Small city in Palo Pinto County

Living in Mineral Wells, TX

D

152nd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 21 of 100

We give Mineral Wells a D. It ranks 152nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on health and education levels.

  • Affordable
  • Jobs and income scores low (11 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (14 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Mineral Wells isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinMineral Wells
Where Mineral Wells is in Texas.
Population
15,983+7.9% since 2020
Median rent
$1,07723% lower than Texas
Median home value
$161,30043% lower than Texas
Household income
$55,929Median
Average commute
27 minOne way
Violent crime
214Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Mineral Wells

Mineral Wells is a small city in Palo Pinto County. 15,983 people lived here in 2025, up 7.9% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Mineral Wells State Park and Texas Frontier Trails.

The median age is 38.0, 29% of households have children, 59% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $55,929 a year (29% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Mineral Wells

  • Low violent crime. 214 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 45% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,077, 23% lower than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Mineral Wells

  • Higher poverty. 22% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail, wildfires and strong wind as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Mineral Wells suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: violent crime is 45% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 39% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 29% lower than the Texas median, with 64 restaurants and 9 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 9% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 21% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 45% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 21% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,077 is 23% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 27% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,077 is 23% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 65% for people on a budget.

Mineral Wells report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Mineral Wells with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B+

    Median rent $1,077, homes cost 2.9x income.

    76 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $55,929, 6.5% unemployed.

    11 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade B

    1 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    64 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C-

    214 violent crimes per 100k, 2,571 property crimes per 100k.

    34 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade C-

    3 grocery stores, 64 restaurants, 17 parks mapped in town.

    34 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade D-

    Average commute 27 min, 5.8% work from home.

    14 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade F

    12% have a bachelor’s degree.

    4 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    21% of adults uninsured.

    3 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D

    59% of homes owner-occupied.

    18 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D+

    89% of homes have broadband.

    24 of 100 vs US cities

Where Mineral Wells stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,07723% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 2.9x20% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 12%22 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $55,92929% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • People below the poverty line: 22%9 points higher than Texas (14%)

Cost of living in Mineral Wells

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Mineral Wells is $1,077 a month, 23% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $43,000 a year. Right now 51% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $908 for a one-bedroom, $1,129 for a two-bedroom and $1,563 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 $161,300, 43% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $883 before tax, or $1,065 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 Mineral Wells pays $2,190 a year, 48% 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 Mineral Wells

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Mineral WellsStudio$8581 bedroom$9082 bedrooms$1,1293 bedrooms$1,5634 bedrooms$1,887
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Palo Pinto County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent23% lower than Texas$1,077$1,403$1,413
Median home value43% lower than Texas$161,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to income20% lower than Texas2.9x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas51%52%51%
Median property tax per year48% lower than Texas$2,190$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them4 points lower than Texas59%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas196619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,065
Mortgage payment
$883
Property tax
$182
Median rent, for comparison
$1,077

Based on a $161,300 home in Mineral Wells, 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 Mineral Wells safe?

In 2025, Mineral Wells Police Department reported 34 violent crimes and 409 property crimes. That works out to 214 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 45% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,571 property crimes per 100,000, 23% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 19% 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 Mineral Wells by yearTexas21420212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
214
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,571
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Mineral Wells by yearTexas2,57120212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Mineral Wells

Mineral Wells has 1 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 Mineral Wells 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
64
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
83
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

  • BMineral Wells SchoolsOther, Mineral Wells ISD83 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Mineral Wells

We grade 4 areas inside Mineral Wells. The top three are Central Mineral Wells (C+), Northeast Mineral Wells (C) and West Mineral Wells (D+). 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 Mineral Wells neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Mineral Wells

    Everyday places mapped inside Mineral Wells, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Mineral Wells State Park, Texas Frontier Trails.

    The average one-way commute is 27 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 6% 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 $55,929, income per person is $26,124, unemployment is 6.5% and 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    3
    Pharmacies
    7
    Restaurants
    64
    Cafes
    9
    Bars
    8
    Parks
    17
    Gyms
    6
    Hospitals and urgent care
    4
    Childcare
    4
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income29% lower than Texas$55,929$78,476$80,734
    Income per person36% lower than Texas$26,124$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate1 points higher than Texas6.5%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line9 points higher than Texas22%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher22 points lower than Texas12%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher5 points lower than Texas81%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance1 points higher than Texas21%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet2 points lower than Texas89%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute3% higher than Texas27 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas5.8%14%15%
    Workers who work from home5.8%
    Workers who take transit0.0%
    Workers who walk0.9%
    Workers who bike0.2%

    Who lives in Mineral Wells

    Under 1823%
    18 to 3424%
    35 to 6437%
    65 and over16%

    Median age 38.0 years. 29% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White63%
    Hispanic or Latino28%
    Black4.4%
    Asian0.9%
    Other or more than one race3.5%

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

    Weather in Mineral Wells

    Mineral Wells has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 33°F. There are about 111 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 32 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Mineral Wells30°50°70°90°58J62F70M78A84M92J96J96A88S79O67N59DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Mineral Wells Ap, 3 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 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
    • TornadoesHigh
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresVery high
    • 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 Mineral Wells

    Nearby, Dennis gets an A-, Weatherford gets a C- and Carter 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. A-DennisTown, 1,402 people16 mi
    2. C-WeatherfordSmall city, 35,788 people17 mi
    3. D+CarterTown, 1,738 people19 mi
    4. D+Western LakeTown, 1,165 people20 mi
    5. B-Hudson OaksTown, 2,586 people21 mi
    6. C-SpringtownTown, 3,855 people23 mi

    Living in Mineral Wells: common questions

    Is Mineral Wells, TX a good place to live?

    We give Mineral Wells a D. It ranks 152nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on health and education levels.

    How much does it cost to live in Mineral Wells?

    Median rent in Mineral Wells is $1,077 a month, 23% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $161,300, 43% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.9x 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 $1,065, including property tax.

    Is Mineral Wells safe?

    In 2025, Mineral Wells Police Department reported 214 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 45% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,571 per 100,000, 23% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Mineral Wells?

    We found 1 rated public school campuses inside Mineral Wells. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 64 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Mineral Wells?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Mineral Wells are Central Mineral Wells, Northeast Mineral Wells and West Mineral Wells. We score 4 areas in the city.

    Does Mineral Wells flood?

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

    Summers in Mineral Wells peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 33°F. Expect around 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 32 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Mineral Wells?

    The average one-way commute is 27 min, 3% higher than the Texas average. About 5.8% 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.