Is Burkburnett Safe, Pros and cons of living in Burkburnett
Burkburnett, Texas, situated in Wichita County, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities for its residents. The city, part of the Wichita Falls metropolitan area, provides a distinct community atmosphere. With a population of just over 10,000, Burkburnett maintains a close-knit feel while being accessible to larger regional centers. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.
Historically, Burkburnett experienced significant growth due to oil discoveries, earning it the nickname “Boomtown, U.S.A.” This legacy contributes to the town’s identity and its connection to Texas’s rich oil and gas heritage. Today, the city continues to evolve, focusing on providing a comfortable and safe environment for its growing population. Its motto, “You’re home now!”, reflects a welcoming spirit to both new and long-term residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Burkburnett?
Burkburnett presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are notably lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 53% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This includes both violent and property crimes, contributing to a sense of security for those living in the city.
Specifically, violent crime in Burkburnett is lower than the national average by 37.4%, with 25 violent crimes reported in a given period, equating to 225 per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes are also significantly lower, at 55.6% below the national average, with 87 such crimes recorded, or 782 per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). These statistics suggest that Burkburnett offers a safer living environment compared to many other communities across the country.
While overall crime rates are favorable, it’s important to note that crime can still occur. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Burkburnett is 1 in 446, and the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 128 (as reported by AreaVibes). These figures, while lower than the national average, indicate that residents should remain aware of their surroundings and take standard safety precautions. The city’s crime data is based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, providing a reliable basis for these assessments.
Housing Costs in Burkburnett
The housing market in Burkburnett offers relatively affordable options compared to national and state averages. The average home value in Burkburnett is approximately $179,063, showing a slight decrease of 0.6% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This median home value is significantly lower than the national median of $393,134 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
Rental prices in Burkburnett are also generally accessible. The average rent in the city is around $1,100 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is considerably lower than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as reported by Zillow). For those seeking to rent, prices can range from $695 to $4,800 depending on the property’s size and features (as reported by Zillow).
When considering homeownership, the median property value in Burkburnett was $151,900 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). The homeownership rate in Burkburnett is 69%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data Commons). This suggests a strong inclination towards homeownership within the community, supported by the affordability of housing.
Cost of Living
Burkburnett’s overall cost of living is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The cost of living in Burkburnett is approximately 9% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This affordability extends across various expense categories, contributing to a more manageable lifestyle.
Housing expenses are a significant factor in this lower cost of living, with costs being 37% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Food prices are also slightly below the national average, by about 3% (as reported by Payscale). While utility prices are marginally higher than the national average by 3%, and healthcare costs are 29% higher, these increases are offset by savings in other areas (as reported by Payscale).
Transportation costs in Burkburnett are also more affordable, being 14% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). These combined factors contribute to a total monthly expense that is significantly less than the national average, particularly for single individuals and families. For a single person, total monthly expenses are estimated at $1,777, and for a family of four, $4,086, positioning Burkburnett as one of America’s less expensive cities (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Burkburnett is influenced by its local economy and its proximity to the Wichita Falls metropolitan area. As of May 2026, the average annual salary in Burkburnett is $46,950 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This average salary is a key indicator for those considering employment opportunities within the city.
The unemployment rate provides another perspective on the local job market. While specific recent unemployment rates for Burkburnett itself are not readily available in the search results, the broader context of Texas’s economy, as tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, can offer insights. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national unemployment rate of 4.3% in April 2026 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Major employers in Burkburnett include entities like Dollar General and 7-Eleven, which are significant retail and service providers in the region (as reported by Lensa). The Burkburnett Economic Development Corporation is actively working to enrich the economic climate by supporting local businesses and attracting new ones, highlighting a commitment to economic growth and employment opportunities (as reported by Burkburnett Development Corporation).
Climate and Weather
Burkburnett experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cooler winters. The summers are typically hot, muggy, and mostly clear, while the winters are cold, windy, and partly cloudy (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature generally ranges from 32°F to 98°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 20°F or exceeding 105°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The hot season lasts for approximately 3.4 months, from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 89°F. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 97°F and a low of 74°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cool season spans about three months, from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 62°F.
Burkburnett receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year. May is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 4.1 inches. January sees the least amount of rain, averaging around 1.0 inch (as reported by Weather Spark). The city’s weather patterns are monitored by NOAA, providing data for climate predictions and historical records.
Education and Schools
The Burkburnett Independent School District (BISD) serves the educational needs of the city’s students. The district operates several schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, with the Bulldog serving as the mascot for all BISD schools (as reported by Wikipedia). The district generally receives positive feedback regarding its educational environment and student support.
Burkburnett High School holds an overall Niche grade of B+ and a rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on student and parent reviews (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, approximately 25% of students are proficient in math and 53% in reading (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at the high school is 13 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
The Burkburnett Independent School District as a whole has an overall Niche grade of B, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 across the district (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 39% of students are proficient in math and 50% in reading within the district (as reported by Niche). The district is recognized for its focus on student well-being and offers various programs, including career and technical education opportunities, preparing students for post-secondary endeavors.
Demographics
Burkburnett, Texas, has a population of approximately 11,059 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). The median age in Burkburnett is 40.9 years, with 39.1 years for males and 42.2 years for females (as reported by Data Commons). The population is relatively stable, with a projected slight decrease in the coming years.
The racial and ethnic composition of Burkburnett is predominantly White. White residents make up about 78.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 14.2%, and those identifying with Two or More races at 4.4% (as reported by Data Commons). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a high percentage of citizenship reported at 98.4% (as reported by Data Commons).
The median household income in Burkburnett was $66,308 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). However, a portion of the population lives below the poverty line, with 14.1% of families living in poverty (as reported by Data Commons). This economic diversity highlights different financial landscapes within the community.