Small city in Lamar County

Living in Paris, TX

C

110th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 43 of 100

Paris gets an overall grade of C and ranks 110th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Errands close by
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (12 of 100)
  • Safety scores low (19 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Paris isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthParis
Where Paris is in Texas.
Population
25,205+3.0% since 2020
Median rent
$97131% lower than Texas
Median home value
$150,00047% lower than Texas
Household income
$47,239Median
Average commute
16 minOne way
Violent crime
413Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Paris

Paris is a small city in Lamar County. 25,205 people lived here in 2025, up 3.0% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Northeast Texas Trail Corridor, Dragon Park and Leon Williams Park.

The median age is 35.8, 32% of households have children, 48% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $47,239 a year (40% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Paris

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $971, 31% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 16 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 9 grocery stores, 146 restaurants and 35 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Paris

  • Higher poverty. 26% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who Paris suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 7% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 31% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 40% lower than the Texas median, with 146 restaurants and 14 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 89% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 7% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 83% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $971 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 40% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $971 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 70% for people on a budget.

Paris report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Paris 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 $971, homes cost 3.2x income.

    79 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $47,239, 5.3% unemployed.

    12 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C

    14 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.

    42 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D

    413 violent crimes per 100k, 2,018 property crimes per 100k.

    19 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade A-

    9 grocery stores, 146 restaurants, 35 parks mapped in town.

    85 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade A

    Average commute 16 min, 7.8% work from home.

    89 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D

    19% have a bachelor’s degree.

    20 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    17% of adults uninsured.

    4 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade F

    48% of homes owner-occupied.

    4 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade F

    83% of homes have broadband.

    4 of 100 vs US cities

Where Paris stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 16 min40% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Median rent: $97131% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 3.2x12% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Median household income: $47,23940% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 19%14 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 48%14 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Paris

Paris renters pay a median of $971 a month, 31% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $39,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 48% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $793 for a one-bedroom, $1,036 for a two-bedroom and $1,354 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 $150,000, 47% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $821 before tax, or $953 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 Paris pays $1,588 a year, 62% 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 Paris

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in ParisStudio$7871 bedroom$7932 bedrooms$1,0363 bedrooms$1,3544 bedrooms$1,362
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Lamar County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent31% lower than Texas$971$1,403$1,413
Median home value47% lower than Texas$150,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income12% lower than Texas3.2x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points lower than Texas48%52%51%
Median property tax per year62% lower than Texas$1,588$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them14 points lower than Texas48%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198019921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$953
Mortgage payment
$821
Property tax
$132
Median rent, for comparison
$971

Based on a $150,000 home in Paris, 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 Paris safe?

In 2025, Paris Police Department reported 104 violent crimes and 508 property crimes. That works out to 413 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 7% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,018 property crimes per 100,000, about the same as the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 54% 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 Paris by yearTexas41320212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
413
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,018
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Paris by yearTexas2,01820212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Paris

Paris has 14 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 50% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Chisum ISD, Paris ISD and North Lamar 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
42
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
79
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

  • BChisum MiddleMiddle, Chisum ISD89 of 100
  • BParis High SchoolHigh, Paris ISD89 of 100
  • BParis Junior HighMiddle, Paris ISD86 of 100
  • BNorth Lamar High SchoolHigh, North Lamar ISD82 of 100
  • BChisum ElementaryElementary, Chisum ISD80 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Paris

We grade 5 areas inside Paris. The top three are South Paris (B-), Southeast Paris (C+) and West Paris (C-). If price matters most, West Paris has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $920 a month. Southeast Paris is the priciest, at $1,140. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 5 Paris neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Paris

    Everyday places mapped inside Paris, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Northeast Texas Trail Corridor, Dragon Park, Leon Williams Park.

    The average one-way commute is 16 minutes, 40% shorter than the Texas average. 8% of workers work from home. 3.3% walk, bike or take transit to work.

    The median household income is $47,239, income per person is $26,854, unemployment is 5.3% and 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    9
    Pharmacies
    8
    Restaurants
    146
    Cafes
    14
    Bars
    14
    Parks
    35
    Gyms
    16
    Hospitals and urgent care
    11
    Childcare
    9
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income40% lower than Texas$47,239$78,476$80,734
    Income per person34% lower than Texas$26,854$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.3%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line12 points higher than Texas26%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher14 points lower than Texas19%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher3 points higher than Texas89%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points lower than Texas17%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet9 points lower than Texas83%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute40% lower than Texas16 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas7.8%14%15%
    Workers who work from home7.8%
    Workers who take transit0.1%
    Workers who walk3.0%
    Workers who bike0.3%

    Who lives in Paris

    Under 1826%
    18 to 3423%
    35 to 6432%
    65 and over19%

    Median age 35.8 years. 32% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White57%
    Hispanic or Latino12%
    Black22%
    Asian1.4%
    Other or more than one race7.5%

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

    Weather in Paris

    Paris has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 33°F. There are about 96 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 49 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Paris30°50°70°90°54J58F66M75A83M91J96J96A89S78O65N56DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Paris, 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 moderate, tornado risk is very 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
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsHigh
    • 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 Paris

    Nearby, Reno gets a B+, Powderly gets a B+ and Blossom 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. B+RenoTown, 3,500 people4 mi
    2. B+PowderlyTown, 1,140 people9 mi
    3. A-BlossomTown, 1,393 people9 mi
    4. B-Honey GroveTown, 1,824 people22 mi
    5. D-CooperTown, 2,055 people23 mi
    6. FClarksvilleTown, 2,853 people29 mi

    Living in Paris: common questions

    Is Paris, TX a good place to live?

    Paris gets an overall grade of C and ranks 110th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

    How much does it cost to live in Paris?

    Renters in Paris pay a median of $971 a month, 31% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $150,000, 47% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.2x 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 $953, including property tax.

    Is Paris safe?

    In 2025, Paris Police Department reported 413 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 7% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,018 per 100,000, 3% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Paris?

    We found 14 rated public school campuses inside Paris. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 42 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Paris?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Paris are South Paris, Southeast Paris and West Paris. We score 5 areas in the city.

    Does Paris flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Paris 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 Paris?

    Summers in Paris peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 33°F. Expect around 96 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 49 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Paris?

    The average one-way commute is 16 min, 40% lower than the Texas average. About 7.8% 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.