What to know when moving to Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $41,828 and a renter percentage of 45.9%.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable living with a median gross rent of $790.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 28.9% may raise concerns about economic stability.
- Commute:
- Only 0% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $71,900 if considering homeownership.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Wichita Falls features a population of 15,727, with a significant portion of residents facing economic challenges, as indicated by a poverty rate of 28.9%. The community has a relatively low education attainment rate, with only 12.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The housing market is moderately affordable, with median rent at $790 and a median home value of $71,900, attracting a mix of renters and owners.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated community or robust public transportation options, as only 0% of residents use public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $790, making it a budget-friendly option for renters.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $71,900, providing affordable homeownership opportunities.
- 12.6% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the education level in the community.
- The poverty rate stands at 28.9%, highlighting economic challenges within the population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
The crime data for Texas indicates some significant trends over the recent years, with overall crime rates showing improvement.
- Violent crime: Texas has a state annual rate of 345.5 per 100k, which is slightly above the national rate of 325.3 per 100k but reflects a 21.8% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: The state annual rate stands at 1,797.7 per 100k, higher than the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100k, but has decreased by 23.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 35.1% since 2022, currently at 4.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Wichita Falls has access to higher education within the area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Institution: Midwestern State University located in nearby Wichita Falls.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Wichita Falls receives about 29.3 inches of precipitation annually, with 75 rainy days. The region experiences no snowfall, making it easy to plan outdoor activities year-round.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Lucy Park - 4.4 stars (1,952 reviews)
- Jellystone Park Wichita Falls - 4.6 stars (1,235 reviews)
- Lake Arrowhead State Park - 4.4 stars (1,173 reviews)
- Lake Wichita Park - 4.5 stars (830 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.