Town in Kaufman County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro
Living in Kaufman, TX
527th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 29 of 100
136th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
We give Kaufman a D+. It ranks 527th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and safety, and trails on health and education levels.
- Fast-growing
- Education levels scores low (13 of 100)
- Health scores low (8 of 100)
- Population
- 10,717+48.5% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,364about the same as Texas
- Median home value
- $221,80022% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $62,931Median
- Average commute
- 29 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 105Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Kaufman
Kaufman sits about 30 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 10,717 people lived here in 2025, up 48.5% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Shannon Park, Phillips Circle Park and Veterans Memorial.
The median age is 34.0, 36% of households have children, 47% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $62,931 a year (20% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Kaufman
- Low violent crime. 105 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 73% lower than the Texas rate.
- Growing fast. The population grew 49% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.
Cons of living in Kaufman
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of heat waves, hail and wildfires as very high here.
Who Kaufman suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 73% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 20% lower than the Texas median, with 66 restaurants and 6 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 45% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 23% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 73% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 28% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 86% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,364 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,364 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 25% for people on a budget.
Kaufman report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Kaufman 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 D+
Median rent $1,364, homes cost 3.5x income.
32 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C+
Median household income $62,931, 3.4% unemployed.
50 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade C+
6 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.
50 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade C+
105 violent crimes per 100k, 934 property crimes per 100k.
54 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade B
4 grocery stores, 66 restaurants, 7 parks mapped in town.
67 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade D
Average commute 29 min, 6.2% work from home.
22 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D-
17% have a bachelor’s degree.
13 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D-
23% of adults uninsured.
8 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D
47% of homes owner-occupied.
17 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D+
86% of homes have broadband.
29 of 100 vs US towns
Where Kaufman stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 45%7 points lower than Texas (52%)
- People below the poverty line: 11%3 points lower than Texas (14%)
- Unemployment rate: 3.4%2 points lower than Texas (5.3%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17%17 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 47%16 points lower than Texas (63%)
- Median household income: $62,93120% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in Kaufman
Kaufman renters pay a median of $1,364 a month, about the same as the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $55,000 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 $1,536 for a one-bedroom, $1,807 for a two-bedroom and $2,275 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 $221,800, 22% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,214 before tax, or $1,456 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 Kaufman pays $2,900 a year, 31% 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 rentAbout the same as Texas | $1,364 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value22% lower than Texas | $221,800 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas | 3.5x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent7 points lower than Texas | 45% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year31% lower than Texas | $2,900 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them16 points lower than Texas | 47% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1976 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,214
- Property tax
- $242
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,364
Based on a $221,800 home in Kaufman, 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 Kaufman safe?
In 2025, Kaufman Police Department reported 11 violent crimes and 98 property crimes. That works out to 105 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 73% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 934 property crimes per 100,000, 55% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 51% 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, Kaufman Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Kaufman
Kaufman has 6 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 Kaufman ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Kaufman High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 80 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
- AKaufman High SchoolHigh, Kaufman ISD94 of 100
- BHelen Edward Early Childhood CenterOther, Kaufman ISD84 of 100
- BJ R Phillips ElementaryElementary, Kaufman ISD80 of 100
- CNorman Junior HighMiddle, Kaufman ISD79 of 100
- CJ W Monday ElementaryElementary, Kaufman ISD77 of 100
Daily life in Kaufman
Everyday places mapped inside Kaufman, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Shannon Park, Phillips Circle Park, Veterans Memorial.
The average one-way commute is 29 minutes, 10% longer than the Texas average. 6% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Dallas is about 30 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Kaufman work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $62,931, income per person is $28,015, unemployment is 3.4% and 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income20% lower than Texas | $62,931 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person31% lower than Texas | $28,015 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas | 3.4% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line3 points lower than Texas | 11% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher17 points lower than Texas | 17% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher13 points lower than Texas | 73% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points higher than Texas | 23% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet5 points lower than Texas | 86% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute10% higher than Texas | 29 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home8 points lower than Texas | 6.2% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Kaufman
Median age 34.0 years. 36% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Kaufman
Kaufman has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 36°F. There are about 103 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Terrell Muni Ap, 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 moderate, tornado risk is 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
- TornadoesHigh
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresVery high
- Winter stormsModerate
- Strong windModerate
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 Kaufman
Nearby, Oak Ridge gets a C+, Kemp gets an F and Crandall 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.
Kaufman in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.
- 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
- 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
- 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
- 133D+Boyd1,351 people50 mito downtown
- 134D+Pantego2,337 people23 mito downtown
- 135D+Farmersville4,018 people35 mito downtown
- 136D+Kaufman8,538 people30 mito downtown
- 137D+Chico1,512 people69 mito downtown
- 138D+Cedar Hill48,879 people18 mito downtown
- 139D+Carter1,738 people57 mito downtown
Living in Kaufman: common questions
Is Kaufman, TX a good place to live?
We give Kaufman a D+. It ranks 527th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and safety, and trails on health and education levels.
How much does it cost to live in Kaufman?
Renters in Kaufman pay a median of $1,364 a month, about the same as the Texas median. The median home is worth $221,800, 22% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.5x 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 $1,456, including property tax.
Is Kaufman safe?
In 2025, Kaufman Police Department reported 105 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 73% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 934 per 100,000, 55% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Kaufman?
We found 6 rated public school campuses inside Kaufman. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 50 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Kaufman flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Kaufman as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Kaufman?
Summers in Kaufman peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 36°F. Expect around 103 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Kaufman?
The average one-way commute is 29 min, 10% higher than the Texas average. About 6.2% of workers work from home. It is about 30 miles from downtown Dallas.
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.