Town in Cottle County

Living in Paducah, TX

B

245th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 67 of 100

Paducah gets an overall grade of B and ranks 245th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on internet access and jobs and income. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (4 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (20 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Paducah isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthPaducah
Where Paducah is in Texas.
Population
938-11.6% since 2020
Median rent
$25682% lower than Texas
Median home value
$49,00083% lower than Texas
Household income
$36,875Median
Average commute
18 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Paducah

Paducah is a town in Cottle County. 938 people lived here in 2025, down 11.6% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1958).

The median age is 44.6, 27% of households have children, 81% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $36,875 a year (53% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Paducah

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $256, 82% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.3 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 18 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Paducah

  • Higher unemployment. 16% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • 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.
  • Spotty home internet. Only 68% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who Paducah suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 67% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 53% lower than the Texas median, with 8 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 70% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 20% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 71% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 68% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $256 is 82% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 37% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $256 is 82% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 89% for people on a budget.

Paducah report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Paducah 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 $256, homes cost 1.3x income.

    100 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade F

    Median household income $36,875, 16% unemployed.

    4 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B-

    1 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    64 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade C+

    1 grocery store, 8 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.

    49 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A

    Average commute 18 min, 2.5% work from home.

    89 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D

    20% have a bachelor’s degree.

    20 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    20% of adults uninsured.

    14 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    81% of homes owner-occupied.

    30 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade F

    68% of homes have broadband.

    2 of 100 vs US towns

Where Paducah stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 17%35 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Median rent: $25682% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 1.3x63% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Vacant homes: 35%25 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 68%24 points lower than Texas (91%)
  • Median household income: $36,87553% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Paducah

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Paducah is $256 a month, 82% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $10,000 a year. Right now 17% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $858 for a one-bedroom, $1,078 for a two-bedroom and $1,393 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 $49,000, 83% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $268 before tax, or $321 with property tax. That is $65 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 Paducah pays $639 a year, 85% 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 PaducahStudio$8191 bedroom$8582 bedrooms$1,0783 bedrooms$1,3934 bedrooms$1,553
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Cottle County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent82% lower than Texas$256$1,403$1,413
Median home value83% lower than Texas$49,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income63% lower than Texas1.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent35 points lower than Texas17%52%51%
Median property tax per year85% lower than Texas$639$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them18 points higher than Texas81%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas195819921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$321
Mortgage payment
$268
Property tax
$53
Median rent, for comparison
$256

Based on a $49,000 home in Paducah, 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.

Schools in Paducah

Paducah 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 Paducah 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 towns
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

  • BPaducah SchoolOther, Paducah ISD83 of 100

Daily life in Paducah

Everyday places mapped inside Paducah, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Bicentennial City County Library.

The average one-way commute is 18 minutes, 33% shorter than the Texas average. 2% of workers work from home. 4.2% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $36,875, income per person is $26,115, unemployment is 16% and 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
0
Restaurants
8
Cafes
0
Bars
0
Parks
1
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income53% lower than Texas$36,875$78,476$80,734
Income per person36% lower than Texas$26,115$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate11 points higher than Texas16%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line8 points higher than Texas22%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher14 points lower than Texas20%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher9 points lower than Texas76%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas20%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet24 points lower than Texas68%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute33% lower than Texas18 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home12 points lower than Texas2.5%14%15%
Workers who work from home2.5%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike4.2%

Who lives in Paducah

Under 1815%
18 to 3422%
35 to 6439%
65 and over24%

Median age 44.6 years. 27% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White34%
Hispanic or Latino53%
Black3.0%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race9.4%

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

Weather in Paducah

Paducah has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 27°F. There are about 111 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 24 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Paducah20°40°60°80°100°55J59F68M76A84M93J97J96A88S77O65N55DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Paducah, 1 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 very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingVery low
  • HurricanesModerate
  • TornadoesHigh
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesLow
  • 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 Paducah

Nearby, Childress gets a C+, Quanah gets a B- and Memphis gets a B+. 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+ChildressTown, 5,834 people28 mi
  2. B-QuanahTown, 2,109 people37 mi
  3. B+MemphisTown, 2,174 people51 mi
  4. AMundayTown, 1,407 people55 mi
  5. C-VernonTown, 9,848 people58 mi
  6. AWellingtonTown, 1,883 people58 mi

Living in Paducah: common questions

Is Paducah, TX a good place to live?

Paducah gets an overall grade of B and ranks 245th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on internet access and jobs and income. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Paducah?

Median rent in Paducah is $256 a month, 82% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $49,000, 83% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.3x 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 $321, including property tax.

Are the schools good in Paducah?

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

Does Paducah flood?

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

Summers in Paducah peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 27°F. Expect around 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 24 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Paducah?

The average one-way commute is 18 min, 33% lower than the Texas average. About 2.5% 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.