City in Lubbock County, the center of the Lubbock metro

Living in Lubbock, TX

C-

51st of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 38 of 100
8th of 14 in the Lubbock area

We give Lubbock a C-. It ranks 51st of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on safety and health.

  • Short commutes
  • Safety scores low (7 of 100)
  • Health scores low (14 of 100)
Image of the Lubbock skyline as taken from Raider Park Garage at sundown
Photo: Noah Puente, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
273,071+6.2% since 2020
Median rent
$1,18216% lower than Texas
Median home value
$212,40025% lower than Texas
Household income
$60,895Median
Average commute
16 minOne way
Violent crime
699Per 100k, 2025

About Lubbock

Up on the flat Llano Estacado of the South Plains, Lubbock lies northwest of Dallas, between the Permian Basin and the Texas Panhandle. It is the seat of Lubbock County and was incorporated in 1909, named for Thomas Saltus Lubbock, a former Texas Ranger. Locals call it the Hub City because the whole region comes here for school, shopping and medical care.

I-27 runs north toward Amarillo, Loop 289 rings the city, and the Marsha Sharp Freeway carries US 62 and US 82 across town. Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are the anchors, along with Covenant Health and University Medical Center. The land around the city is one of the largest cotton growing regions in the world. Football Saturdays fill Jones AT&T Stadium, the Buddy Holly Center sits in the Depot District, and Mackenzie Park is home to Prairie Dog Town.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What it's like to live in Lubbock

Lubbock is the anchor city of the Lubbock metro area. 273,071 people lived here in 2025, up 6.2% from 2020.

Places locals use include Mackenzie Park Lake, McAlister Park and Clapp Park.

The median age is 30.5, 28% of households have children, 51% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $60,895 a year (22% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Lubbock

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,182, 16% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 16 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Lubbock

  • Higher violent crime. 699 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 81% higher than the Texas rate.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and winter storms as very high here.

Who Lubbock suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 81% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 22% lower than the Texas median, with 1,009 restaurants and 105 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 79% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 18% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 81% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,182 is 16% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 31% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,182 is 16% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 37% for people on a budget.

Lubbock report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Lubbock 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 B

    Median rent $1,182, homes cost 3.5x income.

    69 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D

    Median household income $60,895, 5.2% unemployed.

    23 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C

    64 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.

    42 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade F

    699 violent crimes per 100k, 2,489 property crimes per 100k.

    7 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade B

    58 grocery stores, 1,009 restaurants, 153 parks mapped in town.

    70 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade A-

    Average commute 16 min, 7.1% work from home.

    84 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade C

    35% have a bachelor’s degree.

    45 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D-

    18% of adults uninsured.

    14 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D

    51% of homes owner-occupied.

    18 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D

    89% of homes have broadband.

    17 of 100 vs US cities

Where Lubbock stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 16 min39% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Median rent: $1,18216% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 3.5x4% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 51%11 points lower than Texas (63%)
  • Median household income: $60,89522% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • People below the poverty line: 19%5 points higher than Texas (14%)

Cost of living in Lubbock

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Lubbock is $1,182 a month, 16% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $47,000 a year. Right now 56% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,050 for a one-bedroom, $1,241 for a two-bedroom and $1,718 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 $212,400, 25% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,163 before tax, or $1,440 with property tax. That is $258 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 Lubbock pays $3,333 a year, 21% 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 Lubbock

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in LubbockStudio$8931 bedroom$1,0502 bedrooms$1,2413 bedrooms$1,7184 bedrooms$2,053
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Lubbock, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent16% lower than Texas$1,182$1,403$1,413
Median home value25% lower than Texas$212,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income4% lower than Texas3.5x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points higher than Texas56%52%51%
Median property tax per year21% lower than Texas$3,333$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them11 points lower than Texas51%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198419921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,440
Mortgage payment
$1,163
Property tax
$278
Median rent, for comparison
$1,182

Based on a $212,400 home in Lubbock, 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 Lubbock safe?

In 2025, Lubbock Police Department reported 1,928 violent crimes and 6,862 property crimes. That works out to 699 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 81% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,489 property crimes per 100,000, 19% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 34% 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 in Lubbock by yearTexas69920212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
699
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,489
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Lubbock by yearTexas2,48920212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Lubbock

Lubbock has 64 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 Lubbock ISD, Frenship ISD and Lubbock-Cooper ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Talkington School for Young Women Leaders, Crestview Elementary and Roberts Elementary. 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.

Schools grade
42
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
80
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

  • ATalkington School for Young Women LeadersOther, Lubbock ISD98 of 100
  • ACrestview ElementaryElementary, Frenship ISD94 of 100
  • ARoberts ElementaryElementary, Lubbock ISD93 of 100
  • ALubbock-Cooper Liberty High SchoolHigh, Lubbock-Cooper ISD92 of 100
  • ALubbock-Cooper West ElementaryElementary, Lubbock-Cooper ISD92 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Lubbock

We grade 21 areas inside Lubbock. The top three are Hatton Place (A), South Lubbock (A-) and Quaker Heights (A-). If price matters most, Carlisle has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $970 a month. Frankford Farms is the priciest, at $1,430. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Lubbock 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.

    21 Lubbock neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1AHatton Place9,484 people, median rent $1,350, home $333,000100fit
    2. 2A-South Lubbock30,610 people, median rent $1,360, home $265,00095fit
    3. 3A-Quaker Heights19,873 people, median rent $1,210, home $303,00090fit
    4. 4A-The Ridge7,955 people, median rent $1,320, home $237,00085fit
    5. 5B+Ironton13,914 people, median rent $1,180, home $333,00080fit
    6. 6B+Frankford Farms3,447 people, median rent $1,430, home $353,00075fit
    7. 7B-Southwest Lubbock16,892 people, median rent $1,150, home $190,00070fit
    8. 8C+Central Lubbock29,911 people, median rent $1,220, home $240,00065fit
    9. 9C+Carlisle3,373 people, median rent $970, home $222,00060fit
    10. 10C+West Lubbock10,967 people, median rent $1,430, home $280,00055fit
    11. 11C-Shadow Hills7,849 people, median rent $1,300, home $188,00050fit
    12. 12C-South Overton11,274 people, median rent $1,100, home $229,00045fit
    13. 13C-Southeast Lubbock30,931 people, median rent $1,190, home $148,00040fit
    14. 14C-Mackenzie Park4,879 people, median rent $1,030, home $74,00035fit
    15. 15D+Elm Park8,559 people, median rent $1,210, home $147,00030fit
    All 21 Lubbock neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Lubbock

    Everyday places mapped inside Lubbock, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Mackenzie Park Lake, McAlister Park, Clapp Park.

    The average one-way commute is 16 minutes, 39% shorter than the Texas average. 7% of workers work from home. 3.1% walk, bike or take transit to work.

    The median household income is $60,895, income per person is $35,237, unemployment is 5.2% and 35% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    58
    Pharmacies
    59
    Restaurants
    1,009
    Cafes
    105
    Bars
    126
    Parks
    153
    Gyms
    95
    Hospitals and urgent care
    78
    Childcare
    60
    Libraries
    17

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income22% lower than Texas$60,895$78,476$80,734
    Income per person14% lower than Texas$35,237$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.2%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line5 points higher than Texas19%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher1 points higher than Texas35%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher3 points higher than Texas89%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance1 points lower than Texas18%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas89%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute39% lower than Texas16 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas7.1%14%15%
    Workers who work from home7.1%
    Workers who take transit0.7%
    Workers who walk1.9%
    Workers who bike0.5%

    Who lives in Lubbock

    Under 1823%
    18 to 3433%
    35 to 6431%
    65 and over13%

    Median age 30.5 years. 28% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White50%
    Hispanic or Latino37%
    Black7.7%
    Asian2.7%
    Other or more than one race3.3%

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

    Weather in Lubbock

    Lubbock has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 30°F. There are about 91 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 19 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Lubbock30°50°70°90°55J59F68M76A84M91J93J91A84S76O64N55DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Lubbock Wfo, 4 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 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 floodingModerate
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesLow
    • WildfiresModerate
    • 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 Lubbock

    Nearby, Wolfforth gets an A-, Shallowater gets an A and Ransom 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.

    1. A-WolfforthTown, 6,701 people8 mi
    2. AShallowaterTown, 2,955 people9 mi
    3. A+Ransom CanyonTown, 1,041 people13 mi
    4. B-IdalouTown, 2,151 people14 mi
    5. D+SlatonTown, 5,761 people18 mi
    6. AAbernathyTown, 3,278 people19 mi

    Lubbock in the Lubbock area

    How it ranks among 14 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Ransom Canyon1,041 people12 mito downtown
    2. 2AShallowater2,955 people11 mito downtown
    3. 3ASundown1,374 people35 mito downtown
    4. 5BAnton1,053 people23 mito downtown
    5. 6B-Idalou2,151 people14 mito downtown
    6. 7C+Crosbyton1,774 people38 mito downtown
    7. 8C-Lubbock264,814 people0 mito downtown
    8. 9D+Levelland12,466 people27 mito downtown
    9. 10D+Slaton5,761 people16 mito downtown
    10. 11D+Post4,326 people39 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of lubbock

    Living in Lubbock: common questions

    Is Lubbock, TX a good place to live?

    We give Lubbock a C-. It ranks 51st of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on safety and health.

    How much does it cost to live in Lubbock?

    Median rent in Lubbock is $1,182 a month, 16% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $212,400, 25% 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 $1,440, including property tax.

    Is Lubbock safe?

    In 2025, Lubbock Police Department reported 699 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 81% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,489 per 100,000, 19% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Lubbock?

    We found 64 rated public school campuses inside Lubbock. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 42 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Lubbock?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Lubbock are Hatton Place, South Lubbock and Quaker Heights. We score 21 areas in the city.

    Does Lubbock flood?

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

    What is the weather like in Lubbock?

    Summers in Lubbock peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 30°F. Expect around 91 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 19 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Lubbock?

    The average one-way commute is 16 min, 39% lower than the Texas average. About 7.1% 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.