City in Gregg County, the center of the Longview metro

Living in Longview, TX

C+

37th of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 55 of 100
5th of 16 in the Longview area

Longview gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 37th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on schools and cost of living, and trails on health and education levels. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Top-rated schools
  • Affordable
  • Health scores low (8 of 100)
  • Tornado risk is very high
Longview, Texas
Photo: pasa47, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
83,236+1.8% since 2020
Median rent
$1,10122% lower than Texas
Median home value
$202,60029% lower than Texas
Household income
$63,340Median
Average commute
21 minOne way
Violent crime
346Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Longview

Longview is the anchor city of the Longview metro area. 83,236 people lived here in 2025, up 1.8% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Lear Park Athletic Complex, Paul Boorman Park and Trailhead and Lear Park.

The median age is 35.3, 34% of households have children, 55% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $63,340 a year (19% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Longview

  • Strong public schools. 96% of the 22 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,101, 22% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Longview

  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 112 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Longview suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 96% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 11% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 51% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 19% lower than the Texas median, with 397 restaurants and 33 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 34% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 18% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 11% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 30% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,101 is 22% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,101 is 22% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 85% for people on a budget.

Longview report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Longview with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade A-

    Median rent $1,101, homes cost 3.2x income.

    85 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    Median household income $63,340, 3.1% unemployed.

    45 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade A-

    22 rated campuses, 96% rated A or B.

    87 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D+

    346 violent crimes per 100k, 2,131 property crimes per 100k.

    31 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D+

    26 grocery stores, 397 restaurants, 53 parks mapped in town.

    30 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade C+

    Average commute 21 min, 7.0% work from home.

    49 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D

    24% have a bachelor’s degree.

    21 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    18% of adults uninsured.

    8 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D

    55% of homes owner-occupied.

    23 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D

    89% of homes have broadband.

    21 of 100 vs US cities

Where Longview stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 21 min22% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Median rent: $1,10122% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 3.2x12% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 24%10 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 55%8 points lower than Texas (63%)
  • Median household income: $63,34019% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Longview

Longview renters pay a median of $1,101 a month, 22% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $44,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 51% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,041 for a one-bedroom, $1,232 for a two-bedroom and $1,611 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 $202,600, 29% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,109 before tax, or $1,310 with property tax. That is $209 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.

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 Longview pays $2,412 a year, 43% 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 Longview

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in LongviewStudio$1,0341 bedroom$1,0412 bedrooms$1,2323 bedrooms$1,6114 bedrooms$1,712
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Longview, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent22% lower than Texas$1,101$1,403$1,413
Median home value29% lower than Texas$202,600$283,800$332,700
Home value to income12% lower than Texas3.2x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas51%52%51%
Median property tax per year43% lower than Texas$2,412$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them8 points lower than Texas55%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197819921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,310
Mortgage payment
$1,109
Property tax
$201
Median rent, for comparison
$1,101

Based on a $202,600 home in Longview, 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 Longview safe?

In 2025, Longview Police Department reported 291 violent crimes and 1,793 property crimes. That works out to 346 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 11% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,131 property crimes per 100,000, about the same as the state rate.

Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.

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 in Longview by yearTexas34620212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
346
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,131
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Longview by yearTexas2,13120212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Longview Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Longview

Longview has 22 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 96% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Longview ISD, Ut Tyler University Academy and Hallsville ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Hudson Elementary, Ut Tyler University Academy at Longview and Foster Middle. The average rating score across all campuses is 88 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.

Schools grade
87
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
88
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

  • AHudson ElementaryElementary, Longview ISD98 of 100
  • AUt Tyler University Academy at LongviewOther, Ut Tyler University Academy97 of 100
  • AFoster MiddleMiddle, Longview ISD92 of 100
  • AJudson Steam AcademyMiddle, Longview ISD92 of 100
  • AHallsville West ElementaryElementary, Hallsville ISD91 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Longview

We grade 7 areas inside Longview. The top three are Northeast Longview (A-), Greggton (B) and Spring Hill (B). If price matters most, Longview Heights has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,100 a month. Northeast Longview is the priciest, at $1,350. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Longview neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    7 Longview neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1A-Northeast Longview2,952 people, median rent $1,350, home $280,000100fit
    2. 2BGreggton30,443 people, median rent $1,130, home $200,00083fit
    3. 3BSpring Hill16,330 people, median rent $1,210, home $252,00067fit
    4. 4B-Central Longview8,021 people, median rent $1,160, home $220,00050fit
    5. 5C+Longview Heights12,528 people, median rent $1,100, home $179,00033fit
    6. 6D+South Longview2,761 people, median rent $940, home $96,00017fit
    7. 7DSoutheast Longview4,999 people, median rent $1,010, home $108,0000fit
    All 7 Longview neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Longview

    Everyday places mapped inside Longview, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lear Park Athletic Complex, Paul Boorman Park and Trailhead, Lear Park.

    The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 22% 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 $63,340, income per person is $33,995, unemployment is 3.1% and 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    26
    Pharmacies
    25
    Restaurants
    397
    Cafes
    33
    Bars
    29
    Parks
    53
    Gyms
    41
    Hospitals and urgent care
    29
    Childcare
    19
    Libraries
    3

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income19% lower than Texas$63,340$78,476$80,734
    Income per person17% lower than Texas$33,995$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.1%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line4 points higher than Texas17%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher10 points lower than Texas24%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher1 points higher than Texas87%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points lower than Texas18%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet2 points lower than Texas89%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute22% lower than Texas21 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas7.0%14%15%
    Workers who work from home7.0%
    Workers who take transit0.2%
    Workers who walk1.3%
    Workers who bike0.3%

    Who lives in Longview

    Under 1825%
    18 to 3424%
    35 to 6434%
    65 and over17%

    Median age 35.3 years. 34% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White51%
    Hispanic or Latino22%
    Black20%
    Asian1.6%
    Other or more than one race5.1%

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

    Weather in Longview

    Longview has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 36°F. There are about 112 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 51 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Longview30°50°70°90°58J62F71M78A85M92J95J96A90S80O68N60DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Longview #2, 2 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 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
    • HurricanesModerate
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresModerate
    • Winter stormsHigh
    • 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 Longview

    Nearby, White Oak gets a B+, Lakeport gets a B- and Kilgore 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.

    1. B+White OakTown, 6,235 people6 mi
    2. B-LakeportTown, 1,170 people8 mi
    3. DKilgoreSmall city, 13,470 people10 mi
    4. AHallsvilleTown, 4,628 people10 mi
    5. D-GladewaterTown, 6,227 people11 mi
    6. D+Liberty CityTown, 2,648 people12 mi

    Longview in the Longview area

    How it ranks among 16 places in the metro.

    1. 1AHallsville4,628 people11 mito downtown
    2. 2B+White Oak6,235 people6 mito downtown
    3. 3B-Lake Cherokee3,093 people13 mito downtown
    4. 4B-Lakeport1,170 people8 mito downtown
    5. 5C+Longview82,923 people0 mito downtown
    6. 6CTatum1,435 people20 mito downtown
    7. 7C-Marshall23,825 people24 mito downtown
    8. 8D+Gilmer5,025 people18 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of longview

    Living in Longview: common questions

    Is Longview, TX a good place to live?

    Longview gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 37th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on schools and cost of living, and trails on health and education levels. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Longview?

    Renters in Longview pay a median of $1,101 a month, 22% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $202,600, 29% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.2x 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 $1,310, including property tax.

    Is Longview safe?

    In 2025, Longview Police Department reported 346 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 11% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,131 per 100,000, about the same as the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Longview?

    We found 22 rated public school campuses inside Longview. 96% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 87 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Longview?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Longview are Northeast Longview, Greggton and Spring Hill. We score 7 areas in the city.

    Does Longview flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Longview as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves, hail, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Longview?

    Summers in Longview peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 36°F. Expect around 112 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 51 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Longview?

    The average one-way commute is 21 min, 22% lower than the Texas average. About 7.0% 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.