Is Gun Barrel City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gun Barrel City
Gun Barrel City, Texas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and lakeside living, situated near Cedar Creek Reservoir. This community provides a more relaxed pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas, attracting those who value proximity to water recreation and a friendly atmosphere. The town’s history is tied to the construction of Cedar Creek Lake and a road once known as Gun Barrel Lane, which eventually became State Highway 198.
The community is part of Henderson County and has grown significantly since its incorporation in 1969. Residents often choose Gun Barrel City for its quality of life, friendly locals, and convenient access to recreational activities on Cedar Creek Lake. The town’s commitment to community is reflected in its events and local initiatives, aiming to make Gun Barrel City known both locally and beyond.
Is it Safe to Live in Gun Barrel City?
Gun Barrel City’s overall crime rate is reported to be higher than the national average. The crime rate stands at 29.51 per 1,000 residents (according to Niche), which is higher than the national average. Residents often perceive the southwest part of the city as the safest area, with crime risk varying by neighborhood. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Gun Barrel City can range from 1 in 18 in the northeast to 1 in 56 in the southwest (according to Augurisk).
When examining specific crime types, violent crimes in Gun Barrel City are reported to be lower than the national average. There were 12 reported violent crimes, equating to 170 per 100,000 individuals, which is 52.6% lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). However, property crimes are significantly higher than the national average, with 194 reported incidents, amounting to 2755 per 100,000 residents, which is 56.5% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes).
Housing Costs and Real Estate Trends
The housing market in Gun Barrel City presents a more affordable option compared to national averages. The median home value is approximately $237,300 (according to Niche), and the median home value is $209,100 (according to Kurby AI), both of which are below the national average. These figures suggest a more accessible market for potential homeowners looking to settle in the area.
Rental prices in Gun Barrel City also offer relative affordability. The average rent was reported at $1,470 (according to Zillow), with a median gross rent of $960 (according to Point2Homes). For those considering renting, the median rent for a home is around $1,950 per month (according to Redfin), and to comfortably afford this, a household would need to earn approximately $78,000 annually (according to Redfin).
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Gun Barrel City’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 2,753 residents. The primary industries employing residents are construction, retail trade, and educational services (according to Data USA). White-collar jobs constitute about 72% of employment, with the remaining 28% in blue-collar roles (according to Point2Homes).
The unemployment rate in Gun Barrel City is reported at 8.7% (according to Point2Homes), which is higher than the typical rates considered healthy for a local economy. The average individual income is $36,930 (according to Point2Homes), and the median household income is $71,310 (according to World Population Review). For those seeking employment, major employers in the area include large retail chains and service providers.
Climate and Environment
Gun Barrel City experiences a climate characterized by hot, oppressive summers and cold, wet, and windy winters. Temperatures typically range from 38°F to 95°F throughout the year, with rare dips below 26°F or highs above 101°F (according to myPerfectWeather and Weather Spark). The average annual precipitation is around 44 inches (according to myPerfectWeather).
The hottest months are July and August, with average highs around 94-95°F and lows in the low 70s. January is the coldest month, with average highs in the mid-50s and lows in the high 30s (according to Weather Spark). The area experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with May typically being the wettest month and July being the driest (according to Weather Spark).
Educational Opportunities
The public education system serving Gun Barrel City falls under the Mabank Independent School District. Lakeview Elementary School is a notable institution within the district, serving grades PK-4. This school has received recognition for its academic performance, consistently ranking among the top elementary schools in Texas (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Lakeview Elementary students demonstrate strong proficiency rates in reading and mathematics, often outperforming district and state averages. Despite a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, the school maintains its academic success, indicating effective support for its student population. The student-teacher ratio at Lakeview Elementary is approximately 15.1 to 1 (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Community Profile
Gun Barrel City is home to approximately 6,570 residents, with a median age of around 50.8 years (according to World Population Review). The population is predominantly White, making up about 91.31% of residents (according to World Population Review). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 5.51% of the population (according to Data USA).
The community tends to be conservative, with a significant portion of retirees. The demographic data also indicates that about 21.8% of residents are under 18, and 21.8% are 65 or older (according to Wikipedia). The gender distribution shows slightly more males than females overall, with 111.5 males for every 100 females (according to World Population Review).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
The economy of Gun Barrel City is supported by various industries, with construction, retail trade, and educational services being prominent sectors (according to Data USA). Major employers in the area include well-known retail chains like Walmart and Lowe’s, along with fast-food establishments and other service-oriented businesses (according to Indeed.com).
The Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) actively works to attract new businesses and support existing ones, particularly in manufacturing, production, medical/health, hospitality, and distribution sectors. The EDC aims to create jobs and enhance the local economy through various incentive programs funded by a local sales tax (according to Wikipedia).