Town in Lavaca County

Living in Yoakum, TX

D+

517th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 31 of 100

Yoakum earns a grade of D+ on our index, 517th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Education levels scores low (7 of 100)
  • Health scores low (9 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Yoakum isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthYoakum
Where Yoakum is in Texas.
Population
5,900-0.3% since 2020
Median rent
$93134% lower than Texas
Median home value
$151,10047% lower than Texas
Household income
$46,810Median
Average commute
22 minOne way
Violent crime
290Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Yoakum

Yoakum is a town in Lavaca County. 5,900 people lived here in 2025, down 0.3% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Centennial Park, Carl and Mary Welhausen Library and Yoakum Municipal Park.

The median age is 30.3, 39% of households have children, 54% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $46,810 a year (40% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Yoakum

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $931, 34% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 22 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Yoakum

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 40% of the 5 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Many adults uninsured. 26% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 120 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Yoakum suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 40% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 25% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 12% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 40% lower than the Texas median, with 34 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 80% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 26% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 25% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 84% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $931 is 34% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 30% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $931 is 34% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 44% for people on a budget.

Yoakum report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Yoakum 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 C+

    Median rent $931, homes cost 3.2x income.

    50 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    Median household income $46,810, 0% unemployed.

    43 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade D

    5 rated campuses, 40% rated A or B.

    21 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade D+

    290 violent crimes per 100k, 1,006 property crimes per 100k.

    25 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B+

    3 grocery stores, 34 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.

    75 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A-

    Average commute 22 min, 4.7% work from home.

    81 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade F

    11% have a bachelor’s degree.

    7 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    26% of adults uninsured.

    10 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D-

    54% of homes owner-occupied.

    12 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D

    84% of homes have broadband.

    21 of 100 vs US towns

Where Yoakum stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $93134% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 22 min19% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Unemployment rate: 0%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%)
  • Median household income: $46,81040% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 54%8 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Yoakum

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Yoakum is $931 a month, 34% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $37,000 a year. Right now 47% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $913 for a one-bedroom, $1,086 for a two-bedroom and $1,294 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 $151,100, 47% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $827 before tax, or $952 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 Yoakum pays $1,494 a year, 65% 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 YoakumStudio$8251 bedroom$9132 bedrooms$1,0863 bedrooms$1,2944 bedrooms$1,815
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Lavaca County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent34% lower than Texas$931$1,403$1,413
Median home value47% lower than Texas$151,100$283,800$332,700
Home value to income11% lower than Texas3.2x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent5 points lower than Texas47%52%51%
Median property tax per year65% lower than Texas$1,494$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them8 points lower than Texas54%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197019921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$952
Mortgage payment
$827
Property tax
$124
Median rent, for comparison
$931

Based on a $151,100 home in Yoakum, 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 Yoakum safe?

In 2025, Yoakum Police Department reported 17 violent crimes and 59 property crimes. That works out to 290 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 25% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,006 property crimes per 100,000, 52% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 57% 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 Yoakum by yearTexas29020212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
290
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,006
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Yoakum by yearTexas1,00620212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Yoakum

Yoakum has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 40% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Yoakum 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
21
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
74
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

  • BYoakum Junior HighMiddle, Yoakum ISD85 of 100
  • BYoakum High SchoolHigh, Yoakum ISD84 of 100
  • DYoakum AnnexOther, Yoakum ISD67 of 100
  • DYoakum IntermediateElementary, Yoakum ISD67 of 100
  • DYoakum PriElementary, Yoakum ISD67 of 100

Daily life in Yoakum

Everyday places mapped inside Yoakum, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Centennial Park, Carl and Mary Welhausen Library, Yoakum Municipal Park.

The average one-way commute is 22 minutes, 19% shorter than the Texas average. 5% of workers work from home. 4.2% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $46,810, income per person is $26,019, unemployment is 0% and 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
3
Pharmacies
5
Restaurants
34
Cafes
1
Bars
2
Parks
3
Gyms
3
Hospitals and urgent care
1
Childcare
1
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income40% lower than Texas$46,810$78,476$80,734
Income per person36% lower than Texas$26,019$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas0%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line4 points higher than Texas18%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher23 points lower than Texas11%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher6 points lower than Texas80%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance6 points higher than Texas26%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet8 points lower than Texas84%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute19% lower than Texas22 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home10 points lower than Texas4.7%14%15%
Workers who work from home4.7%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike4.2%

Who lives in Yoakum

Under 1825%
18 to 3429%
35 to 6428%
65 and over18%

Median age 30.3 years. 39% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White34%
Hispanic or Latino58%
Black4.5%
Asian2.0%
Other or more than one race1.4%

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

Weather in Yoakum

Yoakum has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 41°F. There are about 120 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 40 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Yoakum40°60°80°100°63J67F73M79A86M91J94J96A90S83O73N65DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Yoakum, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is high and hail risk is high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingModerate
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesHigh
  • HailHigh
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresHigh
  • Winter stormsHigh
  • 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 Yoakum

Nearby, Shiner gets an A, Hallettsville gets a C+ and Cuero 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. AShinerTown, 2,154 people10 mi
  2. C+HallettsvilleTown, 2,755 people15 mi
  3. C-CueroTown, 8,165 people15 mi
  4. D-GonzalesTown, 7,200 people23 mi
  5. A-FlatoniaTown, 1,830 people28 mi
  6. CYorktownTown, 1,720 people30 mi

Living in Yoakum: common questions

Is Yoakum, TX a good place to live?

Yoakum earns a grade of D+ on our index, 517th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

How much does it cost to live in Yoakum?

Median rent in Yoakum is $931 a month, 34% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $151,100, 47% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.2x 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 $952, including property tax.

Is Yoakum safe?

In 2025, Yoakum Police Department reported 290 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 25% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,006 per 100,000, 52% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Yoakum?

We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Yoakum. 40% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 21 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Yoakum flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Yoakum as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, 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 Yoakum?

Summers in Yoakum peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 41°F. Expect around 120 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 40 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Yoakum?

The average one-way commute is 22 min, 19% lower than the Texas average. About 4.7% 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.