TexasPop. 104,643Mid-size cities
Is New Braunfels a Good Place to Live? New Braunfels, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
New Braunfels ranks #401 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #55 of 256 mid-size cities and #21 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+5.1%, #3 of 241) and low unemployment (3.3%, #24 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
New Braunfels by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with New Braunfels'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 New Braunfels?
New Braunfels's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,654/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $346,475, 16% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | New Braunfels | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 94.7#427 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $346,475#512 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 | $1,571/mo#394 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $339,400#627 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,654/mo#834 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.1%#789 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.
New Braunfels 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. New Braunfels is in the San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is New Braunfels safe?
New Braunfels recorded 223 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% below the US rate of 373 and 44% below Texas's 401. That ranks #400 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #64 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Braunfels Police Department. Property crime runs 1,159 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | New Braunfels | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 223#400 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,159#292 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 New Braunfels?
The median household in New Braunfels earns $86,021, 12% above the US figure of $76,827 and 18% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.2%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 5.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | New Braunfels | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $86,021#520 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.4%#274 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +5.1%#20 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 New Braunfels?
The median resident of New Braunfels is 37.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | New Braunfels | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 38.6%#505 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 65.3% | 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 New Braunfels's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for New Braunfels; its public schools have 15.7 students per teacher and spend $9,660 per pupil. 34.6% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | New Braunfels | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $9,660#1158 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34.6%#744 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 15.2%#1088 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. 18,327 students are enrolled in New Braunfels's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in New Braunfels?
The average commute in New Braunfels is 27.1 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.1% of workers take transit and 15.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index New Braunfels scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.9°F and winters 51.3°F, with 33.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | New Braunfels | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.1 min#938 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 10.6%#1088 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.9% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.7% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15.6% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.9#1084 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 | 61.7 | 36.9 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 66 | 40.1 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 72.5 | 48 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 78.8 | 54.3 | 2.5 |
| May | 85 | 63.7 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 90.4 | 69.8 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 93.4 | 72.1 | 3 |
| Aug | 94.6 | 71.3 | 2.4 |
| Sep | 89.3 | 65.9 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 81.2 | 55.8 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 70.6 | 46.1 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 63.2 | 40.1 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Braunfels.
| Measure | New Braunfels | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 67.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 33.6 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 New Braunfels.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in New Braunfels?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in New Braunfels's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Comal County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | New Braunfels | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#707 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 Comal County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Comal County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0071% | 78% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0036% | 74% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0092% | 51% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0013% | 38% 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 New Braunfels compare with similar-size cities?
New Braunfels is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #55 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 104,643.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | #401 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 | 27.1 min |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 min |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #442 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 | 29.7 min |
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #478 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 | 33.3 min |
| Inglewood, CAPop. 104,569 | #1262 | 41.3 | $72,750 | $1,787/mo | 684 | 30.5 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #35 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #178 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #287 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #863 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 | 20.2 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 New Braunfels compare with the rest of Texas?
New Braunfels ranks #21 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 60 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 18% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 44% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above 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 |
| League City, TXPop. 116,215 | … #17 | 62.2 | $121,099 | $1,684/mo | 60 |
| Lewisville, TXPop. 131,080 | #18 | 61.0 | $89,233 | $1,670/mo | 218 |
| Kyle, TXPop. 56,823 | #19 | 60.7 | $90,323 | $1,752/mo | 135 |
| Grapevine, TXPop. 51,139 | #20 | 60.6 | $111,376 | $1,863/mo | 165 |
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | #21 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 |
| Pearland, TXPop. 127,514 | #22 | 59.5 | $118,842 | $1,860/mo | 82 |
| Rowlett, TXPop. 65,463 | #23 | 59.4 | $112,081 | $1,990/mo | 157 |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #24 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 |
| Austin, TXPop. 979,539 | #25 | 58.1 | $93,658 | $1,729/mo | 422 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of New Braunfels among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is New Braunfels's score calculated?
New Braunfels scores 60 out of 100, #401 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 New Braunfels. Similar-size median 52.9.
61.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by New Braunfels's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
84.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in New Braunfels. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in New Braunfels's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
35.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
New Braunfels's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
66.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in New Braunfels. Similar-size median 51.2.
64.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in New Braunfels. Similar-size median 42.1.
93.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in New Braunfels. Similar-size median 50.1.
45.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across New Braunfels's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.3 - 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.
47.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: New Braunfels'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 New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels
Is New Braunfels, TX a good place to live?
New Braunfels ranks #401 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #55 of 256 mid-size cities and #21 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+5.1%, #3 of 241) and low unemployment (3.3%, #24 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in New Braunfels?
New Braunfels's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,654/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $346,475, 16% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in New Braunfels?
New Braunfels recorded 223 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% below the US rate of 373 and 44% below Texas's 401. That ranks #400 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #64 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Braunfels Police Department. Property crime runs 1,159 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in New Braunfels?
The median household in New Braunfels earns $86,021, 12% above the US figure of $76,827 and 18% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.2%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 5.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in New Braunfels?
Median rent in New Braunfels is $1,654/mo (Census), #834 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,571/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in New Braunfels?
Zillow's typical home value in New Braunfels is $346,475, down 2.1% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $339,400.
How are the public schools in New Braunfels?
There is no city graduation rate for New Braunfels; its public schools have 15.7 students per teacher and spend $9,660 per pupil.
How long is the commute in New Braunfels?
The average commute is 27.1 minutes, #938 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 10.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in New Braunfels?
New Braunfels averages 67.1°F over the year, 81.9°F in summer and 51.3°F in winter, with 33.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is New Braunfels walkable?
New Braunfels scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 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 New Braunfels at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Comal County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
Who lives in New Braunfels?
New Braunfels has 104,643 residents. The median resident of New Braunfels is 37.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does New Braunfels compare with the rest of Texas?
New Braunfels ranks #21 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 60 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 18% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 44% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to New Braunfels?
The tracked cities in other states closest to New Braunfels's population of 104,643 are Brockton, MA (#859 overall), Renton, WA (#442 overall), Buckeye, AZ (#478 overall), Inglewood, CA (#1262 overall), and Columbia, MD (#35 overall). New Braunfels is #401.