TexasPop. 109,215Mid-size cities
Is Tyler a Good Place to Live? Tyler, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tyler ranks #769 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 256 mid-size cities and #41 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92.2, #40 of 256) and fast population growth (+1%, #44 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Tyler by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tyler'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 Tyler?
Tyler's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,252/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $252,481, 16% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Tyler | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.2#327 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $252,481#256 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 | $1,314/mo#174 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $235,300#347 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,252/mo#487 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.3%#711 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.
Tyler 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. Tyler is in the Tyler, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Tyler safe?
Tyler recorded 366 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% below the US rate of 373 and 9% below Texas's 401. That ranks #671 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #129 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tyler Police Department. Property crime runs 1,800 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Tyler | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 366#671 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,800#622 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 Tyler?
The median household in Tyler earns $67,486, 12% below the US figure of $76,827 and 8% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Tyler | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $67,486#866 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.5%#690 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +1%#233 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 Tyler?
The median resident of Tyler is 35 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #736 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tyler | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 31.4%#736 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 55.4% | 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 Tyler's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Tyler; its public schools have 14.9 students per teacher and spend $10,999 per pupil. 37.5% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Tyler | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,999#1064 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.5%#978 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 16.9%#1143 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. 20,504 students are enrolled in Tyler's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tyler?
The average commute in Tyler is 20 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tyler scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.4°F and winters 50°F, with 47.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tyler | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20 min#341 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.7%#328 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 79.2% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 7.9% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.6#912 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 | 57.9 | 38.5 | 4 |
| Feb | 62.6 | 42.2 | 4.3 |
| Mar | 70.4 | 48.7 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 77.3 | 55.2 | 4 |
| May | 83.7 | 63.7 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 89.9 | 70.7 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 93.1 | 73.6 | 2.7 |
| Aug | 93.6 | 73.2 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 87.6 | 67.2 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 78.1 | 56.7 | 4.7 |
| Nov | 66.4 | 47 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 58.8 | 40.2 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tyler.
| Measure | Tyler | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 50°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 47.7 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 Tyler.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tyler?
Smith County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 90% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Smith County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Tyler | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 35#143 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.06%#21 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 Smith County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Smith County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0018% | 56% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0022% | 51% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 31% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 18% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.049% | 10% 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 Tyler compare with similar-size cities?
Tyler is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #129 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 109,215.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | #769 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 | 20 min |
| Sparks, NVPop. 110,024 | #738 | 54.3 | $89,056 | $1,716/mo | 365 | 24 min |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura), CAPop. 109,857 | #591 | 56.8 | $103,069 | $2,198/mo | 351 | 24.1 min |
| San Tan Valley, AZPop. 109,189 | #1176 | 45.8 | $96,713 | $2,085/mo | no data | 36.4 min |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #353 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 | 26.9 min |
| Rio Rancho, NMPop. 108,515 | #423 | 59.6 | $89,596 | $1,514/mo | 322 | 29.7 min |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #906 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year | 28.8 min |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #348 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 | 22.9 min |
| Centennial, COPop. 108,201 | #164 | 65.5 | $131,928 | $2,148/mo | 192 | 25.9 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 Tyler compare with the rest of Texas?
Tyler ranks #41 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 8% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 9% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 |
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | … #37 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 |
| Missouri City, TXPop. 76,558 | #38 | 54.4 | $94,390 | $1,931/mo | 151 |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #39 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #40 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 |
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | #41 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #42 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #43 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #44 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #45 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Tyler among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Tyler's score calculated?
Tyler scores 53.8 out of 100, #769 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 Tyler. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tyler's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
70.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tyler. Similar-size median 53.8.
43.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tyler's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
42.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tyler's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
77.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tyler. Similar-size median 51.2.
46.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tyler. Similar-size median 42.1.
51.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tyler. Similar-size median 50.1.
44.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tyler's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
84.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tyler'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 Tyler 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 Tyler
Is Tyler, TX a good place to live?
Tyler ranks #769 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 256 mid-size cities and #41 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92.2, #40 of 256) and fast population growth (+1%, #44 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Tyler?
Tyler's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,252/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $252,481, 16% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Tyler?
Tyler recorded 366 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% below the US rate of 373 and 9% below Texas's 401. That ranks #671 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #129 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tyler Police Department. Property crime runs 1,800 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Tyler?
The median household in Tyler earns $67,486, 12% below the US figure of $76,827 and 8% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Tyler?
Median rent in Tyler is $1,252/mo (Census), #487 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,314/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tyler?
Zillow's typical home value in Tyler is $252,481, down 0.3% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $235,300.
How are the public schools in Tyler?
There is no city graduation rate for Tyler; its public schools have 14.9 students per teacher and spend $10,999 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tyler?
The average commute is 20 minutes, #341 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 3.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tyler?
Tyler averages 66.5°F over the year, 82.4°F in summer and 50°F in winter, with 47.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tyler walkable?
Tyler scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 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 Tyler at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Smith County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tyler?
Smith County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 90% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Tyler?
Tyler has 109,215 residents. The median resident of Tyler is 35 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #736 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tyler compare with the rest of Texas?
Tyler ranks #41 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 8% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 9% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Tyler?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tyler's population of 109,215 are Sparks, NV (#738 overall), San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA (#591 overall), San Tan Valley, AZ (#1176 overall), Concord, NC (#353 overall), and Rio Rancho, NM (#423 overall). Tyler is #769.