Town in Ward County

Living in Monahans, TX

B-

274th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 63 of 100

We give Monahans a B-. It ranks 274th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for young professionals and remote workers.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for remote workers
  • Errands close by
  • Education levels scores low (7 of 100)
  • Health scores low (13 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Monahans isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthMonahans
Where Monahans is in Texas.
Population
7,427-5.3% since 2020
Median rent
$1,11021% lower than Texas
Median home value
$160,80043% lower than Texas
Household income
$70,677Median
Average commute
21 minOne way
Violent crime
166Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Monahans

Monahans is a town in Ward County. 7,427 people lived here in 2025, down 5.3% from 2020. It is small-town and rural in feel.

Local spots people know include Hill Park, Rudy Park and Allen Park.

The median age is 33.3, 38% of households have children, 73% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $70,677 a year (10% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Monahans

  • Low violent crime. 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 57% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,110, 21% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.3 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 2 grocery stores, 47 restaurants and 7 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Monahans

  • Many adults uninsured. 26% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail, wildfires and winter storms as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 142 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Monahans suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 20% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 57% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 39% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 10% lower than the Texas median, with 47 restaurants and 6 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 26% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 57% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 62% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 92% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,110 is 21% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 91% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,110 is 21% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 71% for people on a budget.

Monahans report card

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

    Median rent $1,110, homes cost 2.3x income.

    73 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    Median household income $70,677, 3.0% unemployed.

    48 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade D+

    5 rated campuses, 20% rated A or B.

    31 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade C-

    166 violent crimes per 100k, 1,650 property crimes per 100k.

    34 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A

    2 grocery stores, 47 restaurants, 7 parks mapped in town.

    91 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade B

    Average commute 21 min, 1.0% work from home.

    72 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade F

    12% have a bachelor’s degree.

    7 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    26% of adults uninsured.

    13 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    73% of homes owner-occupied.

    30 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade B-

    92% of homes have broadband.

    60 of 100 vs US towns

Where Monahans stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 34%18 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Home value to income: 2.3x37% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 73%10 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 12%22 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Vacant homes: 16%7 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 26%6 points higher than Texas (20%)

Cost of living in Monahans

Monahans renters pay a median of $1,110 a month, 21% 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 34% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,075 for a one-bedroom, $1,406 for a two-bedroom and $1,675 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 $160,800, 43% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $880 before tax, or $952 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 Monahans pays $867 a year, 80% 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 MonahansStudio$1,0691 bedroom$1,0752 bedrooms$1,4063 bedrooms$1,6754 bedrooms$2,025
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Ward County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent21% lower than Texas$1,110$1,403$1,413
Median home value43% lower than Texas$160,800$283,800$332,700
Home value to income37% lower than Texas2.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent18 points lower than Texas34%52%51%
Median property tax per year80% lower than Texas$867$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them10 points higher than Texas73%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$952
Mortgage payment
$880
Property tax
$72
Median rent, for comparison
$1,110

Based on a $160,800 home in Monahans, 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 Monahans safe?

In 2025, Monahans Police Department reported 12 violent crimes and 119 property crimes. That works out to 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,650 property crimes per 100,000, 21% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 53% 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 Monahans by yearTexas16620212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
166
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,650
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Monahans by yearTexas1,65020212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Monahans

Monahans has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 20% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Monahans-Wickett-Pyote 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
31
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
77
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

  • BWalker Junior HighMiddle, Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD82 of 100
  • CMonahans High SchoolHigh, Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD76 of 100
  • CGeorge Cullender KindOther, Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD75 of 100
  • CParkway ElementaryElementary, Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD75 of 100
  • CTatom ElementaryElementary, Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD75 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Monahans

We grade 7 areas inside Monahans. The top three are Bellaire (A), Casa Bonita (A-) and Park (B+). If price matters most, Knox has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $700 a month. Iva Hayes is the priciest, at $1,090. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Monahans 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 Monahans neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1ABellaire775 people, home $182,000100fit
    2. 2A-Casa Bonita908 people, median rent $830, home $57,00083fit
    3. 3B+Park1,026 people, home $159,00067fit
    4. 4C+Ballard526 people, median rent $1,060, home $137,00050fit
    5. 5CKnox1,347 people, median rent $700, home $156,00033fit
    6. 6C-Iva Hayes1,073 people, median rent $1,090, home $59,00017fit
    7. 7D+Gretchen1,228 people, home $243,0000fit
    All 7 Monahans neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Monahans

    Everyday places mapped inside Monahans, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Hill Park, Rudy Park, Allen Park.

    The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 22% shorter than the Texas average. 1% 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 $70,677, income per person is $36,922, unemployment is 3.0% and 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    2
    Pharmacies
    2
    Restaurants
    47
    Cafes
    6
    Bars
    2
    Parks
    7
    Gyms
    7
    Hospitals and urgent care
    1
    Childcare
    2
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income10% lower than Texas$70,677$78,476$80,734
    Income per person9% lower than Texas$36,922$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.0%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas16%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher22 points lower than Texas12%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher9 points lower than Texas77%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance6 points higher than Texas26%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas92%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute22% lower than Texas21 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home13 points lower than Texas1.0%14%15%
    Workers who work from home1.0%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk1.8%
    Workers who bike0.3%

    Who lives in Monahans

    Under 1829%
    18 to 3423%
    35 to 6438%
    65 and over10%

    Median age 33.3 years. 38% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White31%
    Hispanic or Latino60%
    Black6.8%
    Asian1.1%
    Other or more than one race0.8%

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

    Weather in Monahans

    Monahans has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 30°F. There are about 142 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 11 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Monahans30°50°70°90°60J65F74M82A90M98J97J96A89S80O69N60DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Winkler Co Ap, 11 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is moderate and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

    • River floodingHigh
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesModerate
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresVery high
    • 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 Monahans

    Nearby, Wink gets an A, Southwest Sandhill gets a C- and Kermit 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.

    1. AWinkTown, 1,373 people8 mi
    2. C-Southwest SandhillTown, 1,143 people13 mi
    3. C-KermitTown, 5,689 people14 mi
    4. CTown of PecosSmall city, 10,926 people31 mi
    5. FWest OdessaSmall city, 32,594 people38 mi
    6. D+OdessaCity, 115,322 people46 mi

    Living in Monahans: common questions

    Is Monahans, TX a good place to live?

    We give Monahans a B-. It ranks 274th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for young professionals and remote workers.

    How much does it cost to live in Monahans?

    Renters in Monahans pay a median of $1,110 a month, 21% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $160,800, 43% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.3x 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 $952, including property tax.

    Is Monahans safe?

    In 2025, Monahans Police Department reported 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,650 per 100,000, 21% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Monahans?

    We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Monahans. 20% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 31 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Monahans?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Monahans are Bellaire, Casa Bonita and Park. We score 7 areas in the city.

    Does Monahans flood?

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

    Summers in Monahans peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 30°F. Expect around 142 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 11 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Monahans?

    The average one-way commute is 21 min, 22% lower than the Texas average. About 1.0% 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.