Is Brownwood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brownwood

Brownwood, Texas, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a change of scenery. The city is situated in Brown County, providing residents with a community feel while still being accessible to larger Texas hubs. Its location offers a balance between a relaxed pace of life and the conveniences that many modern households desire.

As you contemplate a move to Brownwood, understanding the various facets of life in the city is crucial. This includes insights into safety, the general cost of living, and the opportunities available for employment and education. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear picture of what makes Brownwood a unique place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Brownwood?

Brownwood’s crime rate is higher than the national average, with a total crime rate that is 23.1% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This figure encompasses both violent and property crimes, with violent crimes being 0.8% higher than the national average and property crimes being 27.7% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

In terms of safety, individuals have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Brownwood (as reported by AreaVibes). While the city’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, it is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some data indicates that violent crime in Brownwood occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar population sizes across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Costs

The median home price in Brownwood was $175,000 as of March 2026, showing a 17.1% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Brownwood typically sell after 57 days on the market, which is slightly longer than the previous year’s average of 54 days (as reported by Redfin).

For renters, the average rent in Brownwood is $1,045 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents a month-over-month decrease of $50 and a year-over-year decrease of $154 (as reported by Zillow). The rental price range for properties in Brownwood varies, generally falling between $699 and $3,000 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Overall Cost of Living

Brownwood offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. One source indicates that living in Brownwood is 19% less expensive than the national average and 11% less expensive than the average city in Texas (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability is largely driven by housing costs, which are noted to be 36.7% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Food expenses in Brownwood also tend to be slightly below the national average, with energy, transportation, and healthcare costs being marginally lower as well (as reported by Salary.com). These factors contribute to a total monthly expense of approximately $2,010 for a single person and $4,589 for a family of four, positioning Brownwood as one of the more affordable cities in the U.S. (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Brownwood’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and major employers. Key sectors include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance (as reported by Data USA). Notable employers in the area include Brownwood Regional Medical Center, City of Brownwood, and Howard Payne University (as reported by Zippia).

Other significant companies contributing to the local job market include Superior Essex Corp. (as reported by Brownwood Municipal Development District) and entities like 3M Company, Kroger, and Walmart (as reported by Zippia and Indeed). This variety of industries provides a broad spectrum of employment opportunities for residents.

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Brownwood, Texas, is currently at 4.10%, which is consistent with the previous month but slightly higher than the rate from the previous year (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average for the area (as reported by YCharts).

The average annual salary in Brownwood is approximately $54,864, equating to about $26.38 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Brownwood typically range between $33,189 and $75,526 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some of the highest-paying job types in the area include Hospitalist, Owner Operator, and Owner Operator Truck Driver (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Weather Patterns

Brownwood experiences a climate characterized by hot, muggy summers and short, cold, and windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 34°F to 96°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 22°F or exceeding 102°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season spans from June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures climbing above 89°F.

July is generally the hottest month, with average highs around 95°F and lows near 72°F. Conversely, the cool season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 66°F. January is the coldest month, typically seeing average low temperatures of 34°F and highs of 60°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Brownwood receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 29.7 inches (as reported by NOAA). The wettest months are typically May, June, and September, with May and June often seeing the highest amounts of rainfall. June, in particular, can experience significant precipitation, with a record of 6.6 inches on a single day in 2000 (as reported by NOAA).

Snowfall is minimal in Brownwood, with an average of about 1.1 inches per year (as reported by NOAA). The majority of this snow typically occurs in the winter months, with December and January sometimes seeing light accumulations (as reported by NOAA).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

The Brownwood Independent School District serves the city, with an overall Niche grade of B (as reported by Niche). This district is considered above average, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, serving approximately 3,441 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 45% of students are proficient in math and 52% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).

Brownwood High School also holds a B grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 for its 943 students in grades 9-12 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 37% of high school students are proficient in math and 55% in reading (as reported by Niche). Other schools within the district, such as East Elementary School, have received an A- rating (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

As of the most current U.S. Census data, Brownwood has a population of approximately 18,777 residents, making it the 172nd most populated city in Texas out of 1,795 cities (as reported by CUBIT). The median age of residents is 37.6 years (as reported by CUBIT).

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brownwood is primarily White (62.3%), followed by Hispanic (28.9%), and Black (5.0%) (as reported by CUBIT). In terms of household income, the median household income in Brownwood was $48,981 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). Approximately 19.3% of Brownwood families live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT).