Small city in Hale County

Living in Plainview, TX

C-

122nd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 37 of 100

Plainview gets an overall grade of C- and ranks 122nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on internet access and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (6 of 100)
  • Safety scores low (10 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Plainview isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthPlainview
Where Plainview is in Texas.
Population
19,314-3.9% since 2020
Median rent
$85139% lower than Texas
Median home value
$113,00060% lower than Texas
Household income
$44,768Median
Average commute
19 minOne way
Violent crime
628Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Plainview

Plainview is a small city in Hale County. 19,314 people lived here in 2025, down 3.9% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Running Water Draw Regional Park, Kidsville and Broadway Park.

The median age is 32.7, 37% of households have children, 53% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $44,768 a year (43% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Plainview

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $851, 39% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.5 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 19 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Plainview

  • Higher violent crime. 628 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 62% higher than the Texas rate.
  • Higher poverty. 24% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Many adults uninsured. 30% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and wildfires as very high here.

Who Plainview suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 71% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 62% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 32% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 43% lower than the Texas median, with 81 restaurants and 7 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 70% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 30% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 62% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 33% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 80% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $851 is 39% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 40% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $851 is 39% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 86% for people on a budget.

Plainview report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Plainview 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 A

    Median rent $851, homes cost 2.5x income.

    92 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade F

    Median household income $44,768, 6.7% unemployed.

    7 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C+

    7 rated campuses, 71% rated A or B.

    53 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D-

    628 violent crimes per 100k, 1,885 property crimes per 100k.

    10 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade B

    8 grocery stores, 81 restaurants, 20 parks mapped in town.

    69 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B+

    Average commute 19 min, 2.9% work from home.

    76 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade F

    15% have a bachelor’s degree.

    4 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    30% of adults uninsured.

    4 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade F

    53% of homes owner-occupied.

    6 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade F

    80% of homes have broadband.

    2 of 100 vs US cities

Where Plainview stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $85139% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 19 min30% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 2.5x30% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 15%19 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $44,76843% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 80%11 points lower than Texas (91%)

Cost of living in Plainview

Plainview renters pay a median of $851 a month, 39% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $34,000 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 $931 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,404 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 $113,000, 60% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $619 before tax, or $753 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 Plainview pays $1,609 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 Plainview

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in PlainviewStudio$7061 bedroom$9312 bedrooms$1,0143 bedrooms$1,4044 bedrooms$1,553
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Hale County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent39% lower than Texas$851$1,403$1,413
Median home value60% lower than Texas$113,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income30% lower than Texas2.5x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points lower than Texas48%52%51%
Median property tax per year62% lower than Texas$1,609$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them10 points lower than Texas53%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197019921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$753
Mortgage payment
$619
Property tax
$134
Median rent, for comparison
$851

Based on a $113,000 home in Plainview, 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 Plainview safe?

In 2025, Plainview Police Department reported 121 violent crimes and 363 property crimes. That works out to 628 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 62% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,885 property crimes per 100,000, 10% 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 Plainview by yearTexas62820212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
628
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,885
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Plainview by yearTexas1,88520212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Plainview

Plainview has 7 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 71% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Plainview ISD and Texas College Preparatory Academies.

Top-rated campuses include Central Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 81 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
53
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
81
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

  • ACentral ElementaryElementary, Plainview ISD91 of 100
  • BPlainview Classical AcademyOther, Texas College Preparatory Academies88 of 100
  • BSouth ElementaryElementary, Plainview ISD88 of 100
  • BNorth ElementaryElementary, Plainview ISD84 of 100
  • BPlainview High SchoolHigh, Plainview ISD80 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Plainview

We grade 3 areas inside Plainview. The top three are Northwest Plainview (B-), Central Plainview (C-) and Southeast Plainview (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 3 Plainview neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Plainview

    Everyday places mapped inside Plainview, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Running Water Draw Regional Park, Kidsville, Broadway Park.

    The average one-way commute is 19 minutes, 30% shorter than the Texas average. 3% 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 $44,768, income per person is $25,009, unemployment is 6.7% and 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    8
    Pharmacies
    3
    Restaurants
    81
    Cafes
    7
    Bars
    8
    Parks
    20
    Gyms
    9
    Hospitals and urgent care
    4
    Childcare
    3
    Libraries
    2

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income43% lower than Texas$44,768$78,476$80,734
    Income per person39% lower than Texas$25,009$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate1 points higher than Texas6.7%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line10 points higher than Texas24%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher19 points lower than Texas15%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher12 points lower than Texas74%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance10 points higher than Texas30%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet11 points lower than Texas80%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute30% lower than Texas19 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas2.9%14%15%
    Workers who work from home2.9%
    Workers who take transit0.2%
    Workers who walk1.9%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Plainview

    Under 1828%
    18 to 3426%
    35 to 6432%
    65 and over15%

    Median age 32.7 years. 37% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White28%
    Hispanic or Latino65%
    Black4.3%
    Asian0.7%
    Other or more than one race2.2%

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

    Weather in Plainview

    Plainview has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 92°F and January lows about 26°F. There are about 77 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 19 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Plainview20°40°60°80°100°52J57F65M73A82M90J92J91A84S74O62N53DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Plainview, 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 low, 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
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesLow
    • 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 Plainview

    Nearby, Seth Ward gets a D+, Hale Center gets a B and Lockney 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. D+Seth WardTown, 2,205 people2 mi
    2. BHale CenterTown, 2,037 people11 mi
    3. C+LockneyTown, 1,752 people17 mi
    4. D+OltonTown, 1,552 people24 mi
    5. DTuliaTown, 4,422 people24 mi
    6. AAbernathyTown, 3,278 people26 mi

    Living in Plainview: common questions

    Is Plainview, TX a good place to live?

    Plainview gets an overall grade of C- and ranks 122nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on internet access and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Plainview?

    Renters in Plainview pay a median of $851 a month, 39% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $113,000, 60% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.5x 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 $753, including property tax.

    Is Plainview safe?

    In 2025, Plainview Police Department reported 628 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 62% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,885 per 100,000, 10% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Plainview?

    We found 7 rated public school campuses inside Plainview. 71% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 53 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Plainview?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Plainview are Northwest Plainview, Central Plainview and Southeast Plainview. We score 3 areas in the city.

    Does Plainview flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Plainview as moderate, 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 Plainview?

    Summers in Plainview peak at about 92°F in July, and January nights fall to about 26°F. Expect around 77 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 19 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Plainview?

    The average one-way commute is 19 min, 30% lower than the Texas average. About 2.9% 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.