Median Income
$31,667
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$36,500
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
132/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.1%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$596
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.0%
37% higher than US avg
How Rising Star Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population734
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density424/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$31,667
Per Capita$18,713
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty17.0%
County GDP$906M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$36,500
Rent$596
Ownership50.6%
Zillow$155,848
Housing Units441
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent132/100K
Property1,658/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured16.8%
Smoking19.3%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain31.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation1,635 ft (498 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.1%
High School+74.7%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute16 min
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Rising Star a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rising Star receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Rising Star has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rising Star is $31,667, 58% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rising Star is $36,500, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $596 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
Rising Star is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,658 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Rising Star enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Rising Star has a population of 734 with a density of 424 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.2% female and 41.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.4% of residents, while 14.6% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 69.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rising Star vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.4%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.6%
9% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Rising Star vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rising Star is $31,667, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,713 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 530 business establishments, including 57 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rising Star vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,667 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,713 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,784 |
| Gini Index | 0.476 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 530 |
| County GDP | $906M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 57 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 82 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,219 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 17.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Rising Star is $36,500, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,848, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $596 (49% 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. 50.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 441 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $6,219 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% 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 | $36,500 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $155,848 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $596 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.4% |
| Housing Units | 441 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,219 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 17.04% |
In Rising Star, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 30.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 16.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,466. The dentist ratio is 1:2,991. 60.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rising Star vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.5% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 41.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 69.6% |
| Uninsured | 16.8% |
| 95% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,466 |
| Dentists | 1:2,991 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,804 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 49.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,165/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Rising Star has a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,658 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Rising Star receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rising Star vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 131.6/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,658.3/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rising Star enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°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 31.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,635 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.8°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,635 ft (498 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 424/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.0976°N, 98.9665°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Eastland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownwood Regional (BWD)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.3"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Nov 28, 2013 |
6 km SSW of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Dec 9, 2013 |
8 km S of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 |
10 km NNE of Graford, Texas |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Jun 2, 2009 |
1 km WNW of Cleburne, Texas |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
13 km ESE of Olney, Texas |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Mar 10, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Godley, Texas |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Nov 6, 2013 |
8 km S of Springtown, Texas |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
460 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 93 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF5 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1950 |
EF4 |
62 km |
5 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1979 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1979 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1965 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1962 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1958 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG COUNTRY FIRE (209,352 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
BIG COUNTRY FIRE |
209,352 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
PK COMPLEX |
128,548 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
KIDD |
41,939 |
26 km |
| 2006 |
CARBON |
33,013 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
CEDAR MOUNTAIN |
16,589 |
44 km |
| 2020 |
GATE 5 |
11,457 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK |
11,356 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
MESQUITE HEAT |
10,807 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
JOHNSON RANCH |
9,696 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
BIG L |
9,653 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
HUCKABAY |
9,100 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
CREWS GAP |
8,134 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
WHEAT FIELD |
7,333 |
12 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,936 |
39 km |
| 2005 |
CROSSROADS |
5,976 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
101 RANCH |
5,861 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
5,382 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
CADDO II COMPLEX |
5,270 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
TALPA |
5,117 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
CR 156 |
4,585 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
65°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
Rising Star has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 44°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and December the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Rising Star. 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 | $537 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $463 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rising Star
What is the population of Rising Star?
Rising Star has a population of 734 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 424 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.2% female and 41.8% male.
Is Rising Star expensive to live in?
Rising Star 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 $31,667, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $36,500 (87% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $596 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 Rising Star safe?
Rising Star is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,658 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rising Star receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rising Star?
Rising Star enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Rising Star?
Rising Star has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 530 business establishments in the area, including 57 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rising Star?
The median home value in Rising Star is $36,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,848. For renters, the median monthly rent is $596. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,219.
How are the schools in Rising Star?
Schools in Rising Star score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.1% of adults in Rising Star hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.7% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rising Star?
The obesity rate in Rising Star is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 30.5% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 16.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,466.
What is transportation like in Rising Star?
The average commute in Rising Star is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rising Star?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rising Star is 90.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 85.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.6% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability. 69.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
