Median Income
$56,250
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$267,100
5% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
640/100K
68% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.0%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$917
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.8%
3% higher than US avg
How Buchanan Dam Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,359
Median Age62.7 yrs
Density175/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans20.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,250
Per Capita$48,311
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty12.8%
County GDP$2,728M
Commute36 min
Housing
A
Home Value$267,100
Rent$917
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$345,600
Housing Units1,075
Rent Burden41.3%
Crime
F
Violent640/100K
Property1,788/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured13.2%
Smoking16.0%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain32.3 in/yr
Sunny Days303/yr
Elevation1,061 ft (323 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.0%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+14.9%
School Score5.18
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute36 min
Broadband79.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Buchanan Dam a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buchanan Dam receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Buchanan Dam offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buchanan Dam is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. 12.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buchanan Dam is $267,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 640 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,788 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Buchanan Dam enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 303 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Buchanan Dam has a population of 1,359 with a density of 175 people per square mile, spread across 20.2 square miles. The median age is 62.7 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.7% of residents, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 20.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.7yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Buchanan Dam vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.7%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.3%
46% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Buchanan Dam vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Buchanan Dam is $56,250, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,311 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,089, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,697 business establishments, including 136 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Buchanan Dam vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,250 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,089 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $111,467 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,697 |
| County GDP | $2,728M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 136 |
| Healthcare | 145 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 77 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,760 |
| 207% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Buchanan Dam is $267,100, 5% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $345,600, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $917 (21% 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. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,075 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $10,760 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $267,100 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $345,600 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $917 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,075 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,760 |
| 207% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.03% |
In Buchanan Dam, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 13.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,426. The dentist ratio is 1:2,019. 42.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buchanan Dam vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 13.2% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,426 |
| Dentists | 1:2,019 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,125 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,879/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 145 |
Buchanan Dam has a violent crime rate of 640 per 100,000 residents, 68% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,788 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Buchanan Dam receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buchanan Dam vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 639.8/100K |
| 68% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,788.1/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buchanan Dam enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 303 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 32.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,061 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.3°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 303 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,061 ft (323 m) |
| Area | 20.2 sq mi (52.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 175/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.8157°N, 98.4527°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burnet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.3"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 3, 2015.
| Sep 3, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Leander, Texas |
M2.9 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
290 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 3 |
260 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
288 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
332 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 34 fatalities, 198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF5 |
80 km |
27 |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2001 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1994 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1989 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 1979 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2019 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 2017 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2014 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRITTENBERG COMPLEX (21,391 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CRITTENBERG COMPLEX |
21,391 |
88 km |
| 1993 |
SAN SABA FIRE |
12,896 |
57 km |
| 2020 |
GATE 5 |
11,457 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
EATON CEMETERY |
10,441 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
MAYS |
9,736 |
73 km |
| 1999 |
WILLIAMS RANCH FIRE |
6,226 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
ROBINETTE |
6,039 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
5,706 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,490 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
SPICEWOOD |
4,239 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
JAMES RIVER ROAD |
3,918 |
84 km |
| 1984 |
STEWAIT |
3,696 |
49 km |
| 2020 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
3,630 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
LOG CABIN |
3,391 |
56 km |
| 2022 |
3 OAKS |
3,294 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,133 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
HARMAN ROAD |
3,094 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,928 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
ART |
2,623 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
OWL CREEK |
2,376 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
49°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Buchanan Dam has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 47°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Buchanan Dam. 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 | $875 |
| Toddler | $818 |
| Preschool | $792 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $784 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buchanan Dam
What is the population of Buchanan Dam?
Buchanan Dam has a population of 1,359 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 175 people per square mile, spread across 20.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Buchanan Dam expensive to live in?
Buchanan Dam 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 $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $267,100 (5% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buchanan Dam safe?
Public safety is a concern in Buchanan Dam, with a violent crime rate of 640 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,788 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Buchanan Dam receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buchanan Dam?
Buchanan Dam enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 303 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Buchanan Dam?
The job market in Buchanan Dam is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,089. There are 1,697 business establishments in the area, including 136 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buchanan Dam?
The median home value in Buchanan Dam is $267,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $345,600. For renters, the median monthly rent is $917. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $10,760.
How are the schools in Buchanan Dam?
Schools in Buchanan Dam score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.0% of adults in Buchanan Dam hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 14.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buchanan Dam?
The obesity rate in Buchanan Dam is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 13.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 42.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,426.
What is transportation like in Buchanan Dam?
The average commute in Buchanan Dam is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buchanan Dam?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buchanan Dam is 89.6% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 92.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 20.9% of the population are military veterans. 26.1% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
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