Median Income
$56,339
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,500
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
334/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.7%
3% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$478
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Albany Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,725
Median Age43.2 yrs
Density1,099/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$56,339
Per Capita$32,403
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$302M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,500
Rent$478
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$146,685
Housing Units797
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent334/100K
Property2,270/100K
Health
Obesity33.6%
Uninsured11.9%
Smoking12.9%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain28.9 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation1,424 ft (434 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.7%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 91% / D 8%
Commute22 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Albany a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Albany receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Albany offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Albany is $56,339, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Albany is $162,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $478 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Albany is below the national average at 334 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,270 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
32.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Albany enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Albany has a population of 1,725 with a density of 1,099 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 43.2 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (81.9%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.2% of residents, while 7.8% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.2yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.2%
17% above US avg
Spanish
7.8%
42% below US avg
The median household income in Albany is $56,339, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,403 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,445. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 137 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,339 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,403 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,445 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $123,729 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 137 |
| County GDP | $302M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,025 |
| 129% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Albany is $162,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,685. Monthly rent averages $478 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 797 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $8,025 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $146,685 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $478 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 797 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,025 |
| 129% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.94% |
In Albany, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 19.8% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,212. 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Albany vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.6% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.9% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,212 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,229 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,673/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Albany has a violent crime rate of 334 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,270 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Albany receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Albany vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 333.8/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,269.7/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Albany enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 328 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,424 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.1°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,424 ft (434 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,099/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.7273°N, 99.2957°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shackelford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Abilene Regional (ABI) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.9"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
164 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Jul 20, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M5.1 |
128 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.9 |
128 km |
| Feb 16, 2023 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.7 |
128 km |
| Jul 27, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.5 |
131 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.4 |
129 km |
| Sep 11, 2011 |
20 km NE of Snyder, Texas |
M4.3 |
138 km |
| Jul 25, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| Sep 22, 2023 |
8 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.9 |
131 km |
| Mar 13, 2011 |
32 km WNW of Rotan, Texas |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Jul 30, 2024 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
127 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 |
6 km SSW of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Jul 20, 2025 |
14 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Dec 9, 2013 |
8 km S of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
118 km |
| Aug 14, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Oct 2, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jan 10, 2016 |
25 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Sep 12, 2011 |
12 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
western Texas |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Feb 3, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.5 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
556 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 247 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1962 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1953 |
EF4 |
87 km |
17 |
| May 18, 1951 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 1950 |
EF4 |
39 km |
5 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2022 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 2000 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1991 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1985 |
EF3 |
62 km |
3 |
| Oct 30, 1979 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1979 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1979 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG COUNTRY FIRE (209,352 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
BIG COUNTRY FIRE |
209,352 |
9 km |
| 2011 |
PK COMPLEX |
128,548 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
KIDD |
41,939 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
CARBON |
33,013 |
71 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
28,633 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
APRIL 9TH COMPLEX 1 |
22,099 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
BUCK |
18,671 |
31 km |
| 2009 |
CEDAR MOUNTAIN |
16,589 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKE STACK LIGHTNING |
14,602 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
DEMPSEY |
11,576 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK |
11,356 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
MILLER CREEK |
10,888 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
MESQUITE HEAT |
10,807 |
75 km |
| 1997 |
THROCKMORTON |
10,339 |
45 km |
| 2011 |
ROCK CREEK |
10,128 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
JOHNSON RANCH |
9,696 |
16 km |
| 2006 |
HUCKABAY |
9,100 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
JRM |
8,870 |
51 km |
| 2023 |
CAMPBELL |
7,888 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
WHEAT FIELD |
7,333 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Albany has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 44°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Albany. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $537 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $463 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Albany
What is the population of Albany?
Albany has a population of 1,725 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,099 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Albany expensive to live in?
Albany has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,339, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $478 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Albany safe?
Albany is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 334 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,270 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Albany receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Albany?
Albany enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.9 inches, with 2.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Albany?
The unemployment rate in Albany is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,445. There are 137 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Albany?
The median home value in Albany is $162,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,685. For renters, the median monthly rent is $478. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $8,025.
How are the schools in Albany?
Schools in Albany score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.7% of adults in Albany hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Albany?
The obesity rate in Albany is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 11.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,212.
What is transportation like in Albany?
The average commute in Albany is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Albany?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Albany is 81.9% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 92.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.8% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 86.5% have health insurance coverage.