Is Brownfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brownfield
Brownfield, Texas, offers a glimpse into West Texas life, characterized by its agricultural roots and a close-knit community atmosphere. The city, located in Terry County, is surrounded by the vast plains that define the region, providing a landscape shaped by farming and ranching traditions. Its location offers a blend of rural tranquility with proximity to larger urban centers, presenting a unique living experience for its residents.
The community’s identity is deeply intertwined with its history, from its early days as a county seat to its development as a center for agriculture. This heritage continues to influence the town’s character, fostering a sense of tradition and local pride. Understanding these elements is key to appreciating the lifestyle and opportunities available in Brownfield.
Is it Safe to Live in Brownfield?
Brownfield’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with some areas showing higher occurrences than the national and state averages. Violent crime in Brownfield is a concern, with a rate that is higher than many communities across the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also presents a challenge, with a rate that is above average when compared to other communities nationwide (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
The overall crime rate in Brownfield is higher than in most communities of similar size in Texas (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the city’s violent crime rate is 4 per one thousand inhabitants, and its property crime rate is 12 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). These figures suggest that residents should exercise a heightened awareness of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
However, it’s important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood within Brownfield. Some areas are considered safer than others, with residents often viewing the northern parts of the city as the most secure. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Brownfield can range from 1 in 10 in the southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 23 in the north (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Demographics and Diversity
Brownfield is home to a population of approximately 8,738 residents, with a projected population of 8,569 in 2026 (as reported by Data USA and Population 2026). The city’s demographics show a significant Hispanic population, making up about 65% of residents, followed by White residents at approximately 29.8% and Black residents at around 3.8% (as reported by Brownfield Demographics and Census Reporter). This diverse ethnic makeup contributes to the cultural fabric of the community.
The median age in Brownfield is 37.9 years (as reported by Data USA and Brownfield Demographics). The population is distributed across various age groups, with approximately 26.6% of residents under the age of 18 and 15.4% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). This age distribution suggests a community with a mix of younger families and a significant senior population.
In terms of citizenship, 93.9% of Brownfield residents are U.S. citizens, which is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). A small percentage, around 6.99%, of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The majority of households in Brownfield do not report speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living
Brownfield offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. The overall cost of living is approximately 20% less expensive than the national average and about 12% less expensive than the average city in Texas (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.
Housing costs in Brownfield are particularly attractive, being more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This is reflected in the median home prices, which were around $100,600 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), and a median listing price of $177,400 as of March 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com®). The homeownership rate in Brownfield is approximately 66.4% (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, Brownfield also presents an affordable option. The average rent in Brownfield, TX, is around $624 per month as of April 2026, which is 62% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes renting in Brownfield a more accessible choice compared to many other cities in the U.S.
Housing Market
The housing market in Brownfield presents a landscape of relative affordability. The median listing price for homes in Brownfield, TX, was around $177,400 in March 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com®). This median price offers a benchmark for buyers and sellers navigating the local real estate scene.
Homes for sale in Brownfield are spending less time on the market, with a median of 35 days on market as of March 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com®). This indicates a relatively active market. The price per square foot stands at approximately $99/ft², providing a useful metric for property valuation within the city (as reported by Realtor.com®).
The homeownership rate in Brownfield is approximately 66.4% (as reported by Data USA). This suggests that a majority of residents own their homes, contributing to a stable community feel. For those considering purchasing a home, the median property value was reported as $100,600 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Major Employers
Brownfield’s economy is significantly influenced by its agricultural base, with cotton farming being a cornerstone of local industry (as reported by Wikipedia). Peanut and vineyard cultivation also contribute to the agricultural sector. This focus on agriculture shapes the employment landscape, offering opportunities in farming, processing, and related support services.
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, the economic activity in Brownfield is tied to its agricultural output and associated businesses. The city’s industrial development corporation likely plays a role in supporting local businesses and attracting investment. The presence of agricultural processing facilities and equipment suppliers would be natural employment centers within the community.
The average salary in Brownfield is around $42,000 per year, with a median household income of $42,150 (as reported by Brownfield Demographics and ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate is not explicitly stated in the provided search results, but the median household income suggests a moderate economic environment. For those seeking employment, understanding the local industries and potential growth areas is crucial.
Climate
Brownfield experiences a semi-arid temperate climate, characterized by significant temperature variations and occasional high winds (as reported by Wikipedia). Summers are hot and mostly clear, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F for multiple consecutive days (as reported by Wikipedia).
The winters in Brownfield are short but can be very cold, with temperatures often falling below freezing for extended periods (as reported by Wikipedia). Snowfall is not common due to low winter precipitation. The average annual precipitation is around 20 inches, with about 5 inches of snowfall per year (as reported by Livability.com).
The most active weather period typically runs from March through September, when severe thunderstorms can form on the Great Plains. During this time, residents can expect rain, strong winds, hail, and the possibility of tornadoes (as reported by Wikipedia). The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 47°F to a high of 75°F (as reported by Livability.com).
School Ratings
The educational landscape in Brownfield is served by the Brownfield Independent School District. For the 2021–2022 school year, Brownfield High School was ranked among the bottom 15% of high schools in Texas (as reported by Wikipedia). Test results for the 2024-2025 school year indicate that only 27% of the student population demonstrated proficiency in math and reading (as reported by Brownfield Independent School District).
Overall, Brownfield public schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% and a reading proficiency score of 31%, which is below the Texas public school averages (as reported by Best Public Schools in Brownfield, TX). The schools in Brownfield have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Texas public schools (as reported by Best Public Schools in Brownfield, TX).
The Brownfield Independent School District received an overall “D” rating for 2024 from the Texas Education Agency (as reported by Brownfield ISD – Texas Public Schools Explorer). This rating reflects performance in student achievement, school progress, and closing achievement gaps, with particular weaknesses noted in student achievement and school progress categories.
Pros and Cons of Living in Brownfield
Brownfield offers a lower cost of living compared to national and state averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and Niche). The median home prices and average rent are significantly more affordable, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
However, the city faces challenges with its crime rates, which are higher than national and state averages in certain categories (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). This necessitates a higher level of personal vigilance and security awareness among residents.
The educational system in Brownfield also presents areas for improvement, with schools often ranking below state averages in proficiency and overall ratings (as reported by Wikipedia and Best Public Schools in Brownfield, TX). This could be a significant consideration for families with school-aged children.