Town in Wood County

Living in Mineola, TX

D+

515th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 31 of 100

We give Mineola a D+. It ranks 515th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on schools and errands and things to do, and trails on internet access and jobs and income.

  • Fast-growing
  • Jobs and income scores low (18 of 100)
  • Internet access scores low (4 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Mineola isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthMineola
Where Mineola is in Texas.
Population
5,537+15.6% since 2020
Median rent
$93134% lower than Texas
Median home value
$215,70024% lower than Texas
Household income
$53,000Median
Average commute
28 minOne way
Violent crime
218Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Mineola

Mineola is a town in Wood County. 5,537 people lived here in 2025, up 15.6% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is small-town and rural in feel.

Local spots people know include Mineola Civic Center and RV Park, Peterson Park and Meredith Memorial Field.

The median age is 41.3, 26% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $53,000 a year (32% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Mineola

  • Strong public schools. 100% of the 4 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 218 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 44% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $931, 34% lower than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 16% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Mineola

  • Higher unemployment. 11% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of heat waves, hail and winter storms as very high here.
  • Spotty home internet. Only 73% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who Mineola suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 44% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 45% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 32% lower than the Texas median, with 43 restaurants and 3 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 15% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 44% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 31% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 73% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $931 is 34% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 9% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $931 is 34% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 17% for people on a budget.

Mineola report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Mineola 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 $931, homes cost 4.1x income.

    31 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D

    Median household income $53,000, 11% unemployed.

    18 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B+

    4 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    74 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade D+

    218 violent crimes per 100k, 1,741 property crimes per 100k.

    26 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B

    5 grocery stores, 43 restaurants, 11 parks mapped in town.

    65 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D

    Average commute 28 min, 18% work from home.

    21 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade C+

    29% have a bachelor’s degree.

    52 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade C-

    15% of adults uninsured.

    36 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    56% of homes owner-occupied.

    28 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade F

    73% of homes have broadband.

    4 of 100 vs US towns

Where Mineola stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $93134% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 15%5 points lower than Texas (20%)
  • People below the poverty line: 12%2 points lower than Texas (14%)

Worse than Texas

  • Homes with broadband internet: 73%19 points lower than Texas (91%)
  • Median household income: $53,00032% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 56%6 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Mineola

Mineola renters pay a median of $931 a month, 34% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $37,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 56% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $862 for a one-bedroom, $1,019 for a two-bedroom and $1,294 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 $215,700, 24% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,181 before tax, or $1,328 with property tax. That is $397 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

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 Mineola pays $1,766 a year, 58% 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 MineolaStudio$7101 bedroom$8622 bedrooms$1,0193 bedrooms$1,2944 bedrooms$1,439
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Wood County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent34% lower than Texas$931$1,403$1,413
Median home value24% lower than Texas$215,700$283,800$332,700
Home value to income13% higher than Texas4.1x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points higher than Texas56%52%51%
Median property tax per year58% lower than Texas$1,766$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them6 points lower than Texas56%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197819921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,328
Mortgage payment
$1,181
Property tax
$147
Median rent, for comparison
$931

Based on a $215,700 home in Mineola, 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 Mineola safe?

In 2025, Mineola Police Department reported 12 violent crimes and 96 property crimes. That works out to 218 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 44% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,741 property crimes per 100,000, 17% lower than 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 Mineola by yearTexas21820212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
218
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,741
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Mineola by yearTexas1,74120212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Mineola

Mineola has 4 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 Mineola ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Mineola High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 86 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
74
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
86
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

  • AMineola High SchoolHigh, Mineola ISD93 of 100
  • BMineola PriElementary, Mineola ISD84 of 100
  • BMineola IntermediateElementary, Mineola ISD83 of 100
  • BMineola MiddleMiddle, Mineola ISD82 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Mineola

We grade 4 areas inside Mineola. The top three are East Texas Townhomes (B+), Heritage Square (B+) and Park Central (C+). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 4 Mineola neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Mineola

    Everyday places mapped inside Mineola, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Mineola Civic Center and RV Park, Peterson Park, Meredith Memorial Field.

    The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, 6% longer than the Texas average. 18% 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 $53,000, income per person is $41,034, unemployment is 11% and 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    5
    Pharmacies
    6
    Restaurants
    43
    Cafes
    3
    Bars
    3
    Parks
    11
    Gyms
    3
    Hospitals and urgent care
    1
    Childcare
    1
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income32% lower than Texas$53,000$78,476$80,734
    Income per personAbout the same as Texas$41,034$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate5 points higher than Texas11%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line2 points lower than Texas12%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher5 points lower than Texas29%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points higher than Texas90%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance5 points lower than Texas15%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet19 points lower than Texas73%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute6% higher than Texas28 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home4 points higher than Texas18%14%15%
    Workers who work from home18%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk0.9%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Mineola

    Under 1823%
    18 to 3420%
    35 to 6429%
    65 and over28%

    Median age 41.3 years. 26% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White60%
    Hispanic or Latino28%
    Black10%
    Asian0.3%
    Other or more than one race0.8%

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

    Weather in Mineola

    Mineola has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 33°F. There are about 99 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 46 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Mineola30°50°70°90°57J60F68M75A82M89J93J94A88S78O67N59DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Mineola, 1 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 high, tornado risk is moderate 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
    • HurricanesHigh
    • TornadoesModerate
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresHigh
    • 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 Mineola

    Nearby, Quitman gets a C+, Hideaway gets an A and Lindale 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. C+QuitmanTown, 2,420 people10 mi
    2. AHideawayTown, 3,301 people11 mi
    3. A-LindaleTown, 6,644 people11 mi
    4. B+VanTown, 2,806 people13 mi
    5. C-Grand SalineTown, 3,203 people13 mi
    6. BHolly Lake RanchTown, 2,956 people16 mi

    Living in Mineola: common questions

    Is Mineola, TX a good place to live?

    We give Mineola a D+. It ranks 515th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on schools and errands and things to do, and trails on internet access and jobs and income.

    How much does it cost to live in Mineola?

    Renters in Mineola pay a median of $931 a month, 34% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $215,700, 24% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.1x 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 $1,328, including property tax.

    Is Mineola safe?

    In 2025, Mineola Police Department reported 218 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 44% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,741 per 100,000, 17% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Mineola?

    We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Mineola. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 74 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Mineola?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Mineola are East Texas Townhomes, Heritage Square and Park Central. We score 4 areas in the city.

    Does Mineola flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Mineola as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, heat waves, 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 Mineola?

    Summers in Mineola peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 33°F. Expect around 99 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 46 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Mineola?

    The average one-way commute is 28 min, 6% higher than the Texas average. About 18% 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.