Median Income
$103,333
38% higher than US avg
Home Value
$408,300
45% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
559/100K
47% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.9%
18% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Poetry Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,352
Median Age46.0 yrs
Density334/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$103,333
Per Capita$39,545
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,866M
Commute26 min
Housing
A
Home Value$408,300
Ownership99.1%
Zillow$277,743
Housing Units488
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent559/100K
Property3,443/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Smoking13.2%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation564 ft (172 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.9%
High School+98.6%
Graduate+20.7%
School Score6.54
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations9
Libraries2
Is Poetry a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Poetry receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs. Poetry offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Poetry is $103,333, which is significantly higher than the national average / 38% above $75,149. This places Poetry among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Poetry is $408,300, 45% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 559 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,443 per 100,000, 76% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Poetry enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Poetry has a population of 1,352 with a density of 334 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 46.0 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.2% of residents, while 7.8% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 70.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.0yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.2%
17% above US avg
Spanish
7.8%
42% below US avg
The median household income in Poetry is $103,333, which is 38% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,545. The average weekly wage is $1,095, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (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 3,378 business establishments, including 261 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 42.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $103,333 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,545 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,095 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $129,850 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,378 |
| County GDP | $7,866M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 261 |
| Healthcare | 369 |
| Retail | 308 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,177 |
| 162% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 54.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 42.6% |
The median home value in Poetry is $408,300, 45% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,743, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 99.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 488 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $9,177 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $408,300 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,743 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $229 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 99.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 99.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.9% |
| Housing Units | 488 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,177 |
| 162% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.25% |
In Poetry, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511. The dentist ratio is 1:1,433. 82.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Poetry vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,511 |
| Dentists | 1:1,433 |
| Mental Health | 1:536 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,798/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 369 |
Poetry has a violent crime rate of 559 per 100,000 residents, 47% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,443 per 100,000, 76% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Poetry receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Poetry vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 558.7/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,443.5/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Poetry enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 85°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 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 564 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 66.4°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 564 ft (172 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 334/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.8394°N, 96.2595°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rockwall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dallas Love Field (DAL) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
101 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.1 on May 1, 2024.
| May 7, 2015 |
5 km N of Venus, Texas |
M4.0 |
88 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
6 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.6 |
59 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.5 |
60 km |
| Sep 23, 2013 |
4 km WNW of Marietta, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| May 31, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Neylandville, Texas |
M3.4 |
47 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
4 km NW of Irving, Texas |
M3.4 |
67 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
5 km NNW of Grand Prairie, Texas |
M3.3 |
71 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
5 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
65 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
63 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
5 km ENE of Madill, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| May 27, 2013 |
5 km SSW of Bee, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Sep 23, 2013 |
2 km NNE of Marietta, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km S of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.2 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ike (2008, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
224 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
725 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 43 fatalities, 1,536 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 4, 2022 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF4 |
31 km |
10 |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
EF4 |
53 km |
3 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
3 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1984 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Oct 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1979 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,634 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,634 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
COOPER LAKE |
1,224 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
Poetry has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 46°F in December to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and August the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Poetry. 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 | $827 |
| Toddler | $762 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $723 |
| Toddler | $684 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Poetry
What is the population of Poetry?
Poetry has a population of 1,352 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 334 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Poetry expensive to live in?
Poetry 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 $103,333, 38% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $408,300 (45% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Poetry safe?
The violent crime rate in Poetry is 559 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,443 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Poetry receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Poetry?
Poetry 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 85°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Poetry?
Poetry has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,095. There are 3,378 business establishments in the area, including 261 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 42.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Poetry?
The median home value in Poetry is $408,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,743. The homeownership rate is 99.1%. The average annual property tax is $9,177.
How are the schools in Poetry?
Schools in Poetry score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.9% of adults in Poetry hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. 20.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Poetry?
The obesity rate in Poetry is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 82.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511.
What is transportation like in Poetry?
The average commute in Poetry is 26 minutes. 54.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 42.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Poetry?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Poetry is 94.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 92.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.8% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 70.5% have health insurance coverage.