Median Income
$74,187
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
128/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$858
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.7%
59% higher than US avg
How Plains Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,190
Median Age25.7 yrs
Density793/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 33%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$74,187
Per Capita$26,333
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty19.7%
County GDP$2,525M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$858
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$169,168
Housing Units475
Rent Burden13.5%
Crime
F
Violent128/100K
Property1,236/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured28.9%
Smoking15.4%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain16.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,632 ft (1,107 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+86.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute32 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Plains a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plains receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Plains has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plains is $74,187, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plains is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $858 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Plains is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,236 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Plains enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Plains has a population of 1,190 with a density of 793 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 25.7 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.6% female and 39.4% male. The city is predominantly White (33.4%), with 14.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 54.7% of residents, while 45.3% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 73.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.7yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
54.7%
30% below US avg
Spanish
45.3%
238% above US avg
The median household income in Plains is $74,187, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,333 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,522. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 277 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,187 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,333 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,522 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,843 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 277 |
| County GDP | $2,525M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,650 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Plains is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,168, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $858 (26% 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. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 475 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $3,650. 13.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,168 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $858 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 475 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,650 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.24% |
In Plains, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 16.8% report binge drinking. 35.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.5% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 28.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,804. The dentist ratio is 1:7,451. 87.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plains vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.9% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.5% |
| Uninsured | 28.9% |
| 236% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,804 |
| Dentists | 1:7,451 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,489 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,474/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Plains has a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,236 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Plains receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Plains vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 127.8/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,235.6/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 330 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 16.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3,632 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.5°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,632 ft (1,107 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 793/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1883°N, 102.8215°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Yoakum County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lea County Regional (HOB)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.2"
57% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
284 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Sep 17, 2024 |
2024 North of Tarzan, Texas Earthquake |
M5.1 |
112 km |
| Feb 28, 2025 |
26 km SW of Ackerly, Texas |
M4.8 |
124 km |
| Jan 2, 1992 |
12 km SSE of Eunice, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
98 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
21 km N of Stanton, Texas |
M4.4 |
135 km |
| Jul 19, 2021 |
37 km ESE of Malaga, New Mexico |
M4.0 |
150 km |
| Jun 6, 2022 |
18 km SE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 25, 2024 |
20 km SW of Jal, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
37 km SSW of Los Ybanez, Texas |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Apr 25, 2024 |
20 km SW of Jal, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Apr 10, 2023 |
20 km NW of Stanton, Texas |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Jul 10, 2025 |
33 km SSW of Los Ybanez, Texas |
M3.7 |
109 km |
| Jun 16, 2022 |
16 km SSE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| May 2, 2025 |
36 km SSW of Los Ybanez, Texas |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Jul 31, 2023 |
17 km SSE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| May 22, 2021 |
11 km NE of Odessa, Texas |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
15 km N of Stanton, Texas |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Jul 22, 2023 |
10 km SSE of Gardendale, Texas |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Mar 19, 2022 |
18 km SSE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
33 km WSW of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Sep 22, 2023 |
New Mexico |
M3.5 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
437 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 583 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1970 |
EF5 |
95 km |
26 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1991 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1969 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1969 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1954 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2019 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2013 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1997 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MCDONALD (92,790 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
MCDONALD |
92,790 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
ENTERPRISE |
77,368 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
CATO |
53,730 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
206 |
40,247 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
VALENTINE COMPLEX |
35,678 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
GRANDE COMPLEX |
34,597 |
63 km |
| 2008 |
STILES COMPLEX |
27,841 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
MARTIN 2 |
26,841 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
238 |
24,831 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR LAKES |
23,770 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
KIZER 5 |
20,859 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
FORT |
20,320 |
50 km |
| 2018 |
380 |
19,287 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
BUCKEYE I |
19,027 |
68 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
16,027 |
71 km |
| 1988 |
TATUM |
15,149 |
34 km |
| 2011 |
JACKIE |
14,622 |
63 km |
| 1989 |
ONEIL |
11,984 |
64 km |
| 1989 |
WATTS |
11,602 |
36 km |
| 1989 |
CAPROCK |
11,492 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
44°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Plains has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Plains. 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 Plains
What is the population of Plains?
Plains has a population of 1,190 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 793 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.6% female and 39.4% male.
Is Plains expensive to live in?
Plains 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 $74,187, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $858 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Plains safe?
Plains is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,236 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Plains receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Plains?
Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.2 inches, with 2.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Plains?
Plains has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,522. There are 277 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plains?
The median home value in Plains is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,168. For renters, the median monthly rent is $858. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,650.
How are the schools in Plains?
Schools in Plains score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Plains hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plains?
The obesity rate in Plains is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 35.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 28.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 87.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,804.
What is transportation like in Plains?
The average commute in Plains is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plains?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plains is 33.4% White, 14.9% Hispanic or Latino. 54.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 45.3% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 73.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
