Town in Lee County
Living in Giddings, TX
551st of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 26 of 100
Giddings gets an overall grade of D+ and ranks 551st of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on safety and home ownership, and trails on health and education levels.
- Education levels scores low (11 of 100)
- Health scores low (5 of 100)
- Population
- 5,425+8.7% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,23112% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $252,30011% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $72,913Median
- Average commute
- 26 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 129Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Giddings
Giddings is a town in Lee County. 5,425 people lived here in 2025, up 8.7% from 2020. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Mid Town Lee Smith Park, Veterans Park and Simmang Park - Soccer Fields.
The median age is 43.9, 36% of households have children, 65% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $72,913 a year (7% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Giddings
- Low violent crime. 129 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 67% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $1,231, 12% lower than the Texas median.
Cons of living in Giddings
- Many adults uninsured. 26% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Giddings suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 25% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 67% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 36% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 7% lower than the Texas median, with 54 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 29% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 26% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 67% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 11% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 83% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,231 is 12% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 4% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,231 is 12% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 20% for people on a budget.
Giddings report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Giddings 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 D+
Median rent $1,231, homes cost 3.5x income.
29 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C
Median household income $72,913, 4.6% unemployed.
42 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade C
4 rated campuses, 25% rated A or B.
44 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade B-
129 violent crimes per 100k, 591 property crimes per 100k.
56 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: no grade
2 grocery stores, 54 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.
No score vs TX townsGetting around: grade C
Average commute 26 min, 10% work from home.
47 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D-
14% have a bachelor’s degree.
12 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade F
26% of adults uninsured.
5 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade C+
65% of homes owner-occupied.
50 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D
83% of homes have broadband.
18 of 100 vs US towns
Where Giddings stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $1,23112% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Vacant homes: 6.5%3 points lower than Texas (9.4%)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 65%3 points higher than Texas (63%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 14%20 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Homes with broadband internet: 83%9 points lower than Texas (91%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 26%7 points higher than Texas (20%)
Cost of living in Giddings
Giddings renters pay a median of $1,231 a month, 12% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $49,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 51% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $919 for a one-bedroom, $1,155 for a two-bedroom and $1,594 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 $252,300, 11% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,381 before tax, or $1,562 with property tax. That is $331 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 Giddings pays $2,176 a year, 49% 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 rent12% lower than Texas | $1,231 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value11% lower than Texas | $252,300 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income4% lower than Texas | 3.5x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas | 51% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year49% lower than Texas | $2,176 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them3 points higher than Texas | 65% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1984 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,381
- Property tax
- $181
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,231
Based on a $252,300 home in Giddings, 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 Giddings safe?
In 2025, Giddings Police Department reported 7 violent crimes and 32 property crimes. That works out to 129 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 67% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 591 property crimes per 100,000, 72% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 55% 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, Giddings Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Giddings
Giddings 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 Giddings ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Giddings High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 79 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.
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
- AGiddings High SchoolHigh, Giddings ISD94 of 100
- CGiddings MiddleMiddle, Giddings ISD79 of 100
- CGiddings ElementaryElementary, Giddings ISD73 of 100
- CGiddings IntermediateElementary, Giddings ISD71 of 100
Daily life in Giddings
Everyday places mapped inside Giddings, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Mid Town Lee Smith Park, Veterans Park, Simmang Park - Soccer Fields.
The average one-way commute is 26 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 10% 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 $72,913, income per person is $32,803, unemployment is 4.6% and 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income7% lower than Texas | $72,913 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person20% lower than Texas | $32,803 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 4.6% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty lineAbout the same as Texas | 14% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher20 points lower than Texas | 14% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher6 points lower than Texas | 80% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance7 points higher than Texas | 26% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet9 points lower than Texas | 83% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute3% lower than Texas | 26 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas | 10% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Giddings
Median age 43.9 years. 36% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Giddings
Giddings has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 39°F. There are about 111 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Lexington, 16 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 Giddings
Nearby, Lexington gets a D+, Smithville gets a D+ and Circle D-KC Estates gets a C-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- D+LexingtonTown, 1,365 people17 mi
- D+SmithvilleTown, 4,216 people18 mi
- C-Circle D-KC EstatesTown, 3,135 people19 mi
- CLa GrangeTown, 4,452 people19 mi
- D+McDadeTown, 1,070 people20 mi
- FCamp SwiftTown, 8,239 people22 mi
Living in Giddings: common questions
Is Giddings, TX a good place to live?
Giddings gets an overall grade of D+ and ranks 551st of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on safety and home ownership, and trails on health and education levels.
How much does it cost to live in Giddings?
Renters in Giddings pay a median of $1,231 a month, 12% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $252,300, 11% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.5x 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 $1,562, including property tax.
Is Giddings safe?
In 2025, Giddings Police Department reported 129 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 67% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 591 per 100,000, 72% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Giddings?
We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Giddings. 25% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 44 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
What is the weather like in Giddings?
Summers in Giddings peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 39°F. Expect around 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Giddings?
The average one-way commute is 26 min, 3% lower than the Texas average. About 10% 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.