Median Income
$38,125
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$44,100
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
163/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.0%
91% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.7%
107% higher than US avg
How Dickens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population225
Median Age53.1 yrs
Density234/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$38,125
Per Capita$27,383
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty25.7%
County GDP$115M
Commute52 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$44,100
Ownership89.2%
Zillow$96,008
Housing Units135
Rent Burden33.5%
Crime
F
Violent163/100K
Property1,223/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured20.0%
Smoking16.6%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain22.5 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation2,544 ft (775 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.0%
High School+78.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 15%
Commute52 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Dickens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dickens receives an overall livability score of 2.5 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. Dickens has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dickens is $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 25.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 52 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dickens is $44,100, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dickens is below the national average at 163 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
3.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Dickens enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Dickens has a population of 225 with a density of 234 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 53.1 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly White (82.7%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 4.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.4% of residents, while 18.6% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 45.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.1yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.4%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.6%
39% above US avg
The median household income in Dickens is $38,125, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,383 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $937, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 64 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 52 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,125 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,383 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $937 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,835 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.7% |
| 107% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 64 |
| County GDP | $115M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 51.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Dickens is $44,100, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $96,008, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $778 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. 33.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $44,100 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $96,008 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $756 |
| 1 Bedroom | $778 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,167 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,432 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.8% |
| Housing Units | 135 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
In Dickens, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 20.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,740. 41.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dickens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.1% |
| Uninsured | 20.0% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,740 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,711 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 50.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,813/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Dickens has a violent crime rate of 163 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. Overall, Dickens receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dickens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 163.1/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,223.5/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dickens enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 82°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 22.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 2,544 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 61.4°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,544 ft (775 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 234/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.6213°N, 100.8368°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickens County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lubbock Preston Smith International (LBB)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.5"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
215 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 |
97 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.9 |
97 km |
| Feb 16, 2023 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.7 |
99 km |
| Jul 27, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.5 |
98 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.4 |
96 km |
| Sep 11, 2011 |
20 km NE of Snyder, Texas |
M4.3 |
86 km |
| Jul 25, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.0 |
96 km |
| Sep 22, 2023 |
8 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.9 |
105 km |
| Jul 30, 2024 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Mar 13, 2011 |
32 km WNW of Rotan, Texas |
M3.8 |
70 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jul 20, 2025 |
14 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.7 |
99 km |
| Aug 14, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Oct 2, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Jul 19, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Westbrook, Texas |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Jan 10, 2016 |
25 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.6 |
76 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
17 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| Feb 11, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Sep 12, 2011 |
12 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.5 |
89 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
western Texas |
M3.5 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
481 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 51 fatalities, 568 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1970 |
EF5 |
99 km |
26 |
| Apr 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1953 |
EF4 |
91 km |
17 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF3 |
56 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2021 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2010 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1984 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1961 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1960 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1954 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2005 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2005 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COOPER MOUNTAIN RANCH (157,855 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
COOPER MOUNTAIN RANCH |
157,855 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
SWENSON |
136,789 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
DICKENS COUNTY COMPLEX |
90,808 |
23 km |
| 2011 |
MATADOR WEST |
36,114 |
39 km |
| 2011 |
KILLOUGH |
35,447 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
EIGHTY-TWO FIRE |
31,611 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
BIRD RANCH 2 |
28,917 |
65 km |
| 1996 |
PITCHFORK FIRE |
27,222 |
31 km |
| 1996 |
TRIANGLE FIRE |
25,553 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
BUCKLE L 2 |
25,179 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
KING COUNTY FIRE |
16,759 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKE STACK LIGHTNING |
14,602 |
83 km |
| 1998 |
PADUCAH FIRE |
12,404 |
64 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,804 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
ROCK CREEK |
10,128 |
76 km |
| 1995 |
CR 359 FIRE |
9,324 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
BIRD RANCH |
8,409 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,308 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
COPPER BREAKS |
7,918 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
6,994 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Dickens has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 41°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Dickens. 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 | $632 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $580 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $576 |
| Toddler | $550 |
| Preschool | $546 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dickens
What is the population of Dickens?
Dickens has a population of 225 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 234 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Dickens expensive to live in?
Dickens 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 $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $44,100 (84% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dickens safe?
Dickens is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 163 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dickens receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dickens?
Dickens enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.5 inches, with 2.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Dickens?
The job market in Dickens is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $937. There are 64 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 52 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dickens?
The median home value in Dickens is $44,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $96,008. The homeownership rate is 89.2%.
How are the schools in Dickens?
Schools in Dickens score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.0% of adults in Dickens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dickens?
The obesity rate in Dickens is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 20.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,740.
What is transportation like in Dickens?
The average commute in Dickens is 52 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dickens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dickens is 82.7% White, 4.9% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 81.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.6% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 45.1% of residents have a disability. 82.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
