Median Income
$56,875
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,600
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
95/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.3%
214% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.2%
55% higher than US avg
How Higgins Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population499
Median Age33.5 yrs
Density450/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$56,875
Per Capita$23,577
Unemployment11.3%
Poverty19.2%
County GDP$624M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,600
Rent$725
Ownership85.5%
Zillow$104,719
Housing Units231
Rent Burden44.0%
Crime
F
Violent95/100K
Property381/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured12.6%
Smoking15.8%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain22.6 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation2,548 ft (777 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+87.6%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute25 min
Broadband82.4%
Libraries2
Is Higgins a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Higgins receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. 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. Higgins has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Higgins is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 19.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Higgins is $93,600, 67% 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
Higgins 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
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Higgins enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.6 inches, including 9.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Higgins has a population of 499 with a density of 450 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 33.5 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.7% female and 42.3% male. The city is predominantly White (78.4%), with 10% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89% of residents, while 11% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.5yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.0%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.0%
18% below US avg
The median household income in Higgins is $56,875, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,577 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.2% 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 25 minutes. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,875 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,577 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.3% |
| 214% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.2% |
| 55% 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 | 3.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Higgins is $93,600, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,719, higher than the Census estimate. 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. 85.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 231 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,867 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 44.0% 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 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,600 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $104,719 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 44.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.5% |
| Housing Units | 231 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,867 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.06% |
In Higgins, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Higgins vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
Higgins 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, Higgins receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Higgins 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 |
Higgins enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 80°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 22.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 2,548 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.4°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,548 ft (777 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 450/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1210°N, 100.0274°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lipscomb County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elk City Regional Business (ELK)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.6"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.62"
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
998 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Jan 21, 2025.
| Feb 13, 2016 |
18 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M5.1 |
125 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.7 |
124 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
120 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
122 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
122 km |
| Apr 14, 2021 |
34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas |
M4.3 |
93 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, OK |
M4.2 |
121 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
122 km |
| May 13, 2017 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
122 km |
| Sep 15, 1995 |
7 km NNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| Jan 18, 2016 |
Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
21 km |
| Feb 13, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
122 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Mar 3, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
121 km |
| Jun 8, 2015 |
19 km W of Cleo Springs, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
126 km |
| Mar 2, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
123 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
583 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 229 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1995 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1967 |
EF4 |
82 km |
4 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
3 |
| May 23, 2019 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
22 km |
6 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 17, 2002 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1997 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1990 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1987 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1986 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
100 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 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
EAST AMARILLO COMPLEX |
593,394 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
PERRYTON |
290,211 |
33 km |
| 2018 |
RHEA |
277,949 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
CATESBY FIRE |
83,975 |
33 km |
| 2017 |
LEFORS EAST |
68,701 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - 283 |
68,558 |
68 km |
| 2016 |
350 COMPLEX |
58,055 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
34 COMPLEX |
57,533 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - SELMAN |
44,767 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
PUTNAM |
42,995 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
RANKIN RANCH ROAD |
37,706 |
76 km |
| 2022 |
CANADIAN RIVER BOTTOM |
37,663 |
49 km |
| 2022 |
WASHITA RIVER FIRE |
35,421 |
31 km |
| 2014 |
HIGGINS |
28,466 |
15 km |
| 2024 |
SLAPOUT FIRE |
23,810 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
SWEETWATER DOBSON |
23,045 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
LIPSCOMB COUNTY COMPLEX |
23,028 |
32 km |
| 2020 |
412 FIRE |
22,069 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
BEAVER RIVER FIRE |
20,512 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Higgins has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 34°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Higgins. 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 Higgins
What is the population of Higgins?
Higgins has a population of 499 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 450 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
Is Higgins expensive to live in?
Higgins 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 $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,600 (67% 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 Higgins safe?
Higgins 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, Higgins receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Higgins?
Higgins enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.6 inches, with 9.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Higgins?
The job market in Higgins faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. 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 25 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Higgins?
The median home value in Higgins is $93,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,719. 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 85.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,867.
How are the schools in Higgins?
Schools in Higgins score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.6% of adults in Higgins hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Higgins?
The obesity rate in Higgins is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 12.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Higgins?
The average commute in Higgins is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Higgins?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Higgins is 78.4% White, 10% Hispanic or Latino. 89% of residents speak only English at home, while 11% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.2% of residents have a disability. 82.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
