Town in Sabine County
Living in Hemphill, TX
278th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 62 of 100
Hemphill earns a grade of B- on our index, 278th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on safety and cost of living, and trails on jobs and income and education levels. It is a strong pick for families and retirees.
- Good for families
- Good for retirees
- Low crime
- Affordable
- Population
- 1,027-0.5% since 2020
- Median rent
- $88237% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $125,70056% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $67,260Median
- Average commute
- 22 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 0Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Hemphill
Hemphill is a town in Sabine County. 1,027 people lived here in 2025, down 0.5% from 2020. It is small-town and rural in feel.
The median age is 33.7, 39% of households have children, 65% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $67,260 a year (14% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Hemphill
- Low violent crime. 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 100% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $882, 37% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.9 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
- Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 22 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
Cons of living in Hemphill
- Higher unemployment. 11% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
Who Hemphill suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 100% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 81% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 14% lower than the Texas median, with 12 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 29% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 13% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 100% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 86% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $882 is 37% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $882 is 37% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 69% for people on a budget.
Hemphill report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Hemphill 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 $882, homes cost 1.9x income.
76 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D
Median household income $67,260, 11% unemployed.
20 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade B
3 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
66 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade A-
0 violent crimes per 100k, 576 property crimes per 100k.
82 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: no grade
2 grocery stores, 12 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.
No score vs TX townsGetting around: grade D+
Average commute 22 min, 7.2% work from home.
30 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D
21% have a bachelor’s degree.
21 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D+
13% of adults uninsured.
27 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D
65% of homes owner-occupied.
21 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D+
86% of homes have broadband.
29 of 100 vs US towns
Where Hemphill stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Home value to income: 1.9x48% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Median rent: $88237% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Average commute: 22 min17% lower than Texas (27 min)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 21%13 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Unemployment rate: 11%6 points higher than Texas (5.3%)
- Median household income: $67,26014% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in Hemphill
Hemphill renters pay a median of $882 a month, 37% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $35,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 47% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $808 for a one-bedroom, $1,057 for a two-bedroom and $1,366 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 $125,700, 56% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $688 before tax, or $784 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 Hemphill pays $1,155 a year, 73% 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 rent37% lower than Texas | $882 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value56% lower than Texas | $125,700 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income48% lower than Texas | 1.9x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent5 points lower than Texas | 47% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year73% lower than Texas | $1,155 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them2 points higher than Texas | 65% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1970 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $688
- Property tax
- $96
- Median rent, for comparison
- $882
Based on a $125,700 home in Hemphill, 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 Hemphill safe?
In 2025, Hemphill Police Department reported 0 violent crimes and 6 property crimes. That works out to 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 100% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 576 property crimes per 100,000, 72% lower than the state rate.
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, Hemphill Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Hemphill
Hemphill 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 Hemphill 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
- BHemphill High SchoolHigh, Hemphill ISD85 of 100
- BHemphill MiddleMiddle, Hemphill ISD85 of 100
- BHemphill ElementaryElementary, Hemphill ISD81 of 100
Daily life in Hemphill
Everyday places mapped inside Hemphill, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include J R Huffman Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 22 minutes, 17% shorter than the Texas average. 7% 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 $67,260, income per person is $24,362, unemployment is 11% and 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income14% lower than Texas | $67,260 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person40% lower than Texas | $24,362 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate6 points higher than Texas | 11% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line3 points higher than Texas | 17% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher13 points lower than Texas | 21% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher10 points lower than Texas | 76% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance6 points lower than Texas | 13% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet5 points lower than Texas | 86% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute17% lower than Texas | 22 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas | 7.2% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Hemphill
Median age 33.7 years. 39% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Hemphill
Hemphill has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 91°F and January lows about 38°F. There are about 90 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 57 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Toledo Bend Lake, La Us, 19 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 Hemphill
Nearby, Milam gets a C-, San Augustine gets an F and Sam Rayburn gets an A-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- C-MilamTown, 1,258 people8 mi
- FSan AugustineTown, 2,054 people20 mi
- A-Sam RayburnTown, 1,366 people21 mi
- D-JasperTown, 7,299 people30 mi
- D-NewtonTown, 2,534 people35 mi
- C-CenterTown, 5,271 people36 mi
Living in Hemphill: common questions
Is Hemphill, TX a good place to live?
Hemphill earns a grade of B- on our index, 278th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on safety and cost of living, and trails on jobs and income and education levels. It is a strong pick for families and retirees.
How much does it cost to live in Hemphill?
Renters in Hemphill pay a median of $882 a month, 37% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $125,700, 56% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.9x 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 $784, including property tax.
Is Hemphill safe?
In 2025, Hemphill Police Department reported 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 100% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 576 per 100,000, 72% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Hemphill?
We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Hemphill. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 66 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
What is the weather like in Hemphill?
Summers in Hemphill peak at about 91°F in July, and January nights fall to about 38°F. Expect around 90 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 57 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Hemphill?
The average one-way commute is 22 min, 17% lower than the Texas average. About 7.2% 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.