Small city in Deaf Smith County
Living in Hereford, TX
61st of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 69 of 100
Hereford gets an overall grade of B and ranks 61st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and safety, and trails on education levels and internet access. It is a strong pick for retirees and people on a budget.
- Good for retirees
- Good for people on a budget
- Low crime
- Affordable
- Short commutes
- Education levels scores low (1 of 100)
- Health scores low (4 of 100)
- Population
- 14,976+0.1% since 2020
- Median rent
- $95332% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $109,70061% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $56,868Median
- Average commute
- 16 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 67Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Hereford
Hereford is a small city in Deaf Smith County. 14,976 people lived here in 2025, up 0.1% from 2020. It is suburban.
Local spots people know include Veterans Park, Dameron Park and Aquatic Park.
The median age is 29.4, 44% of households have children, 66% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $56,868 a year (28% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Hereford
- Low violent crime. 67 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 83% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $953, 32% 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 16 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
Cons of living in Hereford
- Many adults uninsured. 35% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and winter storms as very high here.
Who Hereford suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 83% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 72% for families.
- Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 28% lower than the Texas median, with 57 restaurants and 9 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for young professionals.
- RetireesA strong fit: 35% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 83% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 88% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 81% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $953 is 32% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $953 is 32% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 97% for people on a budget.
Hereford report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Hereford with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Cost of living: grade A+
Median rent $953, homes cost 1.9x income.
98 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade D+
Median household income $56,868, 4.2% unemployed.
30 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade C-
8 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.
33 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade A
67 violent crimes per 100k, 492 property crimes per 100k.
93 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade B+
2 grocery stores, 57 restaurants, 8 parks mapped in town.
74 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade B
Average commute 16 min, 2.3% work from home.
64 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade F
8.4% have a bachelor’s degree.
1 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade F
35% of adults uninsured.
5 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade D+
66% of homes owner-occupied.
27 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade F
81% of homes have broadband.
3 of 100 vs US cities
Where Hereford stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Home value to income: 1.9x47% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Average commute: 16 min40% lower than Texas (27 min)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 38%14 points lower than Texas (52%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 8.4%25 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 35%15 points higher than Texas (20%)
- Median household income: $56,86828% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in Hereford
Hereford renters pay a median of $953 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 38% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $885 for a one-bedroom, $1,112 for a two-bedroom and $1,369 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 $109,700, 61% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $600 before tax, or $750 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 Hereford pays $1,797 a year, 58% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
See the full cost of living breakdown for Hereford
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent32% lower than Texas | $953 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value61% lower than Texas | $109,700 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income47% lower than Texas | 1.9x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent14 points lower than Texas | 38% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year58% lower than Texas | $1,797 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them4 points higher than Texas | 66% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1970 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $600
- Property tax
- $150
- Median rent, for comparison
- $953
Based on a $109,700 home in Hereford, 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 Hereford safe?
In 2025, Hereford Police Department reported 10 violent crimes and 73 property crimes. That works out to 67 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 83% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 492 property crimes per 100,000, 76% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 76% 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, Hereford Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Hereford
Hereford has 8 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 Hereford ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Aikman Elementary, Tierra Blanca Early Childhood Center and Hereford Preparatory Academy. The average rating score across all campuses is 77 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.
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
- AAikman ElementaryElementary, Hereford ISD91 of 100
- ATierra Blanca Early Childhood CenterOther, Hereford ISD91 of 100
- AHereford Preparatory AcademyMiddle, Hereford ISD90 of 100
- BBluebonnet ElementaryElementary, Hereford ISD86 of 100
- CWest Central ElementaryElementary, Hereford ISD70 of 100
Daily life in Hereford
Everyday places mapped inside Hereford, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Veterans Park, Dameron Park, Aquatic Park.
The average one-way commute is 16 minutes, 40% shorter than the Texas average. 2% 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 $56,868, income per person is $23,802, unemployment is 4.2% and 8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income28% lower than Texas | $56,868 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person42% lower than Texas | $23,802 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas | 4.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas | 16% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher25 points lower than Texas | 8.4% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher17 points lower than Texas | 69% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance15 points higher than Texas | 35% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet10 points lower than Texas | 81% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute40% lower than Texas | 16 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home12 points lower than Texas | 2.3% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Hereford
Median age 29.4 years. 44% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Hereford
Hereford has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 92°F and January lows about 23°F. There are about 77 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 19 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Hereford, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is low, hurricane risk is very low, 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 floodingLow
- HurricanesVery low
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesLow
- WildfiresHigh
- 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 Hereford
Nearby, Dimmitt gets a B-, Friona gets an A- and Canyon 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.
Living in Hereford: common questions
Is Hereford, TX a good place to live?
Hereford gets an overall grade of B and ranks 61st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and safety, and trails on education levels and internet access. It is a strong pick for retirees and people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Hereford?
Renters in Hereford pay a median of $953 a month, 32% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $109,700, 61% 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 $750, including property tax.
Is Hereford safe?
In 2025, Hereford Police Department reported 67 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 83% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 492 per 100,000, 76% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Hereford?
We found 8 rated public school campuses inside Hereford. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 33 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does Hereford flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Hereford as low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, 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 Hereford?
Summers in Hereford peak at about 92°F in July, and January nights fall to about 23°F. Expect around 77 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 19 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Hereford?
The average one-way commute is 16 min, 40% lower than the Texas average. About 2.3% 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.