Small city in Coryell County, part of the Killeen metro

Living in Gatesville, TX

C

105th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 45 of 100
11th of 15 in the Killeen area

We give Gatesville a C. It ranks 105th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and safety, and trails on health and errands and things to do. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Errands and things to do scores low (3 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (5 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Gatesville isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthGatesville
Where Gatesville is in Texas.
Population
16,422+1.8% since 2020
Median rent
$1,00728% lower than Texas
Median home value
$207,30027% lower than Texas
Household income
$57,217Median
Average commute
23 minOne way
Violent crime
140Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Gatesville

Gatesville sits about 25 miles from downtown Killeen, in the Killeen-Temple metro. 16,422 people lived here in 2025, up 1.8% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Lions Club Park, Gatesville Ball Park and Raby Park bathroom.

The median age is 39.4, 25% of households have children, 64% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $57,217 a year (27% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Gatesville

  • Low violent crime. 140 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 64% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,007, 28% lower than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Gatesville

  • Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, wildfires and winter storms as very high here.

Who Gatesville suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 80% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 64% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 27% lower than the Texas median, with 43 restaurants and 5 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 20% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 23% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 64% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 39% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 86% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,007 is 28% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 9% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,007 is 28% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 88% for people on a budget.

Gatesville report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Gatesville 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 $1,007, homes cost 3.6x income.

    87 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade C-

    Median household income $57,217, 4.5% unemployed.

    39 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C

    5 rated campuses, 80% rated A or B.

    44 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade B+

    140 violent crimes per 100k, 681 property crimes per 100k.

    72 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade F

    1 grocery store, 43 restaurants, 5 parks mapped in town.

    3 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade C+

    Average commute 23 min, 3.7% work from home.

    55 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade F

    8.6% have a bachelor’s degree.

    5 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    23% of adults uninsured.

    1 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade C

    64% of homes owner-occupied.

    44 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D-

    86% of homes have broadband.

    11 of 100 vs US cities

Where Gatesville stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 33%19 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Median rent: $1,00728% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 23 min15% lower than Texas (27 min)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 8.6%25 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $57,21727% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 86%5 points lower than Texas (91%)

Cost of living in Gatesville

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Gatesville is $1,007 a month, 28% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $40,000 a year. Right now 33% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $927 for a one-bedroom, $1,138 for a two-bedroom and $1,576 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 $207,300, 27% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,135 before tax, or $1,325 with property tax. That is $318 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

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 Gatesville pays $2,289 a year, 46% 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 Gatesville

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in GatesvilleStudio$9211 bedroom$9272 bedrooms$1,1383 bedrooms$1,5764 bedrooms$1,902
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Killeen-Temple, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent28% lower than Texas$1,007$1,403$1,413
Median home value27% lower than Texas$207,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas3.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent19 points lower than Texas33%52%51%
Median property tax per year46% lower than Texas$2,289$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them1 points higher than Texas64%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197919921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,325
Mortgage payment
$1,135
Property tax
$191
Median rent, for comparison
$1,007

Based on a $207,300 home in Gatesville, 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 Gatesville safe?

In 2025, Gatesville Police Department reported 23 violent crimes and 112 property crimes. That works out to 140 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 64% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 681 property crimes per 100,000, 67% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 30% 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 Gatesville by yearTexas14020212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
140
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
681
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Gatesville by yearTexas68120212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Gatesville

Gatesville has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 80% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Gatesville 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
44
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
79
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

  • BGatesville High SchoolHigh, Gatesville ISD86 of 100
  • BGatesville ElementaryElementary, Gatesville ISD81 of 100
  • BGatesville PriOther, Gatesville ISD81 of 100
  • BGatesville Junior HighMiddle, Gatesville ISD80 of 100
  • DGatesville IntermediateElementary, Gatesville ISD68 of 100

Daily life in Gatesville

Everyday places mapped inside Gatesville, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lions Club Park, Gatesville Ball Park, Raby Park bathroom.

The average one-way commute is 23 minutes, 15% shorter than the Texas average. 4% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Killeen is about 25 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Gatesville work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $57,217, income per person is $17,236, unemployment is 4.5% and 9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
3
Restaurants
43
Cafes
5
Bars
2
Parks
5
Gyms
3
Hospitals and urgent care
4
Childcare
2
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income27% lower than Texas$57,217$78,476$80,734
Income per person58% lower than Texas$17,236$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas4.5%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line5 points lower than Texas9.1%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher25 points lower than Texas8.6%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points lower than Texas82%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points higher than Texas23%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet5 points lower than Texas86%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute15% lower than Texas23 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas3.7%14%15%
Workers who work from home3.7%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk1.6%
Workers who bike0.4%

Who lives in Gatesville

Under 188.6%
18 to 3431%
35 to 6449%
65 and over11%

Median age 39.4 years. 25% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White50%
Hispanic or Latino26%
Black16%
Asian1.3%
Other or more than one race6.8%

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

Weather in Gatesville

Gatesville has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 36°F. There are about 110 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 37 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Gatesville30°50°70°90°60J64F71M78A84M91J95J96A90S80O70N61DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Gatesville, 2 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 moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingModerate
  • HurricanesModerate
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailHigh
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsVery high
  • 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 Gatesville

Nearby, Crawford gets an A+, McGregor gets a D+ and Valley Mills 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. A+CrawfordTown, 1,020 people17 mi
  2. D+McGregorTown, 5,761 people18 mi
  3. DValley MillsTown, 1,136 people21 mi
  4. C+MoodyTown, 1,390 people23 mi
  5. BMorgan's Point ResortTown, 4,750 people25 mi
  6. ACliftonTown, 3,503 people25 mi

Gatesville in the Killeen area

How it ranks among 15 places in the metro.

  1. 1A-Salado2,225 people15 mito downtown
  2. 2A-Kempner1,215 people14 mito downtown
  3. 3B+Holland1,299 people24 mito downtown
  4. 8B-Harker Heights34,128 people5 mito downtown
  5. 9C+Copperas Cove37,947 people11 mito downtown
  6. 10CLampasas7,671 people27 mito downtown
  7. 11CGatesville16,228 people25 mito downtown
  8. 12C-Rogers1,303 people31 mito downtown
  9. 13DBelton24,356 people15 mito downtown
  10. 14DTemple89,602 people20 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of killeen

Living in Gatesville: common questions

Is Gatesville, TX a good place to live?

We give Gatesville a C. It ranks 105th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and safety, and trails on health and errands and things to do. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Gatesville?

Median rent in Gatesville is $1,007 a month, 28% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $207,300, 27% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.6x 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 $1,325, including property tax.

Is Gatesville safe?

In 2025, Gatesville Police Department reported 140 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 64% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 681 per 100,000, 67% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Gatesville?

We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Gatesville. 80% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 44 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

Does Gatesville flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Gatesville as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: 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 Gatesville?

Summers in Gatesville peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 36°F. Expect around 110 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 37 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Gatesville?

The average one-way commute is 23 min, 15% lower than the Texas average. About 3.7% of workers work from home. It is about 25 miles from downtown Killeen.

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.