Town in Parmer County
Living in Friona, TX
127th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 82 of 100
We give Friona an A-. It ranks 127th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and schools. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.
- Good for young professionals
- Good for retirees
- Good for remote workers
- Good for people on a budget
- Low crime
- Affordable
- Short commutes
- Schools scores low (15 of 100)
- Education levels scores low (5 of 100)
- Population
- 4,051-2.9% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,03826% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $125,50056% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $66,801Median
- Average commute
- 14 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 74Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Friona
Friona is a town in Parmer County. 4,051 people lived here in 2025, down 2.9% from 2020. It is suburban.
Local spots people know include Reeve Field, Friona adult softball field and Friona Public Library.
The median age is 39.9, 38% of households have children, 80% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $66,801 a year (15% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Friona
- Low violent crime. 74 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 81% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $1,038, 26% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.9 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
- Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 14 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Plenty close to home. 3 grocery stores, 20 restaurants and 5 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in Friona
- Weaker school ratings. Only 25% of the 4 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Many adults uninsured. 31% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and wildfires as very high here.
Who Friona suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 25% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 81% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 15% lower than the Texas median, with 20 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 31% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 81% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 98% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,038 is 26% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 89% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,038 is 26% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 87% for people on a budget.
Friona report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Friona 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 $1,038, homes cost 1.9x income.
90 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C
Median household income $66,801, 4.8% unemployed.
48 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D-
4 rated campuses, 25% rated A or B.
15 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade A-
74 violent crimes per 100k, 0 property crimes per 100k.
82 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade A
3 grocery stores, 20 restaurants, 5 parks mapped in town.
93 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade B-
Average commute 14 min, 0% work from home.
57 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade F
12% have a bachelor’s degree.
5 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D+
31% of adults uninsured.
24 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade B
80% of homes owner-occupied.
67 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade C
89% of homes have broadband.
41 of 100 vs US towns
Where Friona stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 12%39 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Average commute: 14 min48% lower than Texas (27 min)
- Home value to income: 1.9x48% lower than Texas (3.6x)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 12%22 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 31%11 points higher than Texas (20%)
- Median household income: $66,80115% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in Friona
Friona renters pay a median of $1,038 a month, 26% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $42,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 12% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $928 for a one-bedroom, $1,214 for a two-bedroom and $1,446 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 $125,500, 56% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $687 before tax, or $873 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 Friona pays $2,230 a year, 47% 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 rent26% lower than Texas | $1,038 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value56% lower than Texas | $125,500 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income48% lower than Texas | 1.9x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent39 points lower than Texas | 12% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year47% lower than Texas | $2,230 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them17 points higher than Texas | 80% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1972 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $687
- Property tax
- $186
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,038
Based on a $125,500 home in Friona, 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 Friona safe?
In 2025, Friona Police Department reported 3 violent crimes and 0 property crimes. That works out to 74 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 81% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 0 property crimes per 100,000, 100% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 54% 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, Friona Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Friona
Friona has 4 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 25% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Friona 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
- BFriona High SchoolHigh, Friona ISD87 of 100
- CFriona Junior HighMiddle, Friona ISD78 of 100
- DFriona ElementaryElementary, Friona ISD62 of 100
- DFriona PriElementary, Friona ISD62 of 100
Daily life in Friona
Everyday places mapped inside Friona, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Reeve Field, Friona adult softball field, Friona Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 14 minutes, 48% shorter than the Texas average. 0% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
The median household income is $66,801, income per person is $29,272, unemployment is 4.8% and 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income15% lower than Texas | $66,801 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person28% lower than Texas | $29,272 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 4.8% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line5 points lower than Texas | 8.9% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher22 points lower than Texas | 12% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher18 points lower than Texas | 67% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points higher than Texas | 31% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas | 89% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute48% lower than Texas | 14 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home14 points lower than Texas | 0% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Friona
Median age 39.9 years. 38% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Friona
Friona has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 91°F and January lows about 22°F. There are about 69 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 19 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Friona, 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 moderate, 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
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesModerate
- 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 Friona
Nearby, Bovina gets a D, Hereford gets a B and Dimmitt gets a B-. 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 Friona: common questions
Is Friona, TX a good place to live?
We give Friona an A-. It ranks 127th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and schools. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Friona?
Renters in Friona pay a median of $1,038 a month, 26% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $125,500, 56% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.9x 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 $873, including property tax.
Is Friona safe?
In 2025, Friona Police Department reported 74 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 81% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 0 per 100,000, 100% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Friona?
We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Friona. 25% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 15 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Friona flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Friona 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 Friona?
Summers in Friona peak at about 91°F in July, and January nights fall to about 22°F. Expect around 69 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 19 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Friona?
The average one-way commute is 14 min, 48% lower than the Texas average. About 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.