TexasPop. 128,053Mid-size cities
Is Abilene a Good Place to Live? Abilene, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Abilene ranks #881 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 256 mid-size cities and #49 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.6 min, #3 of 256) and low living costs (90.4, #22 of 256), and trails on low household income ($62,648, #203 of 256).
Abilene by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Abilene's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Abilene?
Abilene's cost of living index is 90.4, 10% below the US level of 100 and #219 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,157/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,585, 25% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Abilene | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 90.4#219 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $224,585#190 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,016/mo#721 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $183,700#176 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,157/mo#398 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.2%#698 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Abilene housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Abilene is in the Abilene, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Abilene safe?
Abilene recorded 457 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 373 and 14% above Texas's 401. That ranks #789 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #156 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Abilene Police Department. Property crime runs 1,659 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Abilene | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 457#789 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,659#554 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Abilene?
The median household in Abilene earns $62,648, 18% below the US figure of $76,827 and 14% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.2%). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Abilene | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $62,648#985 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 16.1%#930 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +1.1%#213 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Abilene?
The median resident of Abilene is 32.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 27.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #897 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Abilene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 27.3%#897 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 56.1% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Abilene's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Abilene; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $10,883 per pupil. 35.3% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Abilene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,883#1072 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.3%#796 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 17.5%#1163 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 20,623 students are enrolled in Abilene's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Abilene?
The average commute in Abilene is 15.6 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.4% of workers take transit and 8.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Abilene scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.3°F and winters 47.9°F, with 25.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Abilene | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 15.6 min#80 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 78.2% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.3% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.4% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58.8 | 33.7 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 62.8 | 37.4 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 70.9 | 45.3 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 79.2 | 52.8 | 1.9 |
| May | 86.3 | 61.9 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 92.8 | 69.5 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 96.4 | 73.1 | 1.9 |
| Aug | 96 | 72.4 | 2.5 |
| Sep | 88.7 | 65 | 2.7 |
| Oct | 79.3 | 54.7 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 67.8 | 43.3 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 59.4 | 35.2 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Abilene Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Abilene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 83.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 25.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Abilene Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Abilene?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Abilene's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Taylor County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, cold wave, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Abilene | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#743 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Taylor County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Taylor County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.062% | 100% of counties |
| Cold wave | 0.0012% | 99% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0044% | 76% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0021% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0037% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Abilene compare with similar-size cities?
Abilene is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #158 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 128,053.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene, TXPop. 128,053 | #881 | 52.0 | $62,648 | $1,157/mo | 457 | 15.6 min |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #105 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 | 22.6 min |
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #192 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 | 22.4 min |
| Palm Bay, FLPop. 130,132 | #581 | 56.9 | $72,614 | $1,601/mo | 275 | 27.8 min |
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #683 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 | 22.6 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Abilene compare with the rest of Texas?
Abilene ranks #49 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 14% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | … #45 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #46 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #47 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #48 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 |
| Abilene, TXPop. 128,053 | #49 | 52.0 | $62,648 | $1,157/mo | 457 |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #50 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 |
| San Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | #51 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #52 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #53 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Abilene among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Abilene's score calculated?
Abilene scores 52 out of 100, #881 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Abilene. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Abilene's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
65.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Abilene. Similar-size median 53.8.
48.2 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Abilene's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
40.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Abilene's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Abilene. Similar-size median 51.2.
37.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Abilene. Similar-size median 42.1.
53.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Abilene. Similar-size median 50.1.
49.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Abilene's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 45.9.
45.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Abilene's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Abilene has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Abilene
Is Abilene, TX a good place to live?
Abilene ranks #881 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 256 mid-size cities and #49 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.6 min, #3 of 256) and low living costs (90.4, #22 of 256), and trails on low household income ($62,648, #203 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Abilene?
Abilene's cost of living index is 90.4, 10% below the US level of 100 and #219 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,157/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,585, 25% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Abilene?
Abilene recorded 457 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 373 and 14% above Texas's 401. That ranks #789 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #156 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Abilene Police Department. Property crime runs 1,659 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Abilene?
The median household in Abilene earns $62,648, 18% below the US figure of $76,827 and 14% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.2%). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Abilene?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,157/mo (Census), #398 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,016/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Abilene?
Zillow's typical home value in Abilene is $224,585, up 9.2% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $183,700.
How are the public schools in Abilene?
There is no city graduation rate for Abilene; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $10,883 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Abilene?
The average commute is 15.6 minutes, #80 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Abilene?
Abilene averages 65.9°F over the year, 83.3°F in summer and 47.9°F in winter, with 25.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Abilene walkable?
Abilene scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Abilene at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Taylor County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, cold wave, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
Who lives in Abilene?
Abilene has 128,053 residents. The median resident of Abilene is 32.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 27.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #897 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Abilene compare with the rest of Texas?
Abilene ranks #49 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 14% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Abilene?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Abilene's population of 128,053 are Santa Clara, CA (#105 overall), Meridian, ID (#192 overall), Palm Bay, FL (#581 overall), Norman, OK (#683 overall), and Columbia, MO (#516 overall). Abilene is #881.