Town in Karnes County

Living in Runge, TX

D-

640th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 14 of 100

Runge earns a grade of D- on our index, 640th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and jobs and income, and trails on internet access and schools. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Schools scores low (2 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (18 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Runge isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthRunge
Where Runge is in Texas.
Population
952+6.5% since 2020
Median rent
No data
Median home value
$88,50069% lower than Texas
Household income
No dataMedian
Average commute
23 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Runge

Runge is a town in Karnes County. 952 people lived here in 2025, up 6.5% from 2020. It is spread out.

The median age is 20.6, 63% of households have children and 38% of homes are owned by the people living in them.

Pros of living in Runge

No clear standouts in our data.

Cons of living in Runge

  • Higher poverty. 53% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Many adults uninsured. 33% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 135 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
  • Spotty home internet. Only 44% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who Runge suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 4% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 45% for young professionals.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 44% of homes have broadband. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 85% for people on a budget.

Runge report card

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

    Not enough data.

    89 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    1.2% unemployed.

    40 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade F

    2 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.

    2 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, 6 restaurants, 0 parks mapped in town.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D+

    Average commute 23 min, 2.4% work from home.

    25 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D

    19% have a bachelor’s degree.

    18 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    33% of adults uninsured.

    14 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D-

    38% of homes owner-occupied.

    9 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade F

    44% of homes have broadband.

    0 of 100 vs US towns

Where Runge stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 32%20 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Average commute: 23 min12% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Unemployment rate: 1.2%4 points lower than Texas (5.3%)

Worse than Texas

  • Homes with broadband internet: 44%48 points lower than Texas (91%)
  • People below the poverty line: 53%39 points higher than Texas (14%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 38%25 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Runge

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $872 for a one-bedroom, $1,143 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 $88,500, 69% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $484 before tax, or $597 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 Runge pays $1,350 a year, 68% 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 RungeStudio$8191 bedroom$8722 bedrooms$1,1433 bedrooms$1,3934 bedrooms$1,683
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Karnes County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median home value69% lower than Texas$88,500$283,800$332,700
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent20 points lower than Texas32%52%51%
Median property tax per year68% lower than Texas$1,350$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them25 points lower than Texas38%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199119921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$597
Mortgage payment
$484
Property tax
$112

Based on a $88,500 home in Runge, 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 Runge

Runge has 2 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 Runge 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
2
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
62
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

  • CRunge High SchoolOther, Runge ISD76 of 100
  • FRunge ElementaryElementary, Runge ISD48 of 100

Daily life in Runge

Everyday places mapped inside Runge, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Runge Public Library.

The average one-way commute is 23 minutes, 12% shorter than the Texas average. 2% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Grocery stores
0
Pharmacies
0
Restaurants
6
Cafes
0
Bars
1
Parks
0
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Income per person60% lower than Texas$16,425$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate4 points lower than Texas1.2%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line39 points higher than Texas53%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher15 points lower than Texas19%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher11 points lower than Texas75%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance13 points higher than Texas33%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet48 points lower than Texas44%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute12% lower than Texas23 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home12 points lower than Texas2.4%14%15%
Workers who work from home2.4%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Runge

Under 1839%
18 to 3430%
35 to 6420%
65 and over11%

Median age 20.6 years. 63% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White21%
Hispanic or Latino72%
Black6.6%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race0%

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

Weather in Runge

Runge has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 43°F. There are about 135 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 37 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Runge40°60°80°100°66J70F75M81A87M92J95J96A91S84O75N68DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Goliad, 25 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 Runge

    Nearby, Kenedy gets a B-, Karnes City gets a B and Yorktown 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. B-KenedyTown, 3,430 people10 mi
    2. BKarnes CityTown, 3,605 people11 mi
    3. CYorktownTown, 1,720 people14 mi
    4. D-GoliadTown, 1,651 people24 mi
    5. APothTown, 1,532 people26 mi
    6. BNixonTown, 2,231 people27 mi

    Living in Runge: common questions

    Is Runge, TX a good place to live?

    Runge earns a grade of D- on our index, 640th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and jobs and income, and trails on internet access and schools. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Runge?

    The median home is worth $88,500, 69% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $597, including property tax.

    Are the schools good in Runge?

    We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Runge. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 2 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What is the weather like in Runge?

    Summers in Runge peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 43°F. Expect around 135 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 37 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Runge?

    The average one-way commute is 23 min, 12% lower than the Texas average. About 2.4% 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.