Median Income
$69,375
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$170,700
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
870/100K
129% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.5%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,137
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Early Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,159
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density847/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,375
Per Capita$33,696
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$2,018M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,700
Rent$1,137
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$237,530
Housing Units1,292
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent870/100K
Property1,643/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault837/100K
Burglary258/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking15.2%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain30.6 in/yr
Sunny Days303/yr
Elevation1,411 ft (430 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.5%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 13%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Early a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Early receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Early offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Early is $69,375, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Early is $170,700, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,137 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 870 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 1,643 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
28.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Early enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 303 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Early has a population of 3,159 with a density of 847 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (75.9%), with 2.9% Hispanic, 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.4% of residents, while 12.6% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.4%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.6%
6% below US avg
The median household income in Early is $69,375, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,696 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $926, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 960 business establishments, including 87 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,375 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,696 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $926 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,408 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 960 |
| County GDP | $2,018M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 87 |
| Healthcare | 113 |
| Retail | 138 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,923 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Early is $170,700, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,530, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,137 (2% 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. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,292 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $6,923 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $170,700 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,530 |
| Median List Price | $285,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $285,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.6% |
| Price Drops | 9.1% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,137 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,292 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,923 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.06% |
In Early, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,910. The dentist ratio is 1:2,741. 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Early vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,910 |
| Dentists | 1:2,741 |
| Mental Health | 1:490 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,762/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 113 |
Early has a violent crime rate of 870 per 100,000 residents, 129% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 837.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 32.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,643 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,320, burglary at 258, vehicle theft at 64 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Early receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Early vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 869.6/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 32.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 837.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,642.5/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| Burglary | 257.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,320.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 64.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Early enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°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 30.6 inches. The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,411 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.6°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 303 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,411 ft (430 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 847/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.7422°N, 98.9366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownwood Regional (BWD)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.6"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
407 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF5 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1950 |
EF4 |
92 km |
5 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1979 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1979 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
48 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1962 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1958 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 2017 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KIDD (41,939 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
KIDD |
41,939 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
CARBON |
33,013 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
CEDAR MOUNTAIN |
16,589 |
83 km |
| 1993 |
SAN SABA FIRE |
12,896 |
70 km |
| 2020 |
GATE 5 |
11,457 |
47 km |
| 2020 |
MAYS |
9,736 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
HUCKABAY |
9,100 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
CREWS GAP |
8,134 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
WHEAT FIELD |
7,333 |
49 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,936 |
61 km |
| 1999 |
WILLIAMS RANCH FIRE |
6,226 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
CROSSROADS |
5,976 |
49 km |
| 2005 |
TALPA |
5,117 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
CR 156 |
4,585 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,490 |
66 km |
| 2022 |
OAK MOTT |
4,183 |
34 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
3,951 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
3,630 |
28 km |
| 2022 |
RAMSEY |
3,545 |
18 km |
| 2015 |
LOG CABIN |
3,391 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Early has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 46°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Early. 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 Early
What is the population of Early?
Early has a population of 3,159 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 847 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Early expensive to live in?
Early 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 $69,375, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,700 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,137 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Early safe?
Public safety is a concern in Early, with a violent crime rate of 870 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 1,643 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Early receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Early?
Early enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 303 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.6 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Early?
Early has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $926. There are 960 business establishments in the area, including 87 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Early?
The median home value in Early is $170,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,530. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,137. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,923.
How are the schools in Early?
Schools in Early score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.5% of adults in Early hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Early?
The obesity rate in Early is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,910.
What is transportation like in Early?
The average commute in Early is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Early?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Early is 75.9% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 87.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.6% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 84.5% have health insurance coverage.
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