Town in Hill County
Living in Whitney, TX
568th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 24 of 100
We give Whitney a D. It ranks 568th 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 getting around and health.
- Schools scores low (6 of 100)
- Getting around scores low (2 of 100)
- Population
- 2,134+7.3% since 2020
- Median rent
- $80942% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $108,90062% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $48,571Median
- Average commute
- 38 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 139Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Whitney
Whitney is a town in Hill County. 2,134 people lived here in 2025, up 7.3% from 2020. It is spread out.
Places locals use include Whitney City Park, Whitney Veterans Memorial Park and Lake Whitney Public Library.
The median age is 37.5, 39% of households have children, 59% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $48,571 a year (38% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Whitney
- Low violent crime. 139 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 64% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $809, 42% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.2 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
- Plenty close to home. 2 grocery stores, 25 restaurants and 3 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in Whitney
- Weaker school ratings. Only 25% of the 4 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Higher poverty. 24% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 38 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 115 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Whitney suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 25% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 64% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 38% lower than the Texas median, with 25 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 57% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 64% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 53% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 88% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $809 is 42% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 70% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $809 is 42% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 56% for people on a budget.
Whitney report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Whitney 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 $809, homes cost 2.2x income.
61 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C-
Median household income $48,571, 0.6% unemployed.
36 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade F
4 rated campuses, 25% rated A or B.
6 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade C
139 violent crimes per 100k, 1,113 property crimes per 100k.
44 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade A
2 grocery stores, 25 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.
93 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade F
Average commute 38 min, 5.8% work from home.
2 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D-
11% have a bachelor’s degree.
15 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade F
17% of adults uninsured.
6 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade C-
59% of homes owner-occupied.
35 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade C
88% of homes have broadband.
41 of 100 vs US towns
Where Whitney stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $80942% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Home value to income: 2.2x38% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Unemployment rate: 0.6%5 points lower than Texas (5.3%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 11%23 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Average commute: 38 min41% higher than Texas (27 min)
- Median household income: $48,57138% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in Whitney
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Whitney is $809 a month, 42% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $32,000 a year. Right now 63% 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, $1,080 for a two-bedroom and $1,495 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 $108,900, 62% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $596 before tax, or $753 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 Whitney pays $1,883 a year, 56% 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 rent42% lower than Texas | $809 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value62% lower than Texas | $108,900 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income38% lower than Texas | 2.2x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent11 points higher than Texas | 63% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year56% lower than Texas | $1,883 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them4 points lower than Texas | 59% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1979 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $596
- Property tax
- $157
- Median rent, for comparison
- $809
Based on a $108,900 home in Whitney, 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 Whitney safe?
In 2025, Whitney Police Department reported 3 violent crimes and 24 property crimes. That works out to 139 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 64% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,113 property crimes per 100,000, 47% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is up about 50% 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, Whitney Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Whitney
Whitney has 4 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 25% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Whitney ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Whitney High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 68 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.
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
- AWhitney High SchoolHigh, Whitney ISD91 of 100
- DWhitney MiddleMiddle, Whitney ISD68 of 100
- FWhitney ElementaryElementary, Whitney ISD57 of 100
- FWhitney IntermediateElementary, Whitney ISD57 of 100
Daily life in Whitney
Everyday places mapped inside Whitney, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Whitney City Park, Whitney Veterans Memorial Park, Lake Whitney Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 38 minutes, 41% longer than the Texas average. 6% 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 $48,571, income per person is $25,824, unemployment is 0.6% and 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income38% lower than Texas | $48,571 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person37% lower than Texas | $25,824 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas | 0.6% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line10 points higher than Texas | 24% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher23 points lower than Texas | 11% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higherAbout the same as Texas | 87% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points lower than Texas | 17% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas | 88% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute41% higher than Texas | 38 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas | 5.8% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Whitney
Median age 37.5 years. 39% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Whitney
Whitney has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 115 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Whitney Dam, 7 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 moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.
- River floodingLow
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailHigh
- Heat wavesModerate
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsLow
- Strong windHigh
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 Whitney
Nearby, Laguna Park gets a D+, Hillsboro gets a C+ and West 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.
Living in Whitney: common questions
Is Whitney, TX a good place to live?
We give Whitney a D. It ranks 568th 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 getting around and health.
How much does it cost to live in Whitney?
Median rent in Whitney is $809 a month, 42% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $108,900, 62% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.2x 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 $753, including property tax.
Is Whitney safe?
In 2025, Whitney Police Department reported 139 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 64% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,113 per 100,000, 47% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Whitney?
We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Whitney. 25% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 6 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Whitney flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Whitney as low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, hail, wildfires and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Whitney?
Summers in Whitney peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 115 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Whitney?
The average one-way commute is 38 min, 41% higher than the Texas average. About 5.8% 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.