Town in Hamilton County

Living in Hamilton, TX

C

439th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 41 of 100

We give Hamilton a C. It ranks 439th 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 jobs and income and education levels.

  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (10 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (13 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Hamilton isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthHamilton
Where Hamilton is in Texas.
Population
3,016+4.3% since 2020
Median rent
$88837% lower than Texas
Median home value
$102,10064% lower than Texas
Household income
$43,780Median
Average commute
10 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Hamilton

Hamilton is a town in Hamilton County. 3,016 people lived here in 2025, up 4.3% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1959).

Places locals use include Hamilton Park, Shrunk Park and Hamilton Public Library.

The median age is 40.5, 24% of households have children, 69% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $43,780 a year (44% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Hamilton

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $888, 37% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.3 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 10 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Hamilton

  • Higher unemployment. 10% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and wildfires as very high here.

Who Hamilton suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 46% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 44% lower than the Texas median, with 23 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 55% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 16% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 42% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 90% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $888 is 37% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 64% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $888 is 37% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 41% for people on a budget.

Hamilton report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Hamilton 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 $888, homes cost 2.3x income.

    54 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $43,780, 10% unemployed.

    11 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B-

    3 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.

    58 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B

    2 grocery stores, 23 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.

    70 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade B-

    Average commute 10 min, 1.4% work from home.

    60 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D-

    15% have a bachelor’s degree.

    13 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    16% of adults uninsured.

    15 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D-

    69% of homes owner-occupied.

    16 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade C+

    90% of homes have broadband.

    49 of 100 vs US towns

Where Hamilton stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 10 min62% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Median rent: $88837% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 2.3x36% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 15%18 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $43,78044% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Vacant homes: 22%13 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Hamilton

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Hamilton is $888 a month, 37% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $36,000 a year. Right now 63% 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 $102,100, 64% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $559 before tax, or $670 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

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 Hamilton pays $1,333 a year, 69% 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

Fair market rent by bedroom count in HamiltonStudio$7711 bedroom$7752 bedrooms$1,0143 bedrooms$1,4044 bedrooms$1,461
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Hamilton County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent37% lower than Texas$888$1,403$1,413
Median home value64% lower than Texas$102,100$283,800$332,700
Home value to income36% lower than Texas2.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent11 points higher than Texas63%52%51%
Median property tax per year69% lower than Texas$1,333$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them6 points higher than Texas69%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas195919921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$670
Mortgage payment
$559
Property tax
$111
Median rent, for comparison
$888

Based on a $102,100 home in Hamilton, 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.

Schools in Hamilton

Hamilton has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Hamilton 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
58
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
82
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

  • BHamilton High SchoolHigh, Hamilton ISD87 of 100
  • BHamilton Junior HighMiddle, Hamilton ISD86 of 100
  • CAnn Whitney ElementaryElementary, Hamilton ISD72 of 100

Daily life in Hamilton

Everyday places mapped inside Hamilton, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Hamilton Park, Shrunk Park, Hamilton Public Library.

The average one-way commute is 10 minutes, 62% shorter than the Texas average. 1% 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 $43,780, income per person is $25,230, unemployment is 10% and 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
2
Pharmacies
3
Restaurants
23
Cafes
2
Bars
1
Parks
6
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
3
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income44% lower than Texas$43,780$78,476$80,734
Income per person38% lower than Texas$25,230$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate5 points higher than Texas10%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas15%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher18 points lower than Texas15%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher8 points lower than Texas78%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance4 points lower than Texas16%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet1 points lower than Texas90%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute62% lower than Texas10 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home13 points lower than Texas1.4%14%15%
Workers who work from home1.4%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Hamilton

Under 1821%
18 to 3421%
35 to 6434%
65 and over25%

Median age 40.5 years. 24% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White76%
Hispanic or Latino22%
Black0.3%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race1.5%

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

Weather in Hamilton

Hamilton has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 89 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 32 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Hamilton30°50°70°90°59J62F69M77A84M91J95J96A89S80O69N61DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Evant 1ssw, 18 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
  • 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 Hamilton

Nearby, Hico gets a C, Gatesville gets a C and Dublin 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.

  1. CHicoTown, 1,771 people20 mi
  2. CGatesvilleSmall city, 16,228 people29 mi
  3. B+DublinTown, 3,419 people30 mi
  4. B-MeridianTown, 1,638 people30 mi
  5. ACliftonTown, 3,503 people30 mi
  6. B-ComancheTown, 4,295 people33 mi

Living in Hamilton: common questions

Is Hamilton, TX a good place to live?

We give Hamilton a C. It ranks 439th 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 jobs and income and education levels.

How much does it cost to live in Hamilton?

Median rent in Hamilton is $888 a month, 37% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $102,100, 64% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.3x 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 $670, including property tax.

Is Hamilton safe?

In 2024, Hamilton Police Department reported 99 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 74% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 957 per 100,000, 54% lower than the Texas rate. This agency reported only part of the year, so the rate is shown but not scored.

Are the schools good in Hamilton?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Hamilton. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 58 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Hamilton flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Hamilton 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 Hamilton?

Summers in Hamilton peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 89 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 32 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Hamilton?

The average one-way commute is 10 min, 62% lower than the Texas average. About 1.4% 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.