Town in Hill County
Living in Itasca, TX
195th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 73 of 100
Itasca earns a grade of B+ on our index, 195th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and jobs and income, and trails on schools and getting around. It is a strong pick for retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.
- Good for retirees
- Good for remote workers
- Good for people on a budget
- Affordable
- Fast-growing
- Schools scores low (14 of 100)
- Getting around scores low (15 of 100)
- Population
- 1,970+25.0% since 2020
- Median rent
- $78544% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $114,80060% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $77,227Median
- Average commute
- 32 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 51Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Itasca
Itasca is a town in Hill County. 1,970 people lived here in 2025, up 25.0% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Crouch Park and Lawless Pawk.
The median age is 36.1, 44% of households have children, 73% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $77,227 a year (about the same as the Texas median).
Pros of living in Itasca
- Low violent crime. 51 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 87% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $785, 44% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.5 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
- Growing fast. The population grew 25% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.
Cons of living in Itasca
- Weaker school ratings. Only 33% of the 3 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 32 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.
Who Itasca suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 33% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 87% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 60% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is about the same as the Texas median, with 5 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 68% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 19% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 87% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 87% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 92% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $785 is 44% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $785 is 44% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 99% for people on a budget.
Itasca report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Itasca 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 A+
Median rent $785, homes cost 1.5x income.
98 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade A-
Median household income $77,227, 1.1% unemployed.
81 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D-
3 rated campuses, 33% rated A or B.
14 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade B+
51 violent crimes per 100k, 406 property crimes per 100k.
77 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade C
1 grocery store, 5 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.
42 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade D-
Average commute 32 min, 3.4% work from home.
15 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D+
16% have a bachelor’s degree.
25 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D
19% of adults uninsured.
20 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade B-
73% of homes owner-occupied.
60 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade B-
92% of homes have broadband.
63 of 100 vs US towns
Where Itasca stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 20%32 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Home value to income: 1.5x59% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Median rent: $78544% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 16%18 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Average commute: 32 min19% higher than Texas (27 min)
- Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 1.1%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)
Cost of living in Itasca
Itasca renters pay a median of $785 a month, 44% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $31,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 20% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $858 for a one-bedroom, $1,080 for a two-bedroom and $1,495 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 $114,800, 60% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $628 before tax, or $787 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 Itasca pays $1,901 a year, 55% 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 rent44% lower than Texas | $785 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value60% lower than Texas | $114,800 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income59% lower than Texas | 1.5x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent32 points lower than Texas | 20% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year55% lower than Texas | $1,901 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them10 points higher than Texas | 73% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1972 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $628
- Property tax
- $158
- Median rent, for comparison
- $785
Based on a $114,800 home in Itasca, 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 Itasca safe?
In 2025, Itasca Police Department reported 1 violent crimes and 8 property crimes. That works out to 51 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 406 property crimes per 100,000, 81% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 54% 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, Itasca Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Itasca
Itasca has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 33% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Itasca 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
- BItasca ElementaryElementary, Itasca ISD85 of 100
- CItasca High SchoolHigh, Itasca ISD75 of 100
- FItasca MiddleMiddle, Itasca ISD56 of 100
Daily life in Itasca
Everyday places mapped inside Itasca, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Crouch Park, Lawless Pawk.
The average one-way commute is 32 minutes, 19% longer than the Texas average. 3% 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 $77,227, income per person is $30,312, unemployment is 1.1% and 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeAbout the same as Texas | $77,227 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person26% lower than Texas | $30,312 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate4 points lower than Texas | 1.1% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line7 points lower than Texas | 6.8% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher18 points lower than Texas | 16% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher1 points higher than Texas | 87% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas | 19% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet1 points higher than Texas | 92% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute19% higher than Texas | 32 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas | 3.4% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Itasca
Median age 36.1 years. 44% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Itasca
Itasca has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 105 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 39 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Hillsboro, 10 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 high, 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
- HurricanesHigh
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresVery high
- Winter stormsLow
- 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 Itasca
Nearby, Grandview gets a B, Hillsboro gets a C+ and Rio Vista gets a D. 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 Itasca: common questions
Is Itasca, TX a good place to live?
Itasca earns a grade of B+ on our index, 195th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and jobs and income, and trails on schools and getting around. It is a strong pick for retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Itasca?
Renters in Itasca pay a median of $785 a month, 44% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $114,800, 60% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.5x 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 $787, including property tax.
Is Itasca safe?
In 2025, Itasca Police Department reported 51 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 406 per 100,000, 81% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Itasca?
We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Itasca. 33% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 14 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Itasca flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Itasca as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Itasca?
Summers in Itasca peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 105 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 39 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Itasca?
The average one-way commute is 32 min, 19% higher than the Texas average. About 3.4% 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.