Town in Swisher County
Living in Tulia, TX
577th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 22 of 100
Tulia gets an overall grade of D and ranks 577th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on internet access and schools.
- Jobs and income scores low (11 of 100)
- Schools scores low (4 of 100)
- Population
- 4,242-5.3% since 2020
- Median rent
- $77145% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $81,10071% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $32,288Median
- Average commute
- 20 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 162Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Tulia
Tulia is a town in Swisher County. 4,242 people lived here in 2025, down 5.3% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1959).
Local spots people know include MacKenzie Park, Adair Park and Swisher County Library.
The median age is 36.1, 33% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $32,288 a year (59% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Tulia
- Low violent crime. 162 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 58% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $771, 45% 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 20 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Plenty close to home. 2 grocery stores, 10 restaurants and 4 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in Tulia
- Weaker school ratings. None of the 3 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Higher poverty. 32% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Many adults uninsured. 28% 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.
- Spotty home internet. Only 69% of homes have a broadband plan.
Who Tulia suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 0% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 58% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 23% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 59% lower than the Texas median, with 10 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 66% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 28% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 58% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 68% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 69% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $771 is 45% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 36% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $771 is 45% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 64% for people on a budget.
Tulia report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Tulia 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 B
Median rent $771, homes cost 2.5x income.
72 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D-
Median household income $32,288, 4.2% unemployed.
11 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade F
3 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.
4 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade C+
162 violent crimes per 100k, 577 property crimes per 100k.
49 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade A
2 grocery stores, 10 restaurants, 4 parks mapped in town.
91 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade C-
Average commute 20 min, 0.5% work from home.
39 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D-
15% have a bachelor’s degree.
15 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D-
28% of adults uninsured.
9 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D-
56% of homes owner-occupied.
9 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade F
69% of homes have broadband.
2 of 100 vs US towns
Where Tulia stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $77145% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Home value to income: 2.5x31% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Average commute: 20 min24% lower than Texas (27 min)
Worse than Texas
- Median household income: $32,28859% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Homes with broadband internet: 69%22 points lower than Texas (91%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 15%18 points lower than Texas (34%)
Cost of living in Tulia
Tulia renters pay a median of $771 a month, 45% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $31,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 49% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $816 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 $81,100, 71% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $444 before tax, or $576 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 Tulia pays $1,581 a year, 63% 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 | $771 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value71% lower than Texas | $81,100 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income31% lower than Texas | 2.5x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent2 points lower than Texas | 49% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year63% lower than Texas | $1,581 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them6 points lower than Texas | 56% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1959 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $444
- Property tax
- $132
- Median rent, for comparison
- $771
Based on a $81,100 home in Tulia, 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 Tulia safe?
In 2025, Tulia Police Department reported 7 violent crimes and 25 property crimes. That works out to 162 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 58% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 577 property crimes per 100,000, 72% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 73% 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, Tulia Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Tulia
Tulia has 3 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 Tulia 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
- CTulia Junior HighMiddle, Tulia ISD71 of 100
- DTulia High SchoolHigh, Tulia ISD68 of 100
- FTulia ElementaryElementary, Tulia ISD57 of 100
Daily life in Tulia
Everyday places mapped inside Tulia, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include MacKenzie Park, Adair Park, Swisher County Library.
The average one-way commute is 20 minutes, 24% shorter than the Texas average. 1% 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 $32,288, income per person is $21,866, unemployment is 4.2% and 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income59% lower than Texas | $32,288 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person46% lower than Texas | $21,866 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas | 4.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line18 points higher than Texas | 32% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher18 points lower than Texas | 15% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher5 points lower than Texas | 81% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance8 points higher than Texas | 28% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet22 points lower than Texas | 69% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute24% lower than Texas | 20 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home14 points lower than Texas | 0.5% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Tulia
Median age 36.1 years. 33% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Tulia
Tulia has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 91°F and January lows about 23°F. There are about 74 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 21 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Tulia, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is low, 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 floodingLow
- HurricanesLow
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesModerate
- 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 Tulia
Nearby, Seth Ward gets a D+, Plainview gets a C- and Dimmitt 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 Tulia: common questions
Is Tulia, TX a good place to live?
Tulia gets an overall grade of D and ranks 577th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on internet access and schools.
How much does it cost to live in Tulia?
Renters in Tulia pay a median of $771 a month, 45% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $81,100, 71% 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 $576, including property tax.
Is Tulia safe?
In 2025, Tulia Police Department reported 162 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 58% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 577 per 100,000, 72% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Tulia?
We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Tulia. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 4 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Tulia flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Tulia as low, 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 Tulia?
Summers in Tulia peak at about 91°F in July, and January nights fall to about 23°F. Expect around 74 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 21 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Tulia?
The average one-way commute is 20 min, 24% lower than the Texas average. About 0.5% 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.