Is Marshall Safe, Pros and cons of living in Marshall
Marshall, Texas, nestled in the heart of East Texas, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and developing opportunities. This city, rich in history and culture, presents a distinct living experience for its residents. Understanding the various facets of life in Marshall is key for anyone considering a move to this East Texas locale.
From its economic landscape to its community atmosphere, Marshall provides a diverse setting. The following sections will delve into the critical aspects of living in Marshall, covering safety, cost of living, employment, education, and the general environment.
Is it Safe to Live in Marshall?
When considering a new place to live, safety is often a paramount concern. Marshall, Texas, presents a nuanced picture regarding crime rates. The overall crime rate in Marshall is considered to be higher than the national average (NeighborhoodScout). However, specific crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within the city.
Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Marshall can differ based on location, with some areas being safer than others. For instance, the chance of being a victim of crime in Marshall can range from 1 in 14 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 38 in the southwest part of the city (AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident in Marshall is approximately $647 per year, which is slightly above the national average (AreaVibes).
Violent Crime Rates
The rate of violent crime in Marshall is reported to be very close to the national average. There were 84 reported violent crimes, equating to 345 per 100,000 individuals, which is 4.1% lower than the U.S. average (AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Marshall is approximately 1 in 289 (NeighborhoodScout).
While the violent crime rate is comparable to the national average, it’s important to note that relative to Texas, Marshall’s crime rate is higher than that of 82% of the state’s cities and towns (NeighborhoodScout). When compared to communities of similar population size, Marshall’s combined violent and property crime rate is notably higher than average (NeighborhoodScout).
Property Crime Rates
Marshall’s property crime rate is also a factor to consider. Property crimes include offenses such as theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. The city recorded 384 property crimes, which amounts to 1,575 per 100,000 residents, a figure that is 10.5% lower than the U.S. average (AreaVibes).
However, other analyses suggest that Marshall’s property crime rate is 16 per 1,000 population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to all other communities in America (NeighborhoodScout). The FBI reports indicate that property crime averages 147.1 per 100k residents, which is 10.1% below the national average (Crime Explorer).
Pros and Cons of Living in Marshall
Marshall offers a distinct lifestyle with both advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The city’s cost of living is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. This lower cost extends to housing, transportation, and general everyday expenses.
However, the job market and average salaries might present challenges for some. While there are major employers in various sectors, the average annual salary can be a point of consideration for those relocating. The community’s demographics and the educational landscape also contribute to the overall living experience in Marshall.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Marshall is significantly more affordable than the national average. One report indicates that the cost of living in Marshall stands at 87, which is 13% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This affordability is further supported by housing costs, which are 36% lower than the national average (AreaVibes).
For single individuals, the estimated monthly cost of living in Marshall is around $2,229, and for a family of four, it is approximately $4,909 (Salary.com). These figures reflect a 1% increase from the previous year, but overall, Marshall remains one of America’s less expensive cities (Salary.com).
Housing Costs
Housing is a significant component of the cost of living, and Marshall offers relatively affordable options. The median listing price for homes in Marshall is $203,000 (realtor.com®). This is considerably lower than many other areas, with housing costs being 35.7% lower than the national average (AreaVibes).
For renters, the median rent price in Marshall is approximately $1,000 per month (realtor.com®). This median rent is 46% lower than the national average (Zumper). Specifically, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $850, while a two-bedroom apartment is about $895 (Zumper).
Job Market and Employment
Marshall’s job market is shaped by a variety of major employers across different sectors. Key industries include healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Major employers in Marshall include CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center, Eastman Chemical Company, and Marshall Independent School District (Major Employers). Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas also maintains a significant service center in the city.
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Marshall saw a slight decline of -0.941%, with the most common employment sectors being Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (Data USA). The most common job groups for residents include Production Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Education Instruction & Library Occupations (Data USA).
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Marshall is approximately $43,378, which equates to about $20.85 per hour (ZipRecruiter). The median wage is around $39,900 annually (ZipRecruiter). While these figures provide a baseline, salaries can vary greatly depending on the occupation and experience level.
The unemployment rate in Marshall is reported to be 8.1% (Point2Homes). This figure represents the share of the workforce currently without a job but actively seeking one. The employment rate in Marshall, TX, is currently 91.25% (BestNeighborhood.org).
Climate and Environment
Marshall experiences a climate typical of East Texas, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures throughout the year generally range from 34°F to 95°F (myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 52 inches (myPerfectWeather).
Summers in Marshall can be uncomfortably humid, particularly from June to August (myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 94°F and lows of 71°F (myPerfectWeather). Winter months see the lowest temperatures in January, with average highs of 57°F and lows of 34°F (myPerfectWeather).
Demographics and Community
Marshall is home to a diverse population with a significant African American community. The city’s population is approximately 23,825, with a projected growth to over 24,000 in the coming years (Data USA, Marshall Demographics). The racial makeup includes a substantial portion of Black or African American residents, followed by White and Hispanic populations.
The median age in Marshall is around 32 years, indicating a relatively young population with a notable percentage of individuals under 25 (Point2Homes). This demographic composition contributes to the city’s community dynamics and overall atmosphere.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The largest racial/ethnic groups in Marshall are Black, accounting for approximately 39.7% of the population, followed by White residents at 33.8%, and Hispanic residents at 22.5% (Marshall Demographics). This demographic profile is more diverse than the state of Texas overall (Marshall Demographics).
The Black population in Marshall is significantly higher than the Texas state average, with Marshall ranking 41st statewide in terms of the share of Black residents (Marshall Demographics). Conversely, the share of White residents in Marshall is lower than the Texas average (Marshall Demographics).
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Marshall is 32, with the population distributed across various age groups (Point2Homes). Approximately 19.5% of the population are children under 15, and 19.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group (Point2Homes). Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population.
Gender-wise, Marshall has a slightly higher proportion of females, with 51.8% of locals being female and 48.2% being male (Point2Homes). For every 100 females, there are approximately 93.1 males (Marshall, Texas Population 2026).
Education and Schools
Marshall, Texas, is served by the Marshall Independent School District, which provides educational services to a large student population. The district’s overall rating is a C+ (Niche). Public schools in Marshall have an average math proficiency score of 38% and a reading proficiency score of 38% (Niche).
These scores are below the Texas public school averages. The district’s minority enrollment is 77% of the student body, which is higher than the state average (Niche). Several schools within the district have shown recent improvements in their accountability ratings (Marshall News Messenger).
Public School Performance
The performance of public schools in Marshall can be evaluated through various metrics, including test scores and accountability ratings. For the 2026 school year, there are nine public schools serving over 5,000 students in Marshall (Niche). The top-ranked public schools include Sam Houston Elementary School and William B. Travis Elementary School (Niche).
Marshall ISD as a whole has seen improvements, moving from a D to a C rating in recent accountability assessments (Marshall News Messenger). Specific campuses, such as William B. Travis Elementary School, have improved their ratings from a D to a B (Marshall News Messenger). However, some schools, like David Crockett Elementary School, have maintained an F rating (Marshall News Messenger).
Higher Education and Local Colleges
Marshall is also home to institutions of higher learning, contributing to the educational and professional development of its residents. East Texas Baptist University and Wiley University are prominent institutions in the city. These universities play a role in the local economy and provide educational opportunities for students.
In 2023, universities in Marshall awarded 425 degrees, with East Texas Baptist University and Wiley University being the largest institutions by number of degrees awarded (Data USA). These institutions offer a range of programs and contribute to the city’s academic landscape.
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
The economic landscape of Marshall is supported by a diverse range of major employers. Healthcare, manufacturing, and education are key sectors that provide significant employment opportunities. CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and Oaklawn Hospital are prominent healthcare providers in the region (Major Employers, Top Employers).
Manufacturing companies like Eastman Chemical Company and Republic Elite also contribute to the local job market (Major Employers). The presence of these companies, alongside educational institutions such as East Texas Baptist University and Marshall Independent School District, forms the backbone of Marshall’s economy.
Key Industries
Marshall’s economy is driven by several key industries that shape its employment opportunities and growth. The healthcare sector is a significant contributor, with CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and Oaklawn Hospital being major employers (Major Employers, Top Employers). These institutions provide a wide array of medical services to the community.
Manufacturing is another crucial industry, with companies like Eastman Chemical Company and Republic Elite playing a vital role in job creation (Major Employers). The education sector, represented by Marshall Independent School District and institutions like East Texas Baptist University, also provides substantial employment and educational services.
Other Notable Companies
Beyond the primary sectors, other companies contribute to Marshall’s economic diversity. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas operates one of its largest service centers in Marshall, employing many individuals in customer service and administrative roles (Major Employers). Retail and technology firms are also part of the growing employment base in the city.
Companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General are also present, serving the retail needs of the community (Indeed.com). These businesses, alongside specialized firms like Lewis Engineering Co., contribute to the overall economic stability and employment options available in Marshall.