Median Income
$59,375
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
70/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.0%
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Ross Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population192
Median Age57.4 yrs
Density125/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,375
Per Capita$36,671
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$18,479M
Commute25 min
Housing
Ownership82.8%
Zillow$288,364
Housing Units72
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent70/100K
Property1,162/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured14.6%
Smoking14.5%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days303/yr
Elevation572 ft (174 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.0%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute25 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries9
Is Ross a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ross 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, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Ross has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ross is $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Ross is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Ross enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. With 303 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Ross has a population of 192 with a density of 125 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 57.4 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%), with 5.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89% of residents, while 11% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.4yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.0%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.0%
18% below US avg
The median household income in Ross is $59,375, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,671. The average weekly wage is $1,161, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 6,039 business establishments, including 607 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,375 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,671 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,161 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,514 |
| Gini Index | 0.476 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,039 |
| County GDP | $18,479M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 607 |
| Healthcare | 682 |
| Retail | 879 |
| Manufacturing | 250 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,892 |
| 154% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,364. Homes sell for 94.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 72 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $8,892 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $197 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
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 | 82.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.2% |
| Housing Units | 72 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,892 |
| 154% above US avg |
In Ross, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 14.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,303. The dentist ratio is 1:1,803. 67.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ross vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| Uninsured | 14.6% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,303 |
| Dentists | 1:1,803 |
| Mental Health | 1:465 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 682 |
Ross has a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 38 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ross receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ross vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 70.5/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,162.4/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 38 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ross enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. The area gets 303 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 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 572 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (9°C)
86°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 67.1°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 86°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 303 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 572 ft (174 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 125/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.7276°N, 97.1129°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLennan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waco Regional (ACT) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0462 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.41 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.30 ppm |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
87 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 |
84 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
6 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
85 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
4 km NW of Irving, Texas |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
5 km NNW of Grand Prairie, Texas |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
5 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km S of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
4 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km SSW of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Jan 13, 2014 |
2 km ESE of Reno, Texas |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
4 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Nov 29, 2013 |
1 km S of Pelican Bay, Texas |
M3.1 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
290 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
190 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
273 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
579 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 141 fatalities, 1,110 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 6, 1973 |
EF5 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1953 |
EF5 |
20 km |
114 |
| May 15, 2013 |
EF4 |
97 km |
6 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF4 |
35 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 1959 |
EF4 |
17 km |
6 |
| Apr 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2013 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2000 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRITTENBERG COMPLEX (21,391 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CRITTENBERG COMPLEX |
21,391 |
76 km |
| 2022 |
CHALK MOUNTAIN |
6,461 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
ROBINETTE |
6,039 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
5,706 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
BIG TRICKLE RANCH FIRE |
3,623 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
C#491 |
3,616 |
39 km |
| 2018 |
HARMAN ROAD |
3,094 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
OWL CREEK |
2,376 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,236 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,067 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
BROWNS CREEK RANGE |
1,889 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
1,581 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
CORYELL COMPLEX |
1,572 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,445 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
DOUBLE BACK |
1,275 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,140 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
CEDAR RIDGE |
1,051 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
58°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
86°F (30°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Ross has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 47°F in January to 86°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Ross. 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 | $580 |
| Toddler | $550 |
| Preschool | $537 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $528 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $502 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ross
What is the population of Ross?
Ross has a population of 192 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 125 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Ross expensive to live in?
Ross 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 $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Ross safe?
Ross is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ross receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ross?
Ross enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 86°F in July. The area receives 303 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Ross?
The job market in Ross is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,161. There are 6,039 business establishments in the area, including 607 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Ross?
Schools in Ross score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.0% of adults in Ross hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ross?
The obesity rate in Ross is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 14.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,303.
What is transportation like in Ross?
The average commute in Ross is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ross?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ross is 93.2% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino. 89% of residents speak only English at home, while 11% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.