Median Income
$54,226
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$154,900
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.6%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$751
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Mason Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,993
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density546/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,226
Per Capita$27,284
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$156M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,900
Rent$751
Ownership67.8%
Zillow$329,163
Housing Units994
Rent Burden29.5%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property1,652/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured18.1%
Smoking12.9%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain28.9 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation1,528 ft (466 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.6%
High School+75.1%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score6.17
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute25 min
Broadband94.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Mason a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mason receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Mason offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mason is $54,226, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mason is $154,900, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $751 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mason is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,652 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 75.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mason enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Mason has a population of 1,993 with a density of 546 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (71.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 74.8% of residents, while 25.2% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 19.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
74.8%
5% below US avg
Spanish
25.2%
88% above US avg
The median household income in Mason is $54,226, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,284 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $884, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 184 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,226 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,284 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $884 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,165 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 184 |
| County GDP | $156M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,280 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Mason is $154,900, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,163, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $751 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $819 for a one-bedroom to $1,024 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 994 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $6,280 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,900 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $329,163 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $751 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $796 |
| 1 Bedroom | $819 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,024 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,333 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,507 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.2% |
| Housing Units | 994 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,280 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.05% |
In Mason, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 18.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:3,982. 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mason vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.1% |
| Uninsured | 18.1% |
| 110% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:3,982 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,310 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 54.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Mason has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,652 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. Overall, Mason receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mason vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 53.9/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,652.3/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mason enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°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 28.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,528 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (9°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.0°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,528 ft (466 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 546/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.7477°N, 99.2286°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mason County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownwood Regional (BWD)
74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.9"
24% 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 | 11.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| 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 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Harvey (2017, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 3 |
294 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
165 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 81 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF4 |
14 km |
1 |
| Oct 12, 2001 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1979 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 2017 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1999 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1999 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1989 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1981 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SAN SABA FIRE (12,896 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
SAN SABA FIRE |
12,896 |
49 km |
| 2020 |
GATE 5 |
11,457 |
72 km |
| 1993 |
MENARD FIRE |
10,463 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
EATON CEMETERY |
10,441 |
22 km |
| 2020 |
MAYS |
9,736 |
48 km |
| 2011 |
OASIS |
7,919 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
WILLIAMS RANCH FIRE |
6,226 |
57 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,490 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
3,951 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
JAMES RIVER ROAD |
3,918 |
21 km |
| 1984 |
STEWAIT |
3,696 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
3,630 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
LOG CABIN |
3,391 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
NETHERY ROAD |
3,391 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
GARVEN STORE COMPLEX |
3,379 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,133 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,928 |
39 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,719 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,654 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
ART |
2,623 |
13 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Mason has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 47°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Mason. 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 | $489 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $446 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $442 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $416 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mason
What is the population of Mason?
Mason has a population of 1,993 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 546 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Mason expensive to live in?
Mason 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 $54,226, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,900 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $751 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mason safe?
Mason is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,652 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mason receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mason?
Mason enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Mason?
The job market in Mason is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $884. There are 184 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mason?
The median home value in Mason is $154,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,163. For renters, the median monthly rent is $751. Fair market rent is $819 for a 1-bedroom and $1,024 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,280.
How are the schools in Mason?
Schools in Mason score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.6% of adults in Mason hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 75.1% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mason?
The obesity rate in Mason is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 18.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Mason?
The average commute in Mason is 25 minutes. 76.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mason?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mason is 71.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 74.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 25.2% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.9% of residents have a disability. 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
