Small city in Cooke County

Living in Gainesville, TX

D-

169th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 12 of 100

Gainesville gets an overall grade of D- and ranks 169th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and safety, and trails on schools and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Jobs and income scores low (10 of 100)
  • Schools scores low (4 of 100)
Downtown Gainesville, Texas
Photo: Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
18,528+6.7% since 2020
Median rent
$1,03826% lower than Texas
Median home value
$177,00038% lower than Texas
Household income
$58,809Median
Average commute
22 minOne way
Violent crime
211Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Gainesville

Gainesville is a small city in Cooke County. 18,528 people lived here in 2025, up 6.7% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Keneteso Park, Jaycee Park and Gainesville Parks and Recreation.

The median age is 36.5, 37% of households have children, 58% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $58,809 a year (25% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Gainesville

  • Low violent crime. 211 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 46% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,038, 26% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 22 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Gainesville

  • Weaker school ratings. None of the 5 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Higher unemployment. 8.1% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who Gainesville suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 0% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 46% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 20% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 25% lower than the Texas median, with 123 restaurants and 11 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 16% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 21% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 46% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 85% 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 16% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,038 is 26% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 83% for people on a budget.

Gainesville report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Gainesville with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade A-

    Median rent $1,038, homes cost 3.0x income.

    87 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $58,809, 8.1% unemployed.

    10 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade F

    5 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.

    4 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C+

    211 violent crimes per 100k, 1,177 property crimes per 100k.

    48 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D+

    6 grocery stores, 123 restaurants, 18 parks mapped in town.

    28 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade C-

    Average commute 22 min, 5.6% work from home.

    33 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D-

    19% have a bachelor’s degree.

    13 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    21% of adults uninsured.

    6 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    58% of homes owner-occupied.

    31 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade F

    85% of homes have broadband.

    8 of 100 vs US cities

Where Gainesville stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,03826% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 43%9 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Home value to income: 3.0x17% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 19%14 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $58,80925% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 85%6 points lower than Texas (91%)

Cost of living in Gainesville

Gainesville 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 43% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,004 for a one-bedroom, $1,314 for a two-bedroom and $1,623 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 $177,000, 38% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $969 before tax, or $1,167 with property tax. That is $129 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 Gainesville pays $2,382 a year, 44% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Gainesville

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in GainesvilleStudio$9981 bedroom$1,0042 bedrooms$1,3143 bedrooms$1,6234 bedrooms$1,727
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Cooke County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent26% lower than Texas$1,038$1,403$1,413
Median home value38% lower than Texas$177,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income17% lower than Texas3.0x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent9 points lower than Texas43%52%51%
Median property tax per year44% lower than Texas$2,382$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them5 points lower than Texas58%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197119921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,167
Mortgage payment
$969
Property tax
$198
Median rent, for comparison
$1,038

Based on a $177,000 home in Gainesville, 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 Gainesville safe?

In 2025, Gainesville Police Department reported 39 violent crimes and 218 property crimes. That works out to 211 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 46% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,177 property crimes per 100,000, 44% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 48% 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 Gainesville by yearTexas21120212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
211
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,177
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Gainesville by yearTexas1,17720212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Gainesville

Gainesville has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 0% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Gainesville 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
4
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
66
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

  • CGainesville High SchoolHigh, Gainesville ISD79 of 100
  • CGainesville IntermediateMiddle, Gainesville ISD73 of 100
  • DGainesville Junior HighMiddle, Gainesville ISD67 of 100
  • FEdison ElementaryElementary, Gainesville ISD55 of 100
  • FW E Chalmers ElementaryElementary, Gainesville ISD55 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Gainesville

We grade 3 areas inside Gainesville. The top three are Southeast Gainesville (D), Central Gainesville (D-) and South Gainesville (F). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 3 Gainesville neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Gainesville

    Everyday places mapped inside Gainesville, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Keneteso Park, Jaycee Park, Gainesville Parks and Recreation.

    The average one-way commute is 22 minutes, 17% shorter than the Texas average. 6% 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 $58,809, income per person is $31,046, unemployment is 8.1% and 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    6
    Pharmacies
    5
    Restaurants
    123
    Cafes
    11
    Bars
    10
    Parks
    18
    Gyms
    14
    Hospitals and urgent care
    7
    Childcare
    5
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income25% lower than Texas$58,809$78,476$80,734
    Income per person24% lower than Texas$31,046$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate3 points higher than Texas8.1%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line5 points higher than Texas19%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher14 points lower than Texas19%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher2 points lower than Texas84%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance1 points higher than Texas21%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet6 points lower than Texas85%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute17% lower than Texas22 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas5.6%14%15%
    Workers who work from home5.6%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk0.8%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Gainesville

    Under 1824%
    18 to 3423%
    35 to 6436%
    65 and over17%

    Median age 36.5 years. 37% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White58%
    Hispanic or Latino31%
    Black6.8%
    Asian0.9%
    Other or more than one race3.0%

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

    Weather in Gainesville

    Gainesville has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 32°F. There are about 82 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 43 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Gainesville30°50°70°90°53J58F66M74A80M88J94J94A87S76O64N54DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Gainesville 5 Ene, 5 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is 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 floodingHigh
    • HurricanesModerate
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresVery high
    • Winter stormsModerate
    • 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 Gainesville

    Nearby, Lindsay gets an A, Lake Kiowa gets a B and Road Runner 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. ALindsayTown, 1,142 people3 mi
    2. BLake KiowaTown, 2,476 people10 mi
    3. D-Road RunnerTown, 1,021 people12 mi
    4. A-MuensterTown, 1,329 people14 mi
    5. C+WhitesboroTown, 4,173 people15 mi
    6. BCollinsvilleTown, 2,060 people16 mi

    Living in Gainesville: common questions

    Is Gainesville, TX a good place to live?

    Gainesville gets an overall grade of D- and ranks 169th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and safety, and trails on schools and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Gainesville?

    Renters in Gainesville pay a median of $1,038 a month, 26% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $177,000, 38% 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 $1,167, including property tax.

    Is Gainesville safe?

    In 2025, Gainesville Police Department reported 211 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 46% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,177 per 100,000, 44% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Gainesville?

    We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Gainesville. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 4 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Gainesville?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Gainesville are Southeast Gainesville, Central Gainesville and South Gainesville. We score 3 areas in the city.

    Does Gainesville flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Gainesville as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Gainesville?

    Summers in Gainesville peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 32°F. Expect around 82 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 43 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Gainesville?

    The average one-way commute is 22 min, 17% lower than the Texas average. About 5.6% 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.