Is Brenham Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brenham
Brenham, Texas, nestled in the heart of Washington County, offers a blend of small-town charm and burgeoning economic activity. This city is known for its rich German heritage, which is celebrated through various cultural events throughout the year. Its strategic location, approximately an hour from Houston and close to Austin and College Station, makes it an appealing place for those seeking a balance between a peaceful community and access to larger metropolitan amenities.
The city’s growth is reflected in its developing infrastructure and a diverse employment landscape. Brenham’s cost of living is notably more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for families and individuals looking to stretch their budgets further. This affordability, combined with a welcoming community atmosphere, forms the foundation of Brenham’s appeal as a place to call home.
Is it Safe to Live in Brenham?
Brenham’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some data indicating it is higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported as 21% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Brenham are 48% higher than the national average, and property crimes are 16% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Brenham is about 1 in 39 (as reported by AreaVibes).
However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within the city. Some analyses suggest that the southwest part of Brenham is considered the safest area (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). When considering safety, it’s advisable to research specific neighborhoods to get a more localized understanding of crime statistics and trends.
Cost of Living and Housing
Brenham offers a cost of living that is generally lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Brenham is 11.6% less expensive than the U.S. average (as reported by Washington County Economic Development). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an economically attractive place to reside.
Housing costs are a significant factor in Brenham’s affordability. The median listing price for homes in Brenham is approximately $349,500 (as of March 2026) (as reported by realtor.com®). The median rent is around $1,700 per month, indicating a solid demand in the rental market (as reported by realtor.com®). Brenham’s housing market is currently considered a buyer’s market, suggesting that there may be more supply than demand (as reported by realtor.com®).
Housing Costs
The median home value in Brenham is approximately $329,416, showing a slight decrease of 1.0% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). For renters, the average rent in Brenham is about $1,750 per month, with a price range for all bedrooms and property types from $867 to $3,400 (as reported by Zillow). This offers a variety of options for both homeowners and renters.
When considering the cost of housing, it is important to factor in property taxes, which can vary depending on location, school district, and property type. Texas does not have a state income tax, which can offset some of the costs associated with property taxes.
Job Market and Economy
Brenham’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with significant employment in healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Brenham saw a growth rate of 5.62%, indicating a healthy and expanding job market (as reported by Data USA).
The average annual salary in Brenham is approximately $42,043, with an hourly equivalent of about $20.21 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources indicate an average salary for jobs in Brenham, Texas, of $60,325 per year or $29 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Major employers in the area include Blue Bell Creameries, Valmont Industries, and the City of Brenham (as reported by Zippia).
Major Employers
Key companies contributing to Brenham’s employment base include Blue Bell Creameries, a well-known ice cream manufacturer, and Valmont Industries, a global leader in infrastructure and agricultural solutions (as reported by Zippia, Washington County Chamber of Commerce). The City of Brenham itself is also a significant employer, along with Brenham ISD and various healthcare facilities.
The manufacturing sector is particularly strong, with companies like Blue Bell Creameries and Valmont Industries playing a crucial role in the local economy. These major employers provide a substantial number of jobs and contribute to the city’s economic stability and growth.
Climate and Environment
Brenham experiences a climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 39°F to a high of 96°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 48 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Summers in Brenham can be uncomfortably humid, particularly from May to September (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 95°F and lows of 74°F. January sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs of 61°F and lows of 40°F.
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
The average high temperature in Brenham during the summer months reaches approximately 95°F in August, while the winter months see average highs around 61°F in January (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Brenham experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with an average of 1135 mm (approximately 45 inches) annually (as reported by Weather and Climate). May is the wettest month, with an average of 176 mm of precipitation, while February is the driest, with about 65 mm (as reported by Brenham (TX) Rainfall by Month).
The city has around 144 days per year with comfortable weather, generally occurring in March to April and October to November. This period offers mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Education and Schools
Brenham Independent School District serves the city’s public school needs, offering a range of educational opportunities for students. The district has an above-average ranking with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). However, proficiency scores in math and reading are slightly below the state averages.
Brenham public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% and a reading proficiency score of 47% (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The district’s overall Niche grade is a B, reflecting a solid educational environment. Several schools within the district have received positive ratings, including Brenham Elementary School and Alton Elementary School, which earned a B grade (as reported by KWHI.com).
School Ratings and Performance
Brenham Independent School District is rated as a B- by Niche, indicating it is an above-average public school district (as reported by Niche). In terms of state accountability ratings, Brenham ISD received a “C” grade for the 2024-25 school year (as reported by KWHI.com). This grade reflects a “C” in Student Achievement, a “C” in School Progress, and a “D” in Closing the Gaps.
Individual campuses within Brenham ISD also have varying ratings. Alton Elementary School and Brenham Elementary School earned a B, while Brenham High School received a C (as reported by KWHI.com). These ratings provide a snapshot of the district’s performance across different educational metrics.
Demographics and Community
Brenham’s population is diverse, with a racial composition that includes White, Hispanic, Black, and other groups. As of recent estimates, the population is approximately 49.1% White, 24.0% Hispanic, and 19.8% Black (as reported by Census Dots). The city’s population has seen an increase since the 2020 Census, indicating growth and development.
The median age in Brenham is 33.8 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Census Dots). The city’s diversity index is lower than that of Texas overall, suggesting a less diverse population compared to the state as a whole.
Population Breakdown
The city of Brenham is home to an estimated population of 18,641 people, showing growth from the 17,369 recorded in the 2020 U.S. Census (as reported by Census Dots). The racial makeup includes approximately 49.1% White residents, 24.0% Hispanic, and 19.8% Black or African American (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic distribution indicates a varied community with significant representation from multiple ethnic groups.
The median age in Brenham is 33.8 years, with a slight gender imbalance favoring females (as reported by Census Dots). For every 100 females, there are approximately 92.9 males (as reported by Wikipedia). This demographic profile suggests a community with a mix of age groups and a slightly larger female population.