in Frio County. 3,809 people lived here in 2025, up 4.4% from 2020. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Dilley City Park and Dilley Public Library.
The median age is 37.0, 29% of households have children, 63% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $62,600 a year (20% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Dilley
- Low violent crime. 50 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 87% lower than the Texas rate.
- 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 20 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
Cons of living in Dilley
- Weaker school ratings. Only 33% of the 3 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Many adults uninsured. 37% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of heat waves, hail and wildfires as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 140 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
- Spotty home internet. Only 79% of homes have a broadband plan.
Who Dilley suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 33% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 87% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 40% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 20% lower than the Texas median, with 16 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 71% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 37% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 87% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 62% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 79% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,279 is 9% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,279 is 9% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 76% for people on a budget.
Dilley report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Dilley 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 $1,279, homes cost 1.7x income.
78 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C+
Median household income $62,600, 4.2% unemployed.
49 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D
3 rated campuses, 33% rated A or B.
23 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade A-
50 violent crimes per 100k, 198 property crimes per 100k.
82 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade D+
2 grocery stores, 16 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.
29 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade A
Average commute 20 min, 1.8% work from home.
90 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D-
17% have a bachelor’s degree.
14 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade F
37% of adults uninsured.
6 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D
63% of homes owner-occupied.
19 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D-
79% of homes have broadband.
11 of 100 vs US towns
Where Dilley stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 30%21 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Home value to income: 1.7x53% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Average commute: 20 min26% lower than Texas (27 min)
Worse than Texas
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 37%18 points higher than Texas (20%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17%16 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Homes with broadband internet: 79%12 points lower than Texas (91%)
Cost of living in Dilley
Dilley renters pay a median of $1,279 a month, 9% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $51,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 30% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $977 for a one-bedroom, $1,227 for a two-bedroom and $1,586 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 $106,400, 63% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $582 before tax, or $711 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 Dilley pays $1,546 a year, 63% 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
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent9% lower than Texas | $1,279 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value63% lower than Texas | $106,400 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income53% lower than Texas | 1.7x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent21 points lower than Texas | 30% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year63% lower than Texas | $1,546 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in themAbout the same as Texas | 63% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1985 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $582
- Property tax
- $129
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,279
Based on a $106,400 home in Dilley, 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 Dilley safe?
In 2025, Dilley Police Department reported 2 violent crimes and 8 property crimes. That works out to 50 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 198 property crimes per 100,000, 90% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is up about 128% 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, Dilley Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Dilley
Dilley 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 Dilley 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
- BMary Harper MiddleMiddle, Dilley ISD80 of 100
- CDilley ElementaryElementary, Dilley ISD72 of 100
- CDilley High SchoolHigh, Dilley ISD72 of 100
Daily life in Dilley
Everyday places mapped inside Dilley, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Dilley City Park, Dilley Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 20 minutes, 26% shorter than the Texas average. 2% of workers work from home. 6.3% walk, bike or take transit to work.
The median household income is $62,600, income per person is $21,474, unemployment is 4.2% and 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income20% lower than Texas | $62,600 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person47% lower than Texas | $21,474 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas | 4.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line5 points lower than Texas | 8.6% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher16 points lower than Texas | 17% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher14 points lower than Texas | 72% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance18 points higher than Texas | 37% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet12 points lower than Texas | 79% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute26% lower than Texas | 20 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home13 points lower than Texas | 1.8% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Dilley
Median age 37.0 years. 29% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Dilley
Dilley has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 42°F. There are about 140 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 25 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Dilley, 1 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 high, tornado risk is 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
- HurricanesHigh
- TornadoesHigh
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresVery high
- Winter stormsHigh
- Strong windHigh
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 Dilley
Nearby, Pearsall gets a D+, Cotulla gets a B- and Charlotte gets an F. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
Living in Dilley: common questions
Is Dilley, TX a good place to live?
Dilley gets an overall grade of B- and ranks 319th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and safety, and trails on health and internet access.
How much does it cost to live in Dilley?
Renters in Dilley pay a median of $1,279 a month, 9% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $106,400, 63% 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 $711, including property tax.
Is Dilley safe?
In 2025, Dilley Police Department reported 50 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 198 per 100,000, 90% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Dilley?
We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Dilley. 33% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 23 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Dilley flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Dilley as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, 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 Dilley?
Summers in Dilley peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 42°F. Expect around 140 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 25 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Dilley?
The average one-way commute is 20 min, 26% lower than the Texas average. About 1.8% 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.