Median Income
$67,569
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,400
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
95/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.2%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$860
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.7%
51% higher than US avg
How Booker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,283
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density1,222/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 51%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$67,569
Per Capita$28,002
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty18.7%
County GDP$624M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,400
Rent$860
Ownership75.2%
Zillow$139,053
Housing Units605
Rent Burden16.9%
Crime
F
Violent95/100K
Property381/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured27.1%
Smoking13.8%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain22.8 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation2,832 ft (863 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+72.6%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute15 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Booker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Booker receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Booker offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Booker is $67,569, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Booker is $141,400, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $860 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Booker is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 381 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Booker enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.8 inches, including 13.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Booker has a population of 1,283 with a density of 1,222 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (51.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 45.9% of residents, while 54.1% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 72.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
45.9%
42% below US avg
Spanish
54.1%
304% above US avg
The median household income in Booker is $67,569, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,002 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 94 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,569 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,002 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.7% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 94 |
| County GDP | $624M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,867 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Booker is $141,400, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,053. Monthly rent averages $860 (26% 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. 75.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 605 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,867 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 16.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,400 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,053 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $860 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.8% |
| Housing Units | 605 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,867 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.03% |
In Booker, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 32.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.4% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 27.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Booker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.1% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.3% |
| Uninsured | 27.1% |
| 215% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 52.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
Booker has a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 381 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. Overall, Booker receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Booker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 95.3/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 381.4/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Booker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 323 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 22.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 13.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 2,832 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 59.1°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,832 ft (863 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,222/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4561°N, 100.5402°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lipscomb County County |
| Nearest Airport | Liberal Mid-America Regional (LBL) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.8"
40% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
341 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Jan 21, 2025.
| Apr 14, 2021 |
34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas |
M4.3 |
79 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
59 km |
| May 1, 2015 |
8 km NNE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Mar 8, 2017 |
10 km S of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Sep 16, 2015 |
9 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Feb 16, 2018 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Feb 29, 2016 |
9 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Sep 15, 2015 |
11 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
4 km N of Wheeler, Texas |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
10 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 |
17 km WNW of Fritch, Texas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 16, 2015 |
8 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 13, 2015 |
5 km N of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Jun 29, 2017 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 28, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Feb 16, 2018 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Apr 10, 2016 |
9 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Jun 25, 2016 |
5 km N of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Sep 15, 2015 |
10 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 216 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF3 |
26 km |
3 |
| May 23, 2019 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
78 km |
6 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1990 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1987 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1986 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1978 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SMOKEHOUSE CREEK (1,047,464 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SMOKEHOUSE CREEK |
1,047,464 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - STARBUCK |
657,299 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
PERRYTON |
290,211 |
54 km |
| 2024 |
CATESBY FIRE |
83,975 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - 283 |
68,558 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
RANKIN RANCH ROAD |
37,706 |
66 km |
| 2022 |
CANADIAN RIVER BOTTOM |
37,663 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
WASHITA RIVER FIRE |
35,421 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
HIGGINS |
28,466 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
SLAPOUT FIRE |
23,810 |
47 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
23,123 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
LIPSCOMB COUNTY COMPLEX |
23,028 |
32 km |
| 2020 |
412 FIRE |
22,069 |
30 km |
| 2022 |
BEAVER RIVER FIRE |
20,512 |
39 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
16,290 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
BUFFALO |
16,160 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
BOWERS RANCH |
13,532 |
84 km |
| 2020 |
JACKALOPE |
11,529 |
83 km |
| 2016 |
CHISUM RANCH |
10,851 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
HIGHWAY 70 FIRE |
10,314 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Booker has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 35°F in December to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Booker. 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 | $637 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $559 |
| Preschool | $550 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Booker
What is the population of Booker?
Booker has a population of 1,283 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,222 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Booker expensive to live in?
Booker 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 $67,569, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,400 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $860 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Booker safe?
Booker is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 381 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Booker receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Booker?
Booker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.8 inches, with 13.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Booker?
The unemployment rate in Booker is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 94 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Booker?
The median home value in Booker is $141,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,053. For renters, the median monthly rent is $860. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,867.
How are the schools in Booker?
Schools in Booker score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.2% of adults in Booker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.6% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Booker?
The obesity rate in Booker is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 32.1% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 27.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Booker?
The average commute in Booker is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Booker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Booker is 51.4% White, 0.8% Black or African American. 45.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 54.1% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 72.3% have health insurance coverage.