Median Income
$45,489
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
132/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.3%
31% higher than US avg
How Cross Plains Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,089
Median Age30.9 yrs
Density908/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,489
Per Capita$22,906
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty16.3%
County GDP$553M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,300
Rent$725
Ownership61.2%
Zillow$184,736
Housing Units548
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent132/100K
Property1,658/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured13.5%
Smoking16.3%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain29.0 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation1,737 ft (529 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute29 min
Broadband94.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Cross Plains a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cross Plains receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Cross Plains has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cross Plains is $45,489, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 16.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cross Plains is $73,300, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cross Plains is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,658 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Cross Plains enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Cross Plains has a population of 1,089 with a density of 908 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 30.9 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5% of residents, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.9yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cross Plains vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.5%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.5%
51% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cross Plains vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cross Plains is $45,489, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,906 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 340 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cross Plains vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,489 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,906 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,615 |
| Gini Index | 0.397 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 340 |
| County GDP | $553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,658 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Cross Plains is $73,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,736, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 88.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% 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. 61.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 548 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,658 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,736 |
| Median List Price | $52,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $52,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $79 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 88.9% |
| Price Drops | 44.4% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.8% |
| Housing Units | 548 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,658 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.35% |
In Cross Plains, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 13.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,058. The dentist ratio is 1:3,553. 54.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cross Plains vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.9% |
| Uninsured | 13.5% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,058 |
| Dentists | 1:3,553 |
| Mental Health | 1:14,374 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 55.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,448/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Cross Plains has a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,658 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cross Plains receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cross Plains vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 131.6/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,658.3/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cross Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 84°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 29.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,737 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 64.5°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,737 ft (529 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 908/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.1271°N, 99.1658°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Callahan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownwood Regional (BWD)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.0"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively 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
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 23, 2024.
| Nov 28, 2013 |
6 km SSW of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Dec 9, 2013 |
8 km S of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Jun 23, 2024 |
26 km WNW of Robert Lee, Texas |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
15 km ENE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 |
10 km NNE of Graford, Texas |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Jan 18, 2024 |
15 km ENE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
13 km ESE of Olney, Texas |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Jan 18, 2024 |
15 km ENE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
495 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 114 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF5 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1950 |
EF4 |
45 km |
5 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF3 |
24 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1982 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1979 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1979 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1976 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1965 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1962 |
EF3 |
41 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 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
PK COMPLEX |
128,548 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
KIDD |
41,939 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
CARBON |
33,013 |
37 km |
| 2021 |
BUCK |
18,671 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
CEDAR MOUNTAIN |
16,589 |
47 km |
| 2020 |
GATE 5 |
11,457 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK |
11,356 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
MESQUITE HEAT |
10,807 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
JOHNSON RANCH |
9,696 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
HUCKABAY |
9,100 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
CREWS GAP |
8,134 |
58 km |
| 2022 |
WHEAT FIELD |
7,333 |
11 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,936 |
20 km |
| 2005 |
CROSSROADS |
5,976 |
1 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
5,382 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
CADDO II COMPLEX |
5,270 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
TALPA |
5,117 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
CR 156 |
4,585 |
53 km |
| 2022 |
LAZY |
4,355 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
65°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
Cross Plains has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 45°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and December the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Cross Plains. 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 Cross Plains
What is the population of Cross Plains?
Cross Plains has a population of 1,089 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 908 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Cross Plains expensive to live in?
Cross Plains 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 $45,489, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,300 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cross Plains safe?
Cross Plains is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,658 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cross Plains receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cross Plains?
Cross Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.0 inches, with 3.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Cross Plains?
The job market in Cross Plains is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 340 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cross Plains?
The median home value in Cross Plains is $73,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,736. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,658.
How are the schools in Cross Plains?
Schools in Cross Plains score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Cross Plains hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cross Plains?
The obesity rate in Cross Plains is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 13.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,058.
What is transportation like in Cross Plains?
The average commute in Cross Plains is 29 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cross Plains?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cross Plains is 95.1% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 93.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 25.5% of residents have a disability. 83.9% have health insurance coverage.
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