City in Wichita County, the center of the Wichita Falls metro

Living in Wichita Falls, TX

C

48th of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 40 of 100
8th of 8 in the Wichita Falls area

Wichita Falls gets an overall grade of C and ranks 48th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on internet access and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Schools scores low (17 of 100)
  • Errands and things to do scores low (19 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Wichita Falls isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthWichita Falls
Where Wichita Falls is in Texas.
Population
101,951-0.3% since 2020
Median rent
$1,02227% lower than Texas
Median home value
$156,80045% lower than Texas
Household income
$60,177Median
Average commute
14 minOne way
Violent crime
358Per 100k, 2025

About Wichita Falls

Up in North Texas, about 15 miles south of the Oklahoma line and roughly 115 miles northwest of Fort Worth, Wichita Falls is the seat of Wichita County. The Wichita River runs through town. The city was platted in 1876 and named for a small waterfall on the river. A flood in 1886 washed that falls away, so the city built a 54 foot artificial one in Lucy Park in 1987.

Interstate 44 ends here, and US 287, US 277, US 281 and US 82 all meet in town, so getting to Dallas or Oklahoma City is simple. Sheppard Air Force Base is by far the biggest employer, followed by the school district, United Regional Health Care System and Midwestern State University. Locals spend time at Lucy Park, Lake Wichita Park and on the Circle Trail, which loops more than 24 miles around the city. Downtown has the Newby-McMahon Building, known as the world's littlest skyscraper.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What it's like to live in Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is the anchor city of the Wichita Falls metro area. 101,951 people lived here in 2025, down 0.3% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Lake Wichita Park, Lucy Park and Williams Park.

The median age is 33.8, 29% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $60,177 a year (23% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Wichita Falls

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,022, 27% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 14 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Wichita Falls

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 38% of the 24 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail as very high here.

Who Wichita Falls suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 38% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 8% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 13% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 23% lower than the Texas median, with 368 restaurants and 23 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 58% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 8% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 88% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,022 is 27% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 21% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,022 is 27% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 99% for people on a budget.

Wichita Falls report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Wichita Falls with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade A+

    Median rent $1,022, homes cost 2.6x income.

    98 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade C-

    Median household income $60,177, 3.8% unemployed.

    37 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade D

    24 rated campuses, 38% rated A or B.

    17 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D+

    358 violent crimes per 100k, 2,190 property crimes per 100k.

    28 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D

    23 grocery stores, 368 restaurants, 73 parks mapped in town.

    19 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade A+

    Average commute 14 min, 7.1% work from home.

    98 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D

    25% have a bachelor’s degree.

    21 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D

    17% of adults uninsured.

    16 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D

    56% of homes owner-occupied.

    22 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D-

    88% of homes have broadband.

    13 of 100 vs US cities

Where Wichita Falls stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 14 min46% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 2.6x28% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $1,02227% lower than Texas ($1,403)

Worse than Texas

  • Median household income: $60,17723% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 25%8 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 56%6 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Wichita Falls

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Wichita Falls is $1,022 a month, 27% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $41,000 a year. Right now 45% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $949 for a one-bedroom, $1,145 for a two-bedroom and $1,542 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 $156,800, 45% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $858 before tax, or $1,078 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 Wichita Falls pays $2,633 a year, 38% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Wichita Falls

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Wichita FallsStudio$8391 bedroom$9492 bedrooms$1,1453 bedrooms$1,5424 bedrooms$1,740
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Wichita Falls, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent27% lower than Texas$1,022$1,403$1,413
Median home value45% lower than Texas$156,800$283,800$332,700
Home value to income28% lower than Texas2.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent7 points lower than Texas45%52%51%
Median property tax per year38% lower than Texas$2,633$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them6 points lower than Texas56%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197219921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,078
Mortgage payment
$858
Property tax
$219
Median rent, for comparison
$1,022

Based on a $156,800 home in Wichita Falls, 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 Wichita Falls safe?

In 2025, Wichita Falls Police Department reported 366 violent crimes and 2,241 property crimes. That works out to 358 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 8% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,190 property crimes per 100,000, 5% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 38% 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 in Wichita Falls by yearTexas35820212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
358
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,190
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Wichita Falls by yearTexas2,19020212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Wichita Falls Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls has 24 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 38% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Burkburnett ISD and Wichita Falls ISD.

Top-rated campuses include John G Tower Elementary, Sheppard Afb Elementary and Fowler Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 77 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.

Schools grade
17
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
77
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

  • AJohn G Tower ElementaryElementary, Burkburnett ISD94 of 100
  • ASheppard Afb ElementaryElementary, Wichita Falls ISD93 of 100
  • AFowler ElementaryElementary, Wichita Falls ISD91 of 100
  • AWest Foundation ElementaryElementary, Wichita Falls ISD90 of 100
  • BCrockett ElementaryElementary, Wichita Falls ISD89 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Wichita Falls

We grade 8 areas inside Wichita Falls. The top three are West Wichita Falls (B+), North Wichita Falls (B-) and Southwest Wichita Falls (B-). If price matters most, West Wichita Falls has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,000 a month. Northwest Wichita Falls is the priciest, at $1,240. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Wichita Falls neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    8 Wichita Falls neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1B+West Wichita Falls3,116 people, median rent $1,000, home $226,000100fit
    2. 2B-North Wichita Falls6,844 people, median rent $1,230, home $134,00086fit
    3. 3B-Southwest Wichita Falls29,135 people, median rent $1,170, home $172,00071fit
    4. 4CSouth Wichita Falls22,531 people, median rent $1,040, home $234,00057fit
    5. 5C-Northwest Wichita Falls3,318 people, median rent $1,240, home $91,00043fit
    6. 6D+Central Wichita Falls14,962 people, median rent $810, home $85,00029fit
    7. 7DSoutheast Wichita Falls4,732 people, median rent $1,030, home $93,00014fit
    8. 8FEast Wichita Falls2,699 people, median rent $820, home $61,0000fit
    All 8 Wichita Falls neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Wichita Falls

    Everyday places mapped inside Wichita Falls, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lake Wichita Park, Lucy Park, Williams Park.

    The average one-way commute is 14 minutes, 46% shorter than the Texas average. 7% of workers work from home. 8.6% walk, bike or take transit to work.

    The median household income is $60,177, income per person is $33,078, unemployment is 3.8% and 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    23
    Pharmacies
    23
    Restaurants
    368
    Cafes
    23
    Bars
    46
    Parks
    73
    Gyms
    41
    Hospitals and urgent care
    23
    Childcare
    27
    Libraries
    4

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income23% lower than Texas$60,177$78,476$80,734
    Income per person19% lower than Texas$33,078$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.8%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line4 points higher than Texas18%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher8 points lower than Texas25%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higherAbout the same as Texas86%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points lower than Texas17%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas88%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute46% lower than Texas14 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas7.1%14%15%
    Workers who work from home7.1%
    Workers who take transit0.3%
    Workers who walk8.1%
    Workers who bike0.3%

    Who lives in Wichita Falls

    Under 1822%
    18 to 3429%
    35 to 6434%
    65 and over14%

    Median age 33.8 years. 29% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White57%
    Hispanic or Latino23%
    Black13%
    Asian2.6%
    Other or more than one race4.4%

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

    Weather in Wichita Falls

    Wichita Falls has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 30°F. There are about 105 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 28 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Wichita Falls30°50°70°90°55J59F68M76A84M92J97J97A88S77O65N56DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Wichita Falls Muni Ap, 4 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 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
    • TornadoesHigh
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsHigh
    • Strong windModerate

    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 Wichita Falls

    Nearby, Lakeside City gets an A+, Iowa Park gets an A and Burkburnett 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.

    1. A+Lakeside CityTown, 1,234 people7 mi
    2. AIowa ParkTown, 6,578 people10 mi
    3. B-BurkburnettSmall city, 11,059 people11 mi
    4. A-HollidayTown, 1,661 people13 mi
    5. B+HenriettaTown, 3,167 people19 mi
    6. AArcher CityTown, 1,233 people24 mi

    Wichita Falls in the Wichita Falls area

    How it ranks among 8 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Lakeside City1,234 people5 mito downtown
    2. 2AIowa Park6,578 people10 mito downtown
    3. 3AArcher City1,233 people22 mito downtown
    4. 5B+Henrietta3,167 people20 mito downtown
    5. 6B-Burkburnett11,059 people12 mito downtown
    6. 7C+Electra2,351 people24 mito downtown
    7. 8CWichita Falls102,581 people0 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of wichita falls

    Living in Wichita Falls: common questions

    Is Wichita Falls, TX a good place to live?

    Wichita Falls gets an overall grade of C and ranks 48th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on internet access and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Wichita Falls?

    Median rent in Wichita Falls is $1,022 a month, 27% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $156,800, 45% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.6x 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 $1,078, including property tax.

    Is Wichita Falls safe?

    In 2025, Wichita Falls Police Department reported 358 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 8% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,190 per 100,000, 5% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Wichita Falls?

    We found 24 rated public school campuses inside Wichita Falls. 38% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 17 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Wichita Falls?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Wichita Falls are West Wichita Falls, North Wichita Falls and Southwest Wichita Falls. We score 8 areas in the city.

    Does Wichita Falls flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Wichita Falls as low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires and winter storms. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Wichita Falls?

    Summers in Wichita Falls peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 30°F. Expect around 105 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 28 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Wichita Falls?

    The average one-way commute is 14 min, 46% lower than the Texas average. About 7.1% 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.