Town in Henderson County
Living in Gun Barrel City, TX
280th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 62 of 100
Gun Barrel City earns a grade of B- on our index, 280th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on schools and home ownership, and trails on health and jobs and income.
- Fast-growing
- Health scores low (19 of 100)
- Tornado risk is very high
- Population
- 7,133+15.6% since 2020
- Median rent
- $96032% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $237,30016% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $71,310Median
- Average commute
- 28 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 125Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Gun Barrel City
Gun Barrel City is a town in Henderson County. 7,133 people lived here in 2025, up 15.6% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Tom Finley Park, Purtis Creek State Park and Tamarack Pool.
The median age is 50.8, 23% of households have children, 91% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $71,310 a year (9% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Gun Barrel City
- Low violent crime. 125 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 68% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $960, 32% lower than the Texas median.
- Growing fast. The population grew 16% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.
Cons of living in Gun Barrel City
- Higher unemployment. 8.7% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and strong wind as very high here.
Who Gun Barrel City suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 68% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 74% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 9% lower than the Texas median, with 57 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 39% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 14% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 68% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 41% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 92% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $960 is 32% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 70% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $960 is 32% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 54% for people on a budget.
Gun Barrel City report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Gun Barrel City 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 B-
Median rent $960, homes cost 3.3x income.
62 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D+
Median household income $71,310, 8.7% unemployed.
26 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade A-
1 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
84 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade C
125 violent crimes per 100k, 1,844 property crimes per 100k.
42 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade C
1 grocery store, 57 restaurants, 4 parks mapped in town.
47 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade D+
Average commute 28 min, 17% work from home.
29 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade C-
18% have a bachelor’s degree.
34 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D
14% of adults uninsured.
19 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade B
91% of homes owner-occupied.
66 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade B-
92% of homes have broadband.
60 of 100 vs US towns
Where Gun Barrel City stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 91%28 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 33%19 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Median rent: $96032% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 18%16 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median household income: $71,3109% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Vacant homes: 13%3 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
Cost of living in Gun Barrel City
Gun Barrel City renters pay a median of $960 a month, 32% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $38,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 33% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $910 for a one-bedroom, $1,114 for a two-bedroom and $1,456 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 $237,300, 16% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,299 before tax, or $1,488 with property tax. That is $528 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 Gun Barrel City pays $2,275 a year, 46% 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 rent32% lower than Texas | $960 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value16% lower than Texas | $237,300 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income8% lower than Texas | 3.3x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent19 points lower than Texas | 33% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year46% lower than Texas | $2,275 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them28 points higher than Texas | 91% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1989 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,299
- Property tax
- $190
- Median rent, for comparison
- $960
Based on a $237,300 home in Gun Barrel City, 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 Gun Barrel City safe?
In 2025, Gun Barrel City Police Department reported 9 violent crimes and 133 property crimes. That works out to 125 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 68% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,844 property crimes per 100,000, 12% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 62% 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, Gun Barrel City Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Gun Barrel City
Gun Barrel City has 1 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 Mabank 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
- BLakeview ElementaryElementary, Mabank ISD88 of 100
Daily life in Gun Barrel City
Everyday places mapped inside Gun Barrel City, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Tom Finley Park, Purtis Creek State Park, Tamarack Pool.
The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, 4% longer than the Texas average. 17% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Athens is about 19 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Gun Barrel City work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $71,310, income per person is $38,080, unemployment is 8.7% and 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income9% lower than Texas | $71,310 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person7% lower than Texas | $38,080 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate3 points higher than Texas | 8.7% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas | 16% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher16 points lower than Texas | 18% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points higher than Texas | 90% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance6 points lower than Texas | 14% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas | 92% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute4% higher than Texas | 28 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home3 points higher than Texas | 17% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Gun Barrel City
Median age 50.8 years. 23% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Gun Barrel City
Gun Barrel City has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 35°F. There are about 92 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 45 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Athens, 20 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 very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.
- River floodingModerate
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresHigh
- 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 Gun Barrel City
Nearby, Payne Springs gets a C-, Mabank gets a C and Tool 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.
- C-Payne SpringsTown, 1,201 people3 mi
- CMabankTown, 5,187 people3 mi
- C-ToolTown, 2,367 people5 mi
- C+EustaceTown, 1,039 people6 mi
- FSeven PointsTown, 1,167 people6 mi
- FKempTown, 1,302 people10 mi
Living in Gun Barrel City: common questions
Is Gun Barrel City, TX a good place to live?
Gun Barrel City earns a grade of B- on our index, 280th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on schools and home ownership, and trails on health and jobs and income.
How much does it cost to live in Gun Barrel City?
Renters in Gun Barrel City pay a median of $960 a month, 32% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $237,300, 16% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.3x 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 $1,488, including property tax.
Is Gun Barrel City safe?
In 2025, Gun Barrel City Police Department reported 125 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 68% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,844 per 100,000, 12% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Gun Barrel City?
We found 1 rated public school campuses inside Gun Barrel City. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 84 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Gun Barrel City flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Gun Barrel City 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 Gun Barrel City?
Summers in Gun Barrel City peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 35°F. Expect around 92 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 45 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Gun Barrel City?
The average one-way commute is 28 min, 4% higher than the Texas average. About 17% of workers work from home. It is about 19 miles from downtown Athens.
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.