Town in Fisher County
Living in Rotan, TX
406th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 45 of 100
Rotan earns a grade of C on our index, 406th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and errands and things to do, and trails on education levels and internet access. It is a strong pick for retirees and people on a budget.
- Good for retirees
- Good for people on a budget
- Affordable
- Education levels scores low (14 of 100)
- Internet access scores low (20 of 100)
- Population
- 1,3330.0% since 2020
- Median rent
- $60457% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $54,00081% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $53,289Median
- Average commute
- 21 minOne way
- Violent crime
- No dataNo full-year report
What it's like to live in Rotan
Rotan is a town in Fisher County. 1,333 people lived here in 2025, about the same as 2020. It is small-town and rural in feel, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1959).
The median age is 36.2, 44% of households have children, 73% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $53,289 a year (32% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Rotan
- Lower rent. Median rent is $604, 57% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.0 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.
Cons of living in Rotan
- 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.
Who Rotan suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 41% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 32% lower than the Texas median, with 5 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 51% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 19% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 86% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 83% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $604 is 57% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 62% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $604 is 57% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 93% for people on a budget.
Rotan report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Rotan 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 $604, homes cost 1.0x income.
99 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D+
Median household income $53,289, 4.2% unemployed.
25 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D+
1 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.
28 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: no grade
No full year of crime data from local police.
No score vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade C+
1 grocery store, 5 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.
49 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade C-
Average commute 21 min, 5.1% work from home.
37 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D-
14% have a bachelor’s degree.
14 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D+
19% of adults uninsured.
30 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D
73% of homes owner-occupied.
23 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D
83% of homes have broadband.
20 of 100 vs US towns
Where Rotan stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Home value to income: 1.0x72% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 29%23 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Median rent: $60457% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 14%20 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median household income: $53,28932% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Vacant homes: 22%12 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
Cost of living in Rotan
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Rotan is $604 a month, 57% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $24,000 a year. Right now 29% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $818 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,208 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 $54,000, 81% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $296 before tax, or $372 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 Rotan pays $914 a year, 78% 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
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent57% lower than Texas | $604 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value81% lower than Texas | $54,000 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income72% lower than Texas | 1.0x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent23 points lower than Texas | 29% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year78% lower than Texas | $914 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them10 points higher than Texas | 73% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1959 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $296
- Property tax
- $76
- Median rent, for comparison
- $604
Based on a $54,000 home in Rotan, 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 Rotan
Rotan 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 Rotan 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.
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
- CRotan K-12Other, Rotan ISD76 of 100
Daily life in Rotan
Everyday places mapped inside Rotan, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Ed Patton Memorial Park.
The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 22% shorter than the Texas average. 5% 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 $53,289, income per person is $28,116, unemployment is 4.2% and 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income32% lower than Texas | $53,289 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person31% lower than Texas | $28,116 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas | 4.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line6 points higher than Texas | 19% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher20 points lower than Texas | 14% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher3 points lower than Texas | 83% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas | 19% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet8 points lower than Texas | 83% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute22% lower than Texas | 21 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas | 5.1% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Rotan
Median age 36.2 years. 44% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Rotan
Rotan has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 111 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 24 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Rotan, 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 low, tornado risk is moderate 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
- HurricanesLow
- TornadoesModerate
- 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 Rotan
Nearby, Hamlin gets a B-, Sweetwater gets a D+ and Snyder 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.
Living in Rotan: common questions
Is Rotan, TX a good place to live?
Rotan earns a grade of C on our index, 406th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and errands and things to do, and trails on education levels and internet access. It is a strong pick for retirees and people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Rotan?
Median rent in Rotan is $604 a month, 57% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $54,000, 81% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.0x 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 $372, including property tax.
Are the schools good in Rotan?
We found 1 rated public school campuses inside Rotan. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 28 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Rotan flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Rotan as very low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: 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 Rotan?
Summers in Rotan peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 24 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Rotan?
The average one-way commute is 21 min, 22% lower than the Texas average. About 5.1% 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.