Median Income
$71,964
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,700
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
86/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.3%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,120
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
42% lower than US avg
How Tool Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,399
Median Age52.0 yrs
Density668/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,964
Per Capita$43,674
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty7.2%
County GDP$6,967M
Commute44 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,700
Rent$1,120
Ownership87.7%
Zillow$263,905
Housing Units1,614
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent86/100K
Property171/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured20.5%
Smoking17.7%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI46 (Good)
Rain42.4 in/yr
Elevation364 ft (111 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.3%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.55
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 36%
Commute44 min
Broadband90.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Tool a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tool receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Tool offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tool is $71,964, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tool is $163,700, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,120 per month. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Tool is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 171 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
28.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Tool enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46.
Tool has a population of 2,399 with a density of 668 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 52.0 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 4.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 79.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,399
Total Population
2023 Census
52.0yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Tool is $71,964, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,674 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,668 business establishments, including 225 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,964 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,674 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,125 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.2% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,668 |
| County GDP | $6,967M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 225 |
| Healthcare | 205 |
| Retail | 327 |
| Manufacturing | 109 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,453 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 44.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
The median home value in Tool is $163,700, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,905, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $332,500 with homes selling in an average of 107 days. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,120 (4% 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. 87.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,614 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $7,453 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,700 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $263,905 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $332,500 |
| Median List Price | $589,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $332,500 |
| Median List Price | $589,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $248 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 107 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 29.0% |
| Inventory | 38 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,120 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,614 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,453 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.55% |
In Tool, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 27.9% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 20.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,781. The dentist ratio is 1:2,612. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tool vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.9% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.5% |
| Uninsured | 20.5% |
| 138% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,781 |
| Dentists | 1:2,612 |
| Mental Health | 1:938 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,809/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 205 |
Tool has a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 171 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Tool receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tool vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 85.7/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 171.3/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tool enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46. 62% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 364 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 67.0°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 364 ft (111 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 668/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.2805°N, 96.1727°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kaufman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tyler Pounds Regional (TYR)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.4"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
4.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 46.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 62.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 8 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 7.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.85 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
77 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.5 on Mar 29, 2025.
| May 7, 2015 |
5 km N of Venus, Texas |
M4.0 |
90 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
6 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.6 |
92 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.5 |
92 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Mar 29, 2025 |
13 km NNE of Wells, Texas |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| May 31, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Neylandville, Texas |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
4 km NW of Irving, Texas |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
5 km NNW of Grand Prairie, Texas |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
5 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km S of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
4 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Nov 29, 2013 |
1 km S of Pelican Bay, Texas |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
4 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Jan 13, 2014 |
2 km ESE of Reno, Texas |
M3.1 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
4 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
291 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
165 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
279 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 1 |
294 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
624 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 40 fatalities, 1,591 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF4 |
15 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF4 |
69 km |
10 |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| Oct 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1987 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1987 |
EF3 |
95 km |
4 |
| Dec 13, 1984 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1979 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 1979 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: C#491 (3,616 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
C#491 |
3,616 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
495 |
1,606 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
HENDERSON 475 |
1,379 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
507 |
1,121 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| August |
85°F (29°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Tool has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 48°F in January to 85°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 42.4 inches, with October being the wettest month (4.9") and July the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Tool. 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 Tool
What is the population of Tool?
Tool has a population of 2,399 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 668 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Tool expensive to live in?
Tool 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 $71,964, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,700 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,120 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tool safe?
Tool is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 171 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Tool receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tool?
Tool enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 42.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 46.
How is the job market in Tool?
Tool has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 2,668 business establishments in the area, including 225 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 44 minutes, and 12.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tool?
The median home value in Tool is $163,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,905. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $332,500, with homes typically selling within 107 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,120. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.7%. The average annual property tax is $7,453.
How are the schools in Tool?
Schools in Tool score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.3% of adults in Tool hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tool?
The obesity rate in Tool is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 27.9% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 20.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,781.
What is transportation like in Tool?
The average commute in Tool is 44 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tool?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tool is 91.2% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability. 79.5% have health insurance coverage.