Town in Lamar County

Living in Powderly, TX

B+

149th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 79 of 100

We give Powderly a B+. It ranks 149th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on schools and internet access. It is a strong pick for young professionals and people on a budget.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Schools scores low (3 of 100)
  • Internet access scores low (9 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Powderly isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthPowderly
Where Powderly is in Texas.
Population
1,140
Median rent
No data
Median home value
$221,30022% lower than Texas
Household income
$106,797Median
Average commute
16 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Powderly

Powderly is a town in Lamar County. About 1,140 people live here. It is small-town and rural in feel, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2001).

The median age is 33.5, 18% of households have children, 83% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $106,797 a year (36% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Powderly

  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.1 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $106,797, 36% higher than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 16 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Powderly

  • Spotty home internet. Only 78% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who Powderly suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 36% higher than the Texas median, with 1 restaurant and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 99% for young professionals.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 78% of homes have broadband. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 47% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 99% for people on a budget.

Powderly report card

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

    Homes cost 2.1x income.

    99 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade B+

    Median household income $106,797, 5.6% unemployed.

    79 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade F

    1 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.

    3 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: no grade

    0 grocery stores, 1 restaurant, 1 park mapped in town.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A-

    Average commute 16 min, 11% work from home.

    82 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade C-

    14% have a bachelor’s degree.

    38 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade C-

    12% of adults uninsured.

    33 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade C

    83% of homes owner-occupied.

    46 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D-

    78% of homes have broadband.

    9 of 100 vs US towns

Where Powderly stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 0%52 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 83%21 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Home value to income: 2.1x43% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 14%20 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 78%13 points lower than Texas (91%)
  • Vacant homes: 18%8 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Powderly

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 $221,300, 22% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,211 before tax, or $1,354 with property tax.

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 Powderly pays $1,707 a year, 60% 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 PowderlyStudio$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 home value22% lower than Texas$221,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to income43% lower than Texas2.1x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent52 points lower than Texas0%52%51%
Median property tax per year60% lower than Texas$1,707$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them21 points higher than Texas83%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas200119921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,354
Mortgage payment
$1,211
Property tax
$142

Based on a $221,300 home in Powderly, 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 Powderly

Powderly has 1 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 0% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by 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
3
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
64
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

  • DAaron Parker ElementaryElementary, North Lamar ISD64 of 100

Daily life in Powderly

Everyday places mapped inside Powderly, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Learning Adventures Activity Center.

The average one-way commute is 16 minutes, 40% shorter than the Texas average. 11% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Paris is about 10 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Powderly work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $106,797, income per person is $37,779, unemployment is 5.6% and 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

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

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income36% higher than Texas$106,797$78,476$80,734
Income per person7% lower than Texas$37,779$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.6%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line12 points lower than Texas1.5%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher20 points lower than Texas14%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher7 points higher than Texas93%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance8 points lower than Texas12%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet13 points lower than Texas78%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute40% lower than Texas16 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home3 points lower than Texas11%14%15%
Workers who work from home11%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk2.1%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Powderly

Under 1814%
18 to 3440%
35 to 6423%
65 and over22%

Median age 33.5 years. 18% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White88%
Hispanic or Latino0%
Black8.8%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race3.6%

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

Weather in Powderly

Powderly 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 Powderly30°50°70°90°54J58F66M75A83M91J96J96A89S78O65N56DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Paris, 10 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

    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 Powderly

    Nearby, Paris gets a C, Reno 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. CParisSmall city, 24,775 people9 mi
    2. B+RenoTown, 3,500 people10 mi
    3. A-BlossomTown, 1,393 people12 mi
    4. B-Honey GroveTown, 1,824 people28 mi
    5. FClarksvilleTown, 2,853 people29 mi
    6. D-CooperTown, 2,055 people32 mi

    Living in Powderly: common questions

    Is Powderly, TX a good place to live?

    We give Powderly a B+. It ranks 149th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on schools and internet access. It is a strong pick for young professionals and people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Powderly?

    The median home is worth $221,300, 22% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.1x 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 $1,354, including property tax.

    Are the schools good in Powderly?

    We found 1 rated public school campuses inside Powderly. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 3 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What is the weather like in Powderly?

    Summers in Powderly 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 Powderly?

    The average one-way commute is 16 min, 40% lower than the Texas average. About 11% of workers work from home. It is about 10 miles from downtown Paris.

    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.