Is Hearne Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hearne

Hearne, Texas, is a city located in Robertson County, offering a small-town atmosphere with proximity to larger urban centers like Bryan-College Station. It is a community with a rich history, named after a family that significantly contributed to the development of local rail lines in the 19th century. The city provides a blend of quiet living with convenient access to amenities found in nearby cities.

The population of Hearne was recorded at 4,544 as of the 2020 census, with a projected population of 4,605 for 2026. The median age in Hearne is around 37.1 years, indicating a diverse age distribution within the community. Hearne’s demographic makeup includes a significant African American population, followed by Hispanic and White residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Hearne?

Hearne’s overall crime rate is reported at 8 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average for cities of all sizes in America. However, analysis of FBI crime data indicates that the chance of becoming a victim of crime in Hearne is approximately 1 in 133. The city’s crime rate is lower than about 57% of communities in Texas.

While the overall crime rate is average, violent crime in Hearne occurs at a rate higher than in many communities across the nation. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, such as robbery or assault, is 1 in 273, or 4 per one thousand inhabitants. Conversely, property crime rates in Hearne are below the national average.

Neighborhood Scout data suggests that the northeast part of Hearne is generally considered the safest, with crime victim risk varying by neighborhood. The south neighborhoods have a higher risk, with a chance of being a victim of crime around 1 in 12, while the northeast neighborhoods offer a lower risk, around 1 in 27. The cost of crime per resident in Hearne is approximately $689 annually, which is higher than both the national and state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Market and Costs

Hearne’s housing market presents a median listing price of $199,900, with a year-over-year change in the median sale price of -3.89% (as reported by Prop:Metrics). The average home value in Hearne is approximately $75,834, which is significantly lower than the state average of $171,322 and the national average of $217,072 (as reported by Places.US.Com).

For renters, the average rent in Hearne is approximately $692 per month, which is considerably lower than the national average of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to different unit sizes, with studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments all falling below national averages for rent. Housing costs in Hearne are a major factor contributing to its overall affordability, being 42% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy

The employment sector in Hearne has shown growth, with a 4.64% increase in employment from the previous year, leading to approximately 1,760 employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for Hearne residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services. Key job roles within the city often involve material moving, office and administrative support, and education and library occupations.

The median household income in Hearne is reported around $37,372 (as reported by Data USA). However, the unemployment rate in Hearne is approximately 14% (as reported by Places.US.Com), which is significantly higher than the national average. This elevated unemployment rate is a notable economic challenge for the city.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Hearne experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The temperature typically ranges from 40°F to 96°F throughout the year, with rare instances of temperatures falling below 27°F or exceeding 101°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Summers are hot and oppressive, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 95°F and a low of 73°F. Winters are cooler, with January seeing an average low of 40°F and a high of 61°F. Hearne receives an average annual precipitation of about 40 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with May being the wettest month, averaging 4.1 inches of rainfall.

Education and School Ratings

Hearne Independent School District (ISD) has received a “D” rating overall from the Texas Education Agency. The district’s performance is assessed across three categories: student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps. Hearne Elementary received a “C” rating, while Hearne JH/HS received a “D” rating.

Student achievement in Hearne ISD is measured by performance on state tests, college readiness, and graduation rates. School progress indicates student growth and performance compared to similar schools. The “closing the gaps” category assesses how well schools support students from all backgrounds. Data from SchoolDigger indicates that both Hearne Elementary and Hearne JH/High School are ranked in the bottom 5-10% of their respective school types in Texas, with low proficiency rates on state tests compared to state averages.

Demographics and Diversity

As of the 2020 census, Hearne had a population of 4,544. The racial makeup of the city is diverse, with African Americans constituting the largest group at approximately 40.9%, followed by Hispanic residents at around 39%, and White residents at about 19.2% (as reported by Data USA and Niche). The median age in Hearne is approximately 37.1 years (as reported by Data USA).

In terms of household income, the median household income in Hearne is around $37,372 (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate in Hearne is about 27.3%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The city’s population is predominantly composed of U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 93.6% (as reported by Data USA).

Cost of Living

Hearne offers a cost of living that is generally lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living is approximately 13% lower than the national average and 8% lower than the Texas average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability is largely driven by the significantly lower housing costs in the city.

Housing expenses in Hearne are about 42% lower than the national average. Other cost factors, such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare, also tend to be more affordable compared to national benchmarks. This makes Hearne an attractive option for individuals and families seeking to manage their expenses effectively.