Is Gilmer Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gilmer

Gilmer, Texas, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it an appealing location for those seeking a change of pace. Nestled in the East Texas Piney Woods, the city provides a more relaxed lifestyle compared to larger metropolitan areas. Its community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and a focus on local traditions.

The city’s location in Upshur County places it within a region rich in natural beauty, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Gilmer is also recognized for its annual East Texas Yamboree, a significant cultural event that draws visitors and highlights the local heritage. This combination of natural surroundings and community events contributes to Gilmer’s unique character.

Is it Safe to Live in Gilmer?

Gilmer’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a rate of 33% higher than national figures (as reported by Area Vibes). However, violent crime rates in Gilmer are 36% lower than the national average (as reported by Area Vibes). Property crime, on the other hand, is 46.9% higher than the national average (as reported by Area Vibes).

When considering safety, neighborhood variations are important. The southwest part of Gilmer is generally considered the safest by residents, with a much lower chance of being a victim of crime. Conversely, central neighborhoods experience a higher incidence of crime, with a chance of victimization ranging from 1 in 15 to 1 in 50 depending on the specific area (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

Gilmer presents an attractive housing market with a median home value of $166,700 (as reported by Niche). This is significantly lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). The homeownership rate in Gilmer is 56.3%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

The cost of living in Gilmer is generally lower than the national average. Overall living expenses are approximately 13% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are notably lower, being 37% below the national average, while utility prices are slightly higher at 6% above the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Rental costs in Gilmer are also competitive. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is $1,397 per month (as reported by Zumper). This is 28% lower than the national average, or $552 less than the national average (as reported by Zumper). For apartments, the average rent is $975, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $920 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $975 (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

The employment sector in Gilmer has seen growth, with a 8.21% increase in employment from the previous year, employing approximately 1.81k individuals (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for Gilmer residents include Transportation & Warehousing, Educational Services, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA).

Common job roles within the city encompass Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Management Occupations, and Education Instruction & Library Occupations (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Gilmer was $44,316 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with an average per capita income of $36,667 (as reported by Cubit). The unemployment rate in Gilmer stands at 8.9% (as reported by Point2Homes).

Major employers in Gilmer include Walmart and McDonald’s, which are significant contributors to the local job market (as reported by Indeed.com). Other notable companies include United States Postal Service, Dollar General, and Tractor Supply (as reported by Indeed.com).

Climate and Environment

Gilmer experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The summer season typically runs from June to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 86°F. August is the hottest month, with average highs around 93°F and lows of 73°F (as reported by Wikipedia).

The cooler season extends from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 64°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 38°F and highs of 57°F (as reported by Wikipedia). Over the course of the year, temperatures generally range from 38°F to 94°F, with rare occurrences of temperatures below 25°F or above 100°F (as reported by Wikipedia).

Rainfall in Gilmer is distributed throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from approximately 2.47 inches in August to 4.57 inches in May (as reported by Time and Date). The city is located within the East Texas Piney Woods, an area known for its abundant trees, particularly pine trees (as reported by Wikipedia).

Education and Schools

Gilmer is served by the Gilmer Independent School District and the Union Hill Independent School District, comprising a total of six public schools (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). The Gilmer Independent School District has received an overall B+ rating from Niche and a “B” rating from the Texas Education Agency, indicating recognized performance (as reported by Niche and Texas Public Schools Explorer).

Within the district, Gilmer High School is a notable institution, ranking among the top high schools in Texas and boasting a high graduation rate (as reported by SchoolDigger.com and Niche). Gilmer Elementary School and Bruce J High School are also highly regarded within the community (as reported by Niche).

Student performance in Gilmer public schools shows an average math proficiency of 51% and a reading proficiency of 49% (as reported by Niche). These figures are comparable to the state averages, with Texas public schools averaging 44% in math and 51% in reading proficiency (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community

As of the most recent census data, Gilmer has a population of approximately 5,025 residents (as reported by Niche and Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with White residents making up the largest demographic group at 69.4%, followed by Black or African American residents at 12.4%, and Hispanic residents at 12.2% (as reported by Cubit and Point2Homes).

The median age in Gilmer is 36.1 years (as reported by Cubit and Point2Homes), with a slightly higher proportion of females (55.6%) compared to males (44.4%) (as reported by Point2Homes). The community is characterized by a significant number of families and retirees, contributing to a generally conservative atmosphere (as reported by Niche).

Households in Gilmer average 3 members, with 61.5% being families and 38.5% consisting of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income is $44,316, and the poverty rate is 18.3% (as reported by Cubit and U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).