Town in Upshur County, part of the Longview metro
Living in Gilmer, TX
511th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 31 of 100
8th of 16 in the Longview area
Gilmer gets an overall grade of D+ and ranks 511th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and schools, and trails on health and jobs and income.
- Top-rated schools
- Jobs and income scores low (10 of 100)
- Safety scores low (11 of 100)
- Population
- 5,287+9.2% since 2020
- Median rent
- $98630% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $166,70041% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $44,316Median
- Average commute
- 26 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 434Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Gilmer
Gilmer sits about 18 miles from downtown Longview, in the Longview metro. 5,287 people lived here in 2025, up 9.2% from 2020. It is spread out.
Places locals use include Gilmer City Park, Yamboree Grounds and Roosevelt Park.
The median age is 36.1, 35% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $44,316 a year (44% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Gilmer
- Strong public schools. 100% of the 3 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $986, 30% lower than the Texas median.
- Plenty close to home. 4 grocery stores, 58 restaurants and 6 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in Gilmer
- Higher unemployment. 8.9% 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 Gilmer suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 12% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 44% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 44% lower than the Texas median, with 58 restaurants and 7 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 56% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 12% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 86% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $986 is 30% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 44% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $986 is 30% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 32% for people on a budget.
Gilmer report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Gilmer 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 C
Median rent $986, homes cost 3.8x income.
45 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D-
Median household income $44,316, 8.9% unemployed.
10 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade A-
3 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
86 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade D-
434 violent crimes per 100k, 1,509 property crimes per 100k.
11 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade A+
4 grocery stores, 58 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.
96 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade D
Average commute 26 min, 2.6% work from home.
17 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade C
22% have a bachelor’s degree.
41 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade F
17% of adults uninsured.
5 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D-
56% of homes owner-occupied.
15 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D+
86% of homes have broadband.
28 of 100 vs US towns
Where Gilmer stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $98630% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 42%10 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 17%3 points lower than Texas (20%)
Worse than Texas
- Median household income: $44,31644% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 22%12 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 56%6 points lower than Texas (63%)
Cost of living in Gilmer
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Gilmer is $986 a month, 30% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $39,000 a year. Right now 42% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,041 for a one-bedroom, $1,232 for a two-bedroom and $1,611 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 $166,700, 41% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $912 before tax, or $1,118 with property tax. That is $132 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 Gilmer pays $2,468 a year, 42% 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 rent30% lower than Texas | $986 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value41% lower than Texas | $166,700 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income4% higher than Texas | 3.8x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent10 points lower than Texas | 42% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year42% lower than Texas | $2,468 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them6 points lower than Texas | 56% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1975 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $912
- Property tax
- $206
- Median rent, for comparison
- $986
Based on a $166,700 home in Gilmer, 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 Gilmer safe?
In 2025, Gilmer Police Department reported 23 violent crimes and 80 property crimes. That works out to 434 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 12% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,509 property crimes per 100,000, 28% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 16% 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, Gilmer Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Gilmer
Gilmer has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Gilmer ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Gilmer Early Childhood Center and Gilmer High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 89 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
- AGilmer Early Childhood CenterOther, Gilmer ISD90 of 100
- AGilmer High SchoolHigh, Gilmer ISD90 of 100
- BBruce Junior HighMiddle, Gilmer ISD86 of 100
Daily life in Gilmer
Everyday places mapped inside Gilmer, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Gilmer City Park, Yamboree Grounds, Roosevelt Park.
The average one-way commute is 26 minutes, 4% shorter than the Texas average. 3% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Longview is about 18 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Gilmer work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $44,316, income per person is $24,476, unemployment is 8.9% and 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income44% lower than Texas | $44,316 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person40% lower than Texas | $24,476 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate4 points higher than Texas | 8.9% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line5 points higher than Texas | 18% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher12 points lower than Texas | 22% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points higher than Texas | 90% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points lower than Texas | 17% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet6 points lower than Texas | 86% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute4% lower than Texas | 26 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home12 points lower than Texas | 2.6% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Gilmer
Median age 36.1 years. 35% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Gilmer
Gilmer has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 33°F. There are about 88 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 48 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Gilmer 4 Wnw, 6 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 high, 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
- HurricanesHigh
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- 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 Gilmer
Nearby, Gladewater gets a D-, Big Sandy gets a D- and White Oak 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.
- D-GladewaterTown, 6,227 people12 mi
- D-Big SandyTown, 1,289 people14 mi
- B+White OakTown, 6,235 people14 mi
- BHolly Lake RanchTown, 2,956 people15 mi
- CHawkinsTown, 1,876 people17 mi
- C+LongviewCity, 82,923 people18 mi
Gilmer in the Longview area
How it ranks among 16 places in the metro.
- 1AHallsville4,628 people11 mito downtown
- 2B+White Oak6,235 people6 mito downtown
- 3B-Lake Cherokee3,093 people13 mito downtown
- 5C+Longview82,923 people0 mito downtown
- 6CTatum1,435 people20 mito downtown
- 7C-Marshall23,825 people24 mito downtown
- 8D+Gilmer5,025 people18 mito downtown
- 9D+Liberty City2,648 people12 mito downtown
- 10D+Henderson13,385 people25 mito downtown
- 11DKilgore13,470 people10 mito downtown
Living in Gilmer: common questions
Is Gilmer, TX a good place to live?
Gilmer gets an overall grade of D+ and ranks 511th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and schools, and trails on health and jobs and income.
How much does it cost to live in Gilmer?
Median rent in Gilmer is $986 a month, 30% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $166,700, 41% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.8x 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 $1,118, including property tax.
Is Gilmer safe?
In 2025, Gilmer Police Department reported 434 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 12% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,509 per 100,000, 28% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Gilmer?
We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Gilmer. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 86 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Gilmer flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Gilmer as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, 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 Gilmer?
Summers in Gilmer peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 33°F. Expect around 88 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 48 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Gilmer?
The average one-way commute is 26 min, 4% lower than the Texas average. About 2.6% of workers work from home. It is about 18 miles from downtown Longview.
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.