Is Bonham Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bonham
Bonham, Texas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and growing opportunities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a change of pace. Located in Fannin County, this city provides a glimpse into a community that values its heritage while embracing progress. From its historical roots to its evolving economic landscape, Bonham presents a compelling picture for potential residents.
The community is characterized by a friendly atmosphere and a slower pace of life, appealing to individuals and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas. Bonham’s location in North Texas places it within reach of major urban centers while retaining its distinct identity. This balance allows residents to enjoy a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing access to amenities and employment opportunities.
Is it Safe to Live in Bonham?
Bonham is generally considered a safe place to live, with its overall crime rate being lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The city has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026, indicating a lower crime rate than 67% of major U.S. cities (as reported by DoorProfit). This suggests that Bonham offers a secure environment for its residents.
Specifically, the estimated violent crime rate in Bonham is 246.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 35% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This translates to a roughly 1 in 405 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime annually (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also comparable to national averages, with an estimated rate of 1,754.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 4% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). However, it’s important to note that safety can vary by neighborhood, and researching specific areas is recommended (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living and Housing
Housing Costs
The housing market in Bonham presents a mixed picture. As of March 2026, the median listing price for homes was approximately $239,900 (as reported by realtor.com®). Zillow data from March 31, 2026, indicates an average home value of $226,435, which is down 2.0% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Redfin data from March 2026 shows a median sale price of $163,000, which is down 27.6% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
For renters, the average rent in Bonham is approximately $1,275 per month (as reported by Zillow). Apartments.com reports a slightly lower average rent of $953 per month as of May 2026, which is 42% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes Bonham a relatively affordable option for renters compared to many other U.S. cities.
Overall Cost of Living
Bonham’s cost of living is generally considered to be higher than the national average, with estimates suggesting it is 6% higher (as reported by Salary.com). This is attributed to rising housing, transportation, and food costs. However, it is significantly lower than the Texas state average, being 190% lower (as reported by Salary.com).
The absence of state income tax in Texas can contribute to a higher take-home pay for residents, offsetting some of the higher cost of living expenses (as reported by Salary.com). When compared to major cities, Bonham’s cost of living is considerably lower, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce expenses from more expensive urban centers (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Bonham’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries. Major employers include Renlita Custom Opening Solutions, LLC, a manufacturer of custom doors and windows, and TCI Trans Cable International, which produces fiber optic cable (as reported by Bonham, TX). Tongrun International, LLC, a custom manufacturer specializing in complex assemblies, is also a significant contributor to the local economy (as reported by Bonham, TX).
Other notable companies in the area include Dollar General, Tractor Supply, and various fast-food franchises such as Taco Bell and Pizza Hut (as reported by Lensa). The City of Bonham itself is also a significant employer (as reported by Zippia).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Texas as of March 2026 was 4.3% (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific unemployment data for Bonham is not readily available, the broader Texas labor market indicates a stable employment environment. The average annual salary in Bonham is estimated to be around $42,000 per year, or $20.19 per hour (as reported by Zippia).
However, other sources provide different salary insights. Salary.com estimates the average total compensation package at the City of Bonham to be around $72,442 annually (as reported by City Of Bonham). ZipRecruiter reports a median wage of $43.4K/yr in Bonham as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Weather Patterns
Bonham experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The temperature typically ranges from 35°F to 94°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 23°F or exceeding 101°F (as reported by Bonham Climate). The hot season extends from June to September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 93°F and a low of 74°F (as reported by Bonham Climate).
The cooler season lasts from late November to late February, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 36°F and a high of 54°F (as reported by Bonham Climate). Seasonal variation in humidity is noticeable, with muggier conditions prevalent from May to October (as reported by Bonham Climate).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Bonham receives an average annual rainfall of 46 inches (as reported by Livability.com). While specific monthly precipitation data is not detailed here, the climate is generally described as having wet winters and humid summers. The NOAA provides climate data for the region, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Bonham’s weather patterns (as reported by NOAA).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Bonham Independent School District, serving Bonham, has an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). Bonham High School specifically holds a B- grade, with a rating of 3.35 out of 5 based on 174 reviews (as reported by Niche). Academically, 23% of students are proficient in math and 50% in reading, according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).
The district is recognized for its diversity, ranking among the most diverse public high schools in Texas (as reported by Niche). While the school is noted for having caring faculty and administration, some reviews mention areas for improvement in facilities and SAT preparation resources (as reported by Niche).
Demographics
Bonham has a population of approximately 10,697 residents, with a median age of 36.7 years (as reported by US Census Bureau and Point2Homes). The racial makeup is predominantly White (approximately 60.1%), followed by Hispanic (21.9%) and Black or African American (12.9%) (as reported by US Census Bureau and Point2Homes).
The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with 89.5% being born citizens and 4.2% naturalized citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Bonham was reported as $57,681 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau and Point2Homes). The homeownership rate is significant, with about 64% of residents owning their homes (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
Pros and Cons of Living in Bonham
Pros
Bonham offers a lower cost of living compared to many larger Texas cities, particularly for renters (as reported by Apartments.com, Zillow). The community is considered safe, with crime rates below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Its small-town atmosphere provides a peaceful environment, while its location allows for access to broader amenities (as reported by Bonham, TX).
The job market is supported by diverse industries, including manufacturing and services, with several established companies operating in the area (as reported by Bonham, TX). The educational system, while having room for improvement, offers a generally positive environment with a commitment to student success (as reported by Niche).
Cons
Despite its advantages, Bonham’s cost of living is noted as being higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses (as reported by Salary.com). While schools are generally well-regarded, specific areas like SAT preparation could be enhanced (as reported by Niche).
The job market, while present, may not offer the same breadth of high-paying opportunities as found in major metropolitan areas. Furthermore, the climate includes hot, humid summers which may not appeal to everyone (as reported by Bonham Climate).