Is Plainview Safe, Pros and cons of living in Plainview

Is it Safe to Live in Plainview?

Plainview, Texas, presents a mixed picture regarding safety. The city’s overall crime rate is 3% lower than the national average, with approximately 1.08 daily crimes, including 0.19 violent incidents and 0.88 property offenses (as reported by AreaVibes). However, other data indicates that violent crimes are 3% higher than the national average, and there’s a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Plainview (as reported by AreaVibes).

When considering specific neighborhoods, residents generally find the northwest part of the city to be the safest. Conversely, the eastern neighborhoods experience a higher likelihood of crime, with a chance of being a victim ranging from 1 in 11 to 1 in 31 depending on the specific area (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). The total projected cost of crime in Plainview for 2025 is estimated at over $16.9 million, equating to about $718 per resident (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Plainview, TX, is generally lower than both the state and national averages. Overall, it is 18% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable, sitting at 47.2% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to both homeownership and rentals.

For renters, the average rent in Plainview is around $792 per month, which is 52% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The median household income in Plainview is approximately $45,991 (as reported by Wikipedia), suggesting that housing expenses are manageable for many residents. Home prices also reflect this affordability, with the median sale price of a home in Plainview being $173K as of March 2026, a 2.4% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Job Market and Economy

Plainview’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 16,100 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common industries in Plainview include Educational Services, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include Walmart Distribution Center, Panhandle Popcorn Company, and Azteca Milling (as reported by Plainview EDC).

The average salary in Plainview, TX, is reported to be around $35,000 annually, or $16.83 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources indicate a higher average annual salary of $61,849, or $30 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Plainview was 6.7% as of recent data (as reported by Point2Homes), which is higher than the typical 4-5% considered normal.

Climate and Weather

Plainview, Texas, experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and short, cold winters. The temperature typically ranges from 27°F to 91°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 16°F or exceeding 98°F (as reported by Weather & Climate). The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 19 inches, with May being the wettest month, receiving around 80 mm of rain over 7 days (as reported by Weather & Climate).

January is the driest month, with approximately 11 mm of rainfall over 2 days (as reported by Weather & Climate). Plainview experiences a distinct dry season from September to May, with the majority of precipitation occurring between May and September. The city also sees an average annual snowfall of about 8 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

Plainview, TX, is home to a population of approximately 19,711 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The city’s demographic makeup is diverse, with Hispanic individuals forming the largest group at 65.3%, followed by White residents at 27.6% (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Plainview is 32.7 years (as reported by Data Commons).

The Plainview Independent School District serves the city, with 7 schools and approximately 4,277 students enrolled (as reported by Niche). While the district as a whole receives a B grade, individual school performance varies. Plainview Classical Academy is noted for outperforming district and state averages in proficiency, while Plainview High School has a high graduation rate but struggles academically (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).