Town in Gonzales County
Living in Gonzales, TX
629th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 16 of 100
We give Gonzales a D-. It ranks 629th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and getting around, and trails on education levels and health.
- Errands close by
- Short commutes
- Jobs and income scores low (18 of 100)
- Safety scores low (9 of 100)
- Population
- 7,239+1.2% since 2020
- Median rent
- $75146% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $208,50027% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $51,929Median
- Average commute
- 17 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 1,130Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Gonzales
Gonzales is a town in Gonzales County. 7,239 people lived here in 2025, up 1.2% from 2020. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Gonzales Disc Golf Course, Independence Park and Palmetto State Park.
The median age is 36.2, 39% of households have children, 51% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $51,929 a year (34% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Gonzales
- Lower rent. Median rent is $751, 46% lower than the Texas median.
- Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 17 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Plenty close to home. 7 grocery stores, 52 restaurants and 9 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in Gonzales
- Weaker school ratings. Only 20% of the 5 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Higher violent crime. 1,130 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 192% higher than the Texas rate.
- Higher poverty. 27% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Many adults uninsured. 29% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes as very high here.
Who Gonzales suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 20% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 192% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 8% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 34% lower than the Texas median, with 52 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 72% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 29% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 192% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 83% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $751 is 46% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 32% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $751 is 46% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 37% for people on a budget.
Gonzales report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Gonzales 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 $751, homes cost 4.0x income.
48 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D
Median household income $51,929, 4.4% unemployed.
18 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D
5 rated campuses, 20% rated A or B.
23 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade D-
1,130 violent crimes per 100k, 1,199 property crimes per 100k.
9 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade A
7 grocery stores, 52 restaurants, 9 parks mapped in town.
89 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade B
Average commute 17 min, 3.6% work from home.
70 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade F
10% have a bachelor’s degree.
4 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade F
29% of adults uninsured.
8 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D
51% of homes owner-occupied.
17 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D
83% of homes have broadband.
18 of 100 vs US towns
Where Gonzales stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $75146% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Average commute: 17 min37% lower than Texas (27 min)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 10%23 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median household income: $51,92934% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- People below the poverty line: 27%13 points higher than Texas (14%)
Cost of living in Gonzales
Gonzales renters pay a median of $751 a month, 46% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $30,000 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 $775 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,404 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 $208,500, 27% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,141 before tax, or $1,366 with property tax. That is $615 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 Gonzales pays $2,695 a year, 36% 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 rent46% lower than Texas | $751 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value27% lower than Texas | $208,500 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income11% higher than Texas | 4.0x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas | 51% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year36% lower than Texas | $2,695 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them11 points lower than Texas | 51% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1972 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,141
- Property tax
- $225
- Median rent, for comparison
- $751
Based on a $208,500 home in Gonzales, 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 Gonzales safe?
In 2025, Gonzales Police Department reported 82 violent crimes and 87 property crimes. That works out to 1,130 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 192% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,199 property crimes per 100,000, 43% 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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Gonzales Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Gonzales
Gonzales has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 20% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Gonzales 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
- BGonzales High SchoolHigh, Gonzales ISD81 of 100
- CGonzales ElementaryElementary, Gonzales ISD74 of 100
- CGonzales North AvenueElementary, Gonzales ISD74 of 100
- CGonzales Pri AcademyOther, Gonzales ISD74 of 100
- CGonzales Junior HighMiddle, Gonzales ISD71 of 100
Daily life in Gonzales
Everyday places mapped inside Gonzales, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Gonzales Disc Golf Course, Independence Park, Palmetto State Park.
The average one-way commute is 17 minutes, 37% 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.
The median household income is $51,929, income per person is $23,557, unemployment is 4.4% and 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income34% lower than Texas | $51,929 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person42% lower than Texas | $23,557 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 4.4% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line13 points higher than Texas | 27% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher23 points lower than Texas | 10% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher19 points lower than Texas | 67% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance10 points higher than Texas | 29% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet9 points lower than Texas | 83% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute37% lower than Texas | 17 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas | 3.6% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Gonzales
Median age 36.2 years. 39% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Gonzales
Gonzales has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 40°F. There are about 113 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 36 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Gonzales 2s, 2 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is very 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 floodingVery high
- HurricanesVery high
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresLow
- Winter stormsHigh
- 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 Gonzales
Nearby, Shiner gets an A, Luling gets a D and Yoakum 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.
Living in Gonzales: common questions
Is Gonzales, TX a good place to live?
We give Gonzales a D-. It ranks 629th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and getting around, and trails on education levels and health.
How much does it cost to live in Gonzales?
Renters in Gonzales pay a median of $751 a month, 46% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $208,500, 27% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.0x 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 $1,366, including property tax.
Is Gonzales safe?
In 2025, Gonzales Police Department reported 1,130 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 192% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,199 per 100,000, 43% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Gonzales?
We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Gonzales. 20% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 23 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Gonzales flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Gonzales as very high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Gonzales?
Summers in Gonzales peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 40°F. Expect around 113 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 36 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Gonzales?
The average one-way commute is 17 min, 37% lower than the Texas average. About 3.6% 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.