Town in Henderson County
Living in Malakoff, TX
59th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 91 of 100
Malakoff gets an overall grade of A and ranks 59th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on safety and errands and things to do, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.
- Good for families
- Good for young professionals
- Good for retirees
- Good for people on a budget
- Errands close by
- Top-rated schools
- Low crime
- Affordable
- Health scores low (14 of 100)
- Home ownership scores low (10 of 100)
- Population
- 2,253+3.0% since 2020
- Median rent
- $83441% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $83,80070% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $56,719Median
- Average commute
- 24 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 0Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Malakoff
Malakoff is a town in Henderson County. 2,253 people lived here in 2025, up 3.0% from 2020. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Malakoff City Park and Malakoff Public Library.
The median age is 42.5, 38% of households have children, 62% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $56,719 a year (28% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Malakoff
- Low violent crime. 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 100% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $834, 41% 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.
- Plenty close to home. 4 grocery stores, 15 restaurants and 1 park are mapped in town.
Cons of living in Malakoff
- Higher poverty. 20% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Spotty home internet. Only 72% of homes have a broadband plan.
Who Malakoff suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 100% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 94% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 28% lower than the Texas median, with 15 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 96% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 100% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 98% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 72% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $834 is 41% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 57% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $834 is 41% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 92% for people on a budget.
Malakoff report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Malakoff 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 $834, homes cost 1.5x income.
92 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C
Median household income $56,719, 0.3% unemployed.
46 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade A-
2 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
87 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade A
0 violent crimes per 100k, 0 property crimes per 100k.
95 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade A
4 grocery stores, 15 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.
94 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade B+
Average commute 24 min, 11% work from home.
76 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D
19% have a bachelor’s degree.
21 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D-
17% of adults uninsured.
14 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D-
62% of homes owner-occupied.
10 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade F
72% of homes have broadband.
3 of 100 vs US towns
Where Malakoff stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Home value to income: 1.5x59% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 35%16 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Median rent: $83441% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Homes with broadband internet: 72%20 points lower than Texas (91%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 19%14 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median household income: $56,71928% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in Malakoff
Malakoff renters pay a median of $834 a month, 41% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $33,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 35% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $910 for a one-bedroom, $1,114 for a two-bedroom and $1,456 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 $83,800, 70% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $459 before tax, or $598 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 Malakoff pays $1,667 a year, 61% 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 rent41% lower than Texas | $834 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value70% lower than Texas | $83,800 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income59% lower than Texas | 1.5x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent16 points lower than Texas | 35% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year61% lower than Texas | $1,667 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in themAbout the same as Texas | 62% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1977 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $459
- Property tax
- $139
- Median rent, for comparison
- $834
Based on a $83,800 home in Malakoff, 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 Malakoff safe?
In 2025, Malakoff Police Department reported 0 violent crimes and 0 property crimes. That works out to 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 100% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 0 property crimes per 100,000, 100% lower than the state rate.
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, Malakoff Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Malakoff
Malakoff has 2 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Malakoff 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
- BMalakoff ElementaryElementary, Malakoff ISD89 of 100
- BMalakoff IntermediateMiddle, Malakoff ISD89 of 100
Daily life in Malakoff
Everyday places mapped inside Malakoff, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Malakoff City Park, Malakoff Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 24 minutes, 9% shorter than the Texas average. 11% of workers work from home. 5.7% walk, bike or take transit to work.
Downtown Athens is about 11 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Malakoff work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $56,719, income per person is $23,998, unemployment is 0.3% and 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income28% lower than Texas | $56,719 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person41% lower than Texas | $23,998 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas | 0.3% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line7 points higher than Texas | 20% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher14 points lower than Texas | 19% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher6 points lower than Texas | 80% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points lower than Texas | 17% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet20 points lower than Texas | 72% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute9% lower than Texas | 24 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas | 11% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Malakoff
Median age 42.5 years. 38% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Malakoff
Malakoff has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 35°F. There are about 92 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 45 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Athens, 11 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very low, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is high and hail risk is high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.
- River floodingVery low
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesHigh
- HailHigh
- Heat wavesModerate
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsModerate
- Strong windHigh
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 Malakoff
Nearby, Eustace gets a C+, Athens gets a C and Payne Springs 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.
- C+EustaceTown, 1,039 people9 mi
- CAthensSmall city, 13,200 people9 mi
- C-Payne SpringsTown, 1,201 people10 mi
- C-ToolTown, 2,367 people11 mi
- B-Gun Barrel CityTown, 6,570 people12 mi
- BKerensTown, 1,778 people13 mi
Living in Malakoff: common questions
Is Malakoff, TX a good place to live?
Malakoff gets an overall grade of A and ranks 59th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on safety and errands and things to do, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Malakoff?
Renters in Malakoff pay a median of $834 a month, 41% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $83,800, 70% 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 $598, including property tax.
Is Malakoff safe?
In 2025, Malakoff Police Department reported 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 100% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 0 per 100,000, 100% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Malakoff?
We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Malakoff. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 87 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Malakoff flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Malakoff as very low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, hail, wildfires and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Malakoff?
Summers in Malakoff peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 35°F. Expect around 92 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 45 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Malakoff?
The average one-way commute is 24 min, 9% lower than the Texas average. About 11% of workers work from home. It is about 11 miles from downtown Athens.
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.