Town in Wood County
Living in Hawkins, TX
387th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 48 of 100
Hawkins gets an overall grade of C and ranks 387th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and internet access, and trails on health and schools. It is a strong pick for remote workers.
- Good for remote workers
- Affordable
- Fast-growing
- Health scores low (15 of 100)
- Population
- 1,862+46.5% since 2020
- Median rent
- $79643% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $165,90042% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $72,404Median
- Average commute
- 21 minOne way
- Violent crime
- No dataNo full-year report
What it's like to live in Hawkins
Hawkins is a town in Wood County. 1,862 people lived here in 2025, up 46.5% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Veterans Memorial Park, Hawkins City Park And Pavilion and Allen Memorial Public Library.
The median age is 39.7, 33% of households have children, 74% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $72,404 a year (8% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Hawkins
- Lower rent. Median rent is $796, 43% 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 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Growing fast. The population grew 47% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.
Cons of living in Hawkins
No clear weak spots in our data.
Who Hawkins suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 8% lower than the Texas median, with 6 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 60% for young professionals.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 93% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $796 is 43% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 91% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $796 is 43% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 76% for people on a budget.
Hawkins report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Hawkins 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 $796, homes cost 2.3x income.
79 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C
Median household income $72,404, 4.5% unemployed.
44 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D+
2 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.
28 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: no grade
No full year of crime data from local police.
No score vs TX townsErrands and things to do: no grade
2 grocery stores, 6 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.
No score vs TX townsGetting around: grade C-
Average commute 21 min, 0% work from home.
34 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade C-
24% have a bachelor’s degree.
38 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D-
14% of adults uninsured.
15 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade C-
74% of homes owner-occupied.
34 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade B
93% of homes have broadband.
67 of 100 vs US towns
Where Hawkins stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $79643% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Home value to income: 2.3x37% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 74%11 points higher than Texas (63%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 24%10 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Vacant homes: 15%6 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
- Median household income: $72,4048% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in Hawkins
Hawkins renters pay a median of $796 a month, 43% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $32,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 45% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $862 for a one-bedroom, $1,019 for a two-bedroom and $1,294 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 $165,900, 42% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $908 before tax, or $1,082 with property tax. That is $286 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 Hawkins pays $2,086 a year, 51% 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 rent43% lower than Texas | $796 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value42% lower than Texas | $165,900 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income37% lower than Texas | 2.3x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent7 points lower than Texas | 45% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year51% lower than Texas | $2,086 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them11 points higher than Texas | 74% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1981 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $908
- Property tax
- $174
- Median rent, for comparison
- $796
Based on a $165,900 home in Hawkins, 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 Hawkins
Hawkins has 2 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 50% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Hawkins 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
- BHawkins H S / MiddleOther, Hawkins ISD83 of 100
- DHawkins ElementaryElementary, Hawkins ISD69 of 100
Daily life in Hawkins
Everyday places mapped inside Hawkins, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Veterans Memorial Park, Hawkins City Park And Pavilion, Allen Memorial Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 19% shorter than the Texas average. 0% 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 $72,404, income per person is $28,982, unemployment is 4.5% and 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income8% lower than Texas | $72,404 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person29% lower than Texas | $28,982 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 4.5% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty lineAbout the same as Texas | 13% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher10 points lower than Texas | 24% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher1 points higher than Texas | 87% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance6 points lower than Texas | 14% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet2 points higher than Texas | 93% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute19% lower than Texas | 21 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home14 points lower than Texas | 0% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Hawkins
Median age 39.7 years. 33% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Hawkins
Hawkins 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, 14 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 Hawkins
Nearby, Big Sandy gets a D-, Winona gets a B and Holly Lake Ranch 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-Big SandyTown, 1,289 people5 mi
- BWinonaTown, 1,025 people7 mi
- BHolly Lake RanchTown, 2,956 people8 mi
- A-LindaleTown, 6,644 people13 mi
- D-GladewaterTown, 6,227 people15 mi
- AHideawayTown, 3,301 people17 mi
Living in Hawkins: common questions
Is Hawkins, TX a good place to live?
Hawkins gets an overall grade of C and ranks 387th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and internet access, and trails on health and schools. It is a strong pick for remote workers.
How much does it cost to live in Hawkins?
Renters in Hawkins pay a median of $796 a month, 43% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $165,900, 42% 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 $1,082, including property tax.
Are the schools good in Hawkins?
We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Hawkins. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 28 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
What is the weather like in Hawkins?
Summers in Hawkins 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 Hawkins?
The average one-way commute is 21 min, 19% lower than the Texas average. About 0% 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.