Median Income
$52,857
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,900
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
302/100K
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.9%
94% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$888
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.5%
90% higher than US avg
How Thornton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population449
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density458/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$52,857
Per Capita$25,769
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty23.5%
County GDP$2,179M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,900
Rent$888
Ownership75.3%
Zillow$254,107
Housing Units220
Rent Burden13.9%
Crime
F
Violent302/100K
Property1,441/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking15.1%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days303/yr
Elevation489 ft (149 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.9%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.43
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute23 min
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Thornton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thornton receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Thornton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thornton is $52,857, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 23.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thornton is $77,900, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $888 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
Violent crime in Thornton is below the national average at 302 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,441 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
1.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Thornton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 303 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Thornton has a population of 449 with a density of 458 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 3.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Thornton is $52,857, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,769 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,274, 11% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 405 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,857 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,769 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,274 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,540 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.5% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 405 |
| County GDP | $2,179M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,243 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Thornton is $77,900, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,107, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $888 (24% 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. 75.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 220 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $5,243 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.9% 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 | $77,900 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $254,107 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $888 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.7% |
| Housing Units | 220 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,243 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.73% |
In Thornton, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,458. The dentist ratio is 1:2,782. 54.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thornton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.4% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,458 |
| Dentists | 1:2,782 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,854 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 48.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,929/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Thornton has a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 residents, 21% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,441 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Thornton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thornton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 302.0/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,440.5/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thornton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 83°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 39.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 489 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.3°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 303 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 489 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 458/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.4100°N, 96.5736°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Limestone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waco Regional (ACT)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 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 |
129 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km S of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km SSW of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
2 km ESE of Venus, Texas |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Dec 5, 2009 |
7 km S of Midlothian, Texas |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Leander, Texas |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Jul 10, 2012 |
6 km NNE of Keene, Texas |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Jun 2, 2009 |
1 km WNW of Cleburne, Texas |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Jul 6, 2012 |
5 km NE of Keene, Texas |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Oct 17, 2012 |
6 km WSW of Cedar Hill, Texas |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Jul 13, 2012 |
1 km WSW of Briaroaks, Texas |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Feb 4, 2016 |
7 km SSW of Mansfield, Texas |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Feb 24, 2013 |
6 km SSW of Oak Leaf, Texas |
M2.7 |
120 km |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
4 km NNW of Plum Grove, Texas |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Mar 10, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Godley, Texas |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Mar 17, 2013 |
3 km S of Oak Leaf, Texas |
M2.6 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
129 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
297 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
257 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
290 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
275 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
216 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
428 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 144 fatalities, 1,033 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 6, 1973 |
EF5 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1953 |
EF5 |
57 km |
114 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF4 |
28 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 1959 |
EF4 |
78 km |
6 |
| Apr 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2019 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2000 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1987 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Oct 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: S839 CONCORD ROBBINS (4,388 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
S839 CONCORD ROBBINS |
4,388 |
45 km |
| 2011 |
C#491 |
3,616 |
28 km |
| 2011 |
507 |
1,121 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
CEDAR RIDGE |
1,051 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| August |
83°F (29°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Thornton has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 46°F in January to 83°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 37.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and July the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Thornton. 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 Thornton
What is the population of Thornton?
Thornton has a population of 449 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 458 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Thornton expensive to live in?
Thornton 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 $52,857, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,900 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $888 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 Thornton safe?
Thornton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,441 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thornton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thornton?
Thornton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 303 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Thornton?
The unemployment rate in Thornton is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,274. There are 405 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thornton?
The median home value in Thornton is $77,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,107. For renters, the median monthly rent is $888. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,243.
How are the schools in Thornton?
Schools in Thornton have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 1.9% of adults in Thornton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thornton?
The obesity rate in Thornton is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,458.
What is transportation like in Thornton?
The average commute in Thornton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thornton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thornton is 93.5% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 21.5% of residents have a disability. 80.4% have health insurance coverage.
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