Median Income
$48,179
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,900
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
960/100K
153% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,158
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.4%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Thunderbird Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population820
Median Age53.2 yrs
Density323/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans13.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,179
Per Capita$32,433
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$281M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,900
Rent$1,158
Ownership59.8%
Zillow$129,973
Housing Units894
Rent Burden23.2%
Crime
F
Violent960/100K
Property3,129/100K
Health
Obesity32.4%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking14.6%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation1,457 ft (444 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+99.6%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score4.70
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute17 min
Broadband95.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Thunderbird Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thunderbird Bay receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Thunderbird Bay has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thunderbird Bay is $48,179, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thunderbird Bay is $73,900, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,158 per month. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 960 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,129 per 100,000, 60% above the national average.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Thunderbird Bay enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Thunderbird Bay has a population of 820 with a density of 323 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 53.2 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.4% of residents, while 7.6% speak Spanish. 13.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.2yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Thunderbird Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.4%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.6%
43% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Thunderbird Bay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Thunderbird Bay is $48,179, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,433 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $866, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 258 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.7% of workers work from home.
Income: Thunderbird Bay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,179 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,433 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $866 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,347 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 258 |
| County GDP | $281M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,700 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 46.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.7% |
The median home value in Thunderbird Bay is $73,900, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,973, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,158 (0% 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. 59.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 894 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $4,700 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.2% 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 | $73,900 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,973 |
| Median List Price | $105,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $105,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $164 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.9% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,158 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.2% |
| Housing Units | 894 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,700 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.36% |
In Thunderbird Bay, 32.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,934. The dentist ratio is 1:3,925. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thunderbird Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.4% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,934 |
| Dentists | 1:3,925 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,842 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,602/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Thunderbird Bay has a violent crime rate of 960 per 100,000 residents, 153% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,129 per 100,000, 60% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Thunderbird Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thunderbird Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 960.2/100K |
| 153% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,129.5/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thunderbird Bay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 328 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 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,457 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 66.3°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,457 ft (444 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 323/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.9096°N, 99.0208°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Coleman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownwood Regional (BWD)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Dec 9, 2013.
| Nov 28, 2013 |
6 km SSW of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Dec 9, 2013 |
8 km S of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 |
10 km NNE of Graford, Texas |
M2.8 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 92 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF5 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1950 |
EF4 |
73 km |
5 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1979 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1979 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1962 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1958 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF2 |
28 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 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
KIDD |
41,939 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
CARBON |
33,013 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
CEDAR MOUNTAIN |
16,589 |
66 km |
| 1993 |
SAN SABA FIRE |
12,896 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
GATE 5 |
11,457 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
MESQUITE HEAT |
10,807 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
MAYS |
9,736 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
HUCKABAY |
9,100 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
CREWS GAP |
8,134 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
WHEAT FIELD |
7,333 |
29 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,936 |
42 km |
| 1999 |
WILLIAMS RANCH FIRE |
6,226 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
CROSSROADS |
5,976 |
29 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
5,382 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
TALPA |
5,117 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
CR 156 |
4,585 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,490 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
JETER II |
4,317 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
OAK MOTT |
4,183 |
18 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
56°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
Thunderbird Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 46°F in December to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and December the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Thunderbird Bay. 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 Thunderbird Bay
What is the population of Thunderbird Bay?
Thunderbird Bay has a population of 820 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 323 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Thunderbird Bay expensive to live in?
Thunderbird Bay 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 $48,179, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,900 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,158 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Thunderbird Bay safe?
Public safety is a concern in Thunderbird Bay, with a violent crime rate of 960 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,129 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Thunderbird Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thunderbird Bay?
Thunderbird Bay 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 84°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 1.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Thunderbird Bay?
The unemployment rate in Thunderbird Bay is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $866. There are 258 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 17.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thunderbird Bay?
The median home value in Thunderbird Bay is $73,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,973. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,158. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,700.
How are the schools in Thunderbird Bay?
Schools in Thunderbird Bay have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.4% of adults in Thunderbird Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.6% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thunderbird Bay?
The obesity rate in Thunderbird Bay is 32.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,934.
What is transportation like in Thunderbird Bay?
The average commute in Thunderbird Bay is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 46.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thunderbird Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thunderbird Bay is 85% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 92.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.6% speak Spanish. 13.9% of the population are military veterans. 32.5% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
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