Town in Sutton County
Living in Sonora, TX
181st of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 75 of 100
Sonora gets an overall grade of B+ and ranks 181st 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 education levels and home ownership. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.
- Good for young professionals
- Good for retirees
- Good for people on a budget
- Affordable
- Education levels scores low (16 of 100)
- Health scores low (20 of 100)
- Population
- 2,373-5.0% since 2020
- Median rent
- $77245% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $143,20050% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $71,848Median
- Average commute
- 28 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 125Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Sonora
Sonora is a town in Sutton County. 2,373 people lived here in 2025, down 5.0% from 2020. It is spread out.
Places locals use include Liberty Park, Sutton County Public Library and Sonora RV Park in Stadium Park.
The median age is 30.5, 34% of households have children, 71% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $71,848 a year (8% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Sonora
- Low violent crime. 125 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 68% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $772, 45% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.0 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
Cons of living in Sonora
- Many adults uninsured. 27% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Sonora suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 68% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 48% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 8% lower than the Texas median, with 21 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 91% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 27% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 68% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 87% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 86% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $772 is 45% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 66% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $772 is 45% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 98% for people on a budget.
Sonora report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Sonora 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 $772, homes cost 2.0x income.
96 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade B+
Median household income $71,848, 1.7% unemployed.
79 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D+
2 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.
26 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade B
125 violent crimes per 100k, 166 property crimes per 100k.
68 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: no grade
2 grocery stores, 21 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.
No score vs TX townsGetting around: grade B-
Average commute 28 min, 4.9% work from home.
58 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D
16% have a bachelor’s degree.
16 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D
27% of adults uninsured.
20 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D
71% of homes owner-occupied.
18 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D+
86% of homes have broadband.
28 of 100 vs US towns
Where Sonora stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 23%29 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Median rent: $77245% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Home value to income: 2.0x45% lower than Texas (3.6x)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 16%18 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Vacant homes: 24%15 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 27%7 points higher than Texas (20%)
Cost of living in Sonora
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Sonora is $772 a month, 45% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $31,000 a year. Right now 23% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $858 for a one-bedroom, $1,078 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 $143,200, 50% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $784 before tax, or $934 with property tax. That is $162 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.
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 Sonora pays $1,796 a year, 58% 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 rent45% lower than Texas | $772 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value50% lower than Texas | $143,200 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income45% lower than Texas | 2.0x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent29 points lower than Texas | 23% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year58% lower than Texas | $1,796 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them9 points higher than Texas | 71% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1971 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $784
- Property tax
- $150
- Median rent, for comparison
- $772
Based on a $143,200 home in Sonora, 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 Sonora safe?
In 2025, Sonora Police Department reported 3 violent crimes and 4 property crimes. That works out to 125 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 68% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 166 property crimes per 100,000, 92% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 14% 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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Sonora Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Sonora
Sonora has 2 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 Sonora 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
- BSonora Secondary SchoolOther, Sonora ISD83 of 100
- DSonora ElementaryElementary, Sonora ISD68 of 100
Daily life in Sonora
Everyday places mapped inside Sonora, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Liberty Park, Sutton County Public Library, Sonora RV Park in Stadium Park.
The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, 4% longer than the Texas average. 5% of workers work from home. 4.9% walk, bike or take transit to work.
The median household income is $71,848, income per person is $32,816, unemployment is 1.7% and 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income8% lower than Texas | $71,848 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person19% lower than Texas | $32,816 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate4 points lower than Texas | 1.7% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line8 points lower than Texas | 5.4% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher18 points lower than Texas | 16% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher5 points lower than Texas | 81% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance7 points higher than Texas | 27% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet6 points lower than Texas | 86% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute4% higher than Texas | 28 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas | 4.9% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Sonora
Median age 30.5 years. 34% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Sonora
Sonora has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 31°F. There are about 111 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 23 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Sonora, 1 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 Sonora
Nearby, Eldorado gets a B, Ozona gets an A and Junction gets a B. 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 Sonora: common questions
Is Sonora, TX a good place to live?
Sonora gets an overall grade of B+ and ranks 181st 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 education levels and home ownership. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Sonora?
Median rent in Sonora is $772 a month, 45% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $143,200, 50% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.0x 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 $934, including property tax.
Is Sonora safe?
In 2025, Sonora Police Department reported 125 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 68% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 166 per 100,000, 92% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Sonora?
We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Sonora. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 26 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
What is the weather like in Sonora?
Summers in Sonora peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 31°F. Expect around 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 23 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Sonora?
The average one-way commute is 28 min, 4% higher than the Texas average. About 4.9% 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.