Town in Floyd County

Living in Lockney, TX

C+

354th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 52 of 100

Lockney earns a grade of C+ on our index, 354th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on internet access and education levels. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (15 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (6 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Lockney isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthLockney
Where Lockney is in Texas.
Population
1,340-10.3% since 2020
Median rent
$71849% lower than Texas
Median home value
$82,60071% lower than Texas
Household income
$54,698Median
Average commute
14 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Lockney

Lockney is a town in Floyd County. 1,340 people lived here in 2025, down 10.3% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1959).

The median age is 45.6, 32% of households have children, 80% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $54,698 a year (30% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Lockney

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $718, 49% 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.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 14 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Lockney

  • Higher unemployment. 8.6% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Many adults uninsured. 27% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and wildfires as very high here.
  • Spotty home internet. Only 73% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who Lockney suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 59% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 30% lower than the Texas median, with 7 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 27% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 73% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $718 is 49% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 37% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $718 is 49% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 92% for people on a budget.

Lockney report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Lockney 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 $718, homes cost 1.5x income.

    99 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $54,698, 8.6% unemployed.

    15 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade C

    3 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.

    41 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade C

    0 grocery stores, 7 restaurants, 2 parks mapped in town.

    43 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade B-

    Average commute 14 min, 0% work from home.

    57 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade F

    11% have a bachelor’s degree.

    6 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D

    27% of adults uninsured.

    23 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade C+

    80% of homes owner-occupied.

    52 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade F

    73% of homes have broadband.

    4 of 100 vs US towns

Where Lockney 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: 1.5x58% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $71849% lower than Texas ($1,403)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 11%23 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 73%18 points lower than Texas (91%)
  • Median household income: $54,69830% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Lockney

Lockney renters pay a median of $718 a month, 49% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $29,000 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 $807 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,208 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 $82,600, 71% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $452 before tax, or $519 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 Lockney pays $797 a year, 81% 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

Fair market rent by bedroom count in LockneyStudio$7711 bedroom$8072 bedrooms$1,0143 bedrooms$1,2084 bedrooms$1,461
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Floyd County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent49% lower than Texas$718$1,403$1,413
Median home value71% lower than Texas$82,600$283,800$332,700
Home value to income58% lower than Texas1.5x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent32 points lower than Texas20%52%51%
Median property tax per year81% lower than Texas$797$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them18 points higher than Texas80%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas195919921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$519
Mortgage payment
$452
Property tax
$66
Median rent, for comparison
$718

Based on a $82,600 home in Lockney, 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 Lockney

Lockney has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Lockney 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.

Schools grade
41
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
79
Texas median 81

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

  • BLockney High SchoolHigh, Lockney ISD84 of 100
  • BLockney Junior HighMiddle, Lockney ISD83 of 100
  • DLockney ElementaryElementary, Lockney ISD69 of 100

Daily life in Lockney

Everyday places mapped inside Lockney, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Hunter/Peralez Memorial Park.

The average one-way commute is 14 minutes, 48% 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.

Downtown Plainview is about 17 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Lockney work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $54,698, income per person is $27,310, unemployment is 8.6% and 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
0
Pharmacies
2
Restaurants
7
Cafes
0
Bars
0
Parks
2
Gyms
0
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income30% lower than Texas$54,698$78,476$80,734
Income per person33% lower than Texas$27,310$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate3 points higher than Texas8.6%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line4 points higher than Texas18%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher23 points lower than Texas11%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher10 points lower than Texas76%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance8 points higher than Texas27%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet18 points lower than Texas73%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute48% lower than Texas14 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home14 points lower than Texas0%14%15%
Workers who work from home0%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Lockney

Under 1817%
18 to 3418%
35 to 6441%
65 and over23%

Median age 45.6 years. 32% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White38%
Hispanic or Latino58%
Black0.7%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race3.4%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Lockney

Lockney has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 92°F and January lows about 25°F. There are about 78 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 20 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Lockney20°40°60°80°100°52J57F65M73A82M90J92J91A84S74O62N53DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Floydada, 11 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingHigh
  • HurricanesModerate
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesVery low
  • WildfiresVery high
  • 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 Lockney

Nearby, Floydada gets a B, Seth Ward gets a D+ and Plainview gets a C-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. BFloydadaTown, 2,588 people12 mi
  2. D+Seth WardTown, 2,205 people16 mi
  3. C-PlainviewSmall city, 19,711 people17 mi
  4. BHale CenterTown, 2,037 people23 mi
  5. AAbernathyTown, 3,278 people30 mi
  6. D-RallsTown, 1,463 people31 mi

Living in Lockney: common questions

Is Lockney, TX a good place to live?

Lockney earns a grade of C+ on our index, 354th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on internet access and education levels. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Lockney?

Renters in Lockney pay a median of $718 a month, 49% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $82,600, 71% 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 $519, including property tax.

Are the schools good in Lockney?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Lockney. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 41 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Lockney flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Lockney as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, 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 Lockney?

Summers in Lockney peak at about 92°F in July, and January nights fall to about 25°F. Expect around 78 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 20 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Lockney?

The average one-way commute is 14 min, 48% lower than the Texas average. About 0% of workers work from home. It is about 17 miles from downtown Plainview.

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.