Median Income
$64,100
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,700
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
240/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$570
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.9%
12% higher than US avg
How Morse Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population317
Median Age23.6 yrs
Density576/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans1.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,100
Per Capita$24,142
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty13.9%
County GDP$902M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,700
Rent$570
Ownership83.7%
Zillow$175,535
Housing Units77
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent240/100K
Property210/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured23.5%
Smoking14.0%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain20.6 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation3,198 ft (975 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+13.3%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 92% / D 7%
Commute15 min
Broadband86.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Morse a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Morse receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Morse offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Morse is $64,100, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 13.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Morse is $77,700, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $570 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Morse is below the national average at 240 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 210 per 100,000, 89% below the national average.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Morse enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.6 inches, including 11.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Morse has a population of 317 with a density of 576 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 23.6 years, 39% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.1% female and 36.9% male. The city is predominantly White (84.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 44.6% of residents, while 55.4% speak Spanish. 1.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 64.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.6yrs
Median Age
39% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
44.6%
43% below US avg
Spanish
55.4%
313% above US avg
The median household income in Morse is $64,100, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,142 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,071, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 235 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,100 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,142 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,071 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,207 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 235 |
| County GDP | $902M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,243 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Morse is $77,700, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,535, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $570 (51% 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. 83.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 77 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $6,243 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.5% 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 | $77,700 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,535 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $570 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.3% |
| Housing Units | 77 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,243 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.03% |
In Morse, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 30.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.4% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 23.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,720. The dentist ratio is 1:5,151. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Morse vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 64.9% |
| Uninsured | 23.5% |
| 173% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,720 |
| Dentists | 1:5,151 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,268 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 53.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,540/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Morse has a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 210 per 100,000, 89% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Morse receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Morse vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 240.4/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 210.3/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Morse enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°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 20.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3,198 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,198 ft (975 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 576/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0660°N, 101.4769°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hansford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rick Husband Amarillo International (AMA) 60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.6"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
52 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on May 21, 2025.
| Apr 14, 2021 |
34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas |
M4.3 |
48 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
142 km |
| Aug 17, 2000 |
18 km N of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.9 |
81 km |
| Dec 16, 2000 |
19 km N of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.9 |
80 km |
| Jun 19, 2002 |
19 km NE of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
150 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 |
17 km WNW of Fritch, Texas |
M3.5 |
52 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
25 km WSW of Channing, Texas |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
4 km N of Wheeler, Texas |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Aug 14, 2023 |
15 km NE of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
23 km N of Adrian, Texas |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Sep 24, 2003 |
10 km NE of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| Aug 12, 2012 |
13 km NNE of Bishop Hills, Texas |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Sep 29, 1993 |
30 km NNE of Nara Visa, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
Texas Panhandle region |
M3.3 |
81 km |
| Nov 30, 1993 |
29 km NNE of Nara Visa, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| May 10, 2021 |
13 km W of Channing, Texas |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Apr 27, 1998 |
14 km SW of Boys Ranch, Texas |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Feb 15, 1997 |
14 km NE of Hedley, Texas |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Feb 2, 2015 |
15 km ENE of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Aug 10, 2000 |
18 km N of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.0 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
649 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 277 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1995 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1982 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF3 |
70 km |
3 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 29, 2001 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1990 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1986 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
79 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 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
EAST AMARILLO COMPLEX |
593,394 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
WINDY DEUCE |
145,907 |
63 km |
| 2016 |
CRUTCH |
45,052 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
RANKIN RANCH ROAD |
37,706 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
GRAPE VINE CREEK |
33,576 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
CRAWFORD RANCH |
27,493 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
DUMAS COMPLEX |
26,155 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE HIGHLINE |
24,152 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH 207 |
24,103 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
WILLOW CREEK SOUTH COMPLEX |
23,204 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
FAIN PLANT FIRE |
22,485 |
66 km |
| 2022 |
BEAVER RIVER FIRE |
20,512 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
SO CLOSE |
17,102 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
OLDHAM BOYS RANCH |
14,332 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY LINE |
14,126 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
LIT RANCH |
13,721 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
BOWERS RANCH |
13,532 |
40 km |
| 2020 |
JACKALOPE |
11,529 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
OLD MUDDY RD |
11,146 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Morse has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Morse. 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 Morse
What is the population of Morse?
Morse has a population of 317 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 576 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.1% female and 36.9% male.
Is Morse expensive to live in?
Morse 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 $64,100, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,700 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $570 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Morse safe?
Morse is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 210 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Morse receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Morse?
Morse enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.6 inches, with 11.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Morse?
The job market in Morse is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,071. There are 235 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Morse?
The median home value in Morse is $77,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,535. For renters, the median monthly rent is $570. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,243.
How are the schools in Morse?
Schools in Morse score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.7% of adults in Morse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 13.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Morse?
The obesity rate in Morse is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 30.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 23.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,720.
What is transportation like in Morse?
The average commute in Morse is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Morse?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Morse is 84.2% White. 44.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 55.4% speak Spanish. 1.1% of the population are military veterans. 4.1% of residents have a disability. 64.9% have health insurance coverage.