Wichita Falls, TX: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Wichita Falls: The Data Profile (2026)

Wichita Falls presents a complex economic picture for the 2026 relocator. With a population of 102,683, it occupies the "small city" demographic tier, offering a cost of living index of 88.0—a 12.0% reduction from the national average. However, this affordability comes with a significant income trade-off; the median household income sits at $60,772, which is 18.5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The labor market is less specialized, evidenced by a college education attainment rate of 27.2%, trailing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Wichita Falls is the "Budget-Conscious Hybrid Worker." This profile includes individuals or families prioritizing low housing overhead who possess location-independent income streams (remote work or federal pensions) to offset the local wage depression. It is less suitable for career climbers dependent on local corporate ladders.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the aggregate index is favorable, a granular breakdown reveals specific savings drivers. The primary advantage is housing, indexed at 88.0, but utilities offer a distinct edge; electricity averages 14.94 cents/kWh, undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $60,772 takes home approximately $4,000 monthly after taxes. With a projected monthly burn rate of $2,300, the disposable income margin is $1,700 (approx. 42.5% of net pay). This is a strong savings rate, significantly higher than what is achievable in major metros, provided the earner accepts the local wage cap.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's strongest asset. Buying is highly favorable compared to renting due to low price-per-square-foot metrics. The median home price is $165,000, roughly $100,000 below the national median, creating a low barrier to entry for ownership.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Buying is mathematically superior in Wichita Falls. The price-to-rent ratio is approximately 11.4 (median price / annual rent), well below the "buy" threshold of 15-20. A monthly mortgage payment on a median home is often $200-$400 cheaper than the rent on a comparable 3-bedroom unit. Relocators with capital for a down payment should prioritize purchasing to maximize the low-cost living advantage.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
In 2026, Wichita Falls remains a low-pressure environment regarding office mandates. Due to the smaller local corporate footprint, only an estimated 15-20% of the workforce is subject to strict 5-day office requirements. The average one-way commute time is 17.2 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27.6 minutes.

Industry Stability:
The economy is anchored by Sheppard Air Force Base (a major employer) and regional healthcare systems. However, the private sector is volatile. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, slightly above the national average of 4.0%, suggesting a tighter job market for non-governmental roles. High-paying remote roles are essential to bridge the local income gap.

Quality of Life Audit

Wichita Falls offers a "Good" aggregate health score of 78.8/100, driven by decent air quality and availability of outdoor activities. However, lifestyle-related health risks are statistically elevated.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Safety requires nuance. Violent crime is 446 per 100k (slightly above the US average of 380). However, property crime is a significant issue at 2,876 per 100k, nearly 44% higher than the national average. Home security systems are recommended.
• Air Quality: AQI averages 48 (Good), with PM2.5 levels remaining low due to the lack of heavy industrial density.
• Schools: Public school funding is tied to local property taxes; while graduation rates are high (92%), college readiness scores are roughly 8-10% lower than the national average.
• Weather: Currently 37.0°F with a high of 53°F. The region experiences a continental climate with hot summers (often exceeding 100°F) and mild winters.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Median home price of $165,000 allows for rapid wealth accumulation via mortgage pay-down.
• Low Overhead: Total cost of living is roughly 8-10% lower than the national average.
• Commute: Average commute of 17.2 minutes reclaims significant personal time.

Cons:

• Income Cap: Median income is $60,772, which is $13,808 below the US median.
• Property Crime: Rates are 44% higher than the national average.
• Health Risks: High rates of obesity (35.4%) and diabetes (12.6%) indicate a challenging environment for maintaining healthy habits.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita Falls is a STRONG BUY for remote workers earning national-average wages or higher. The math works perfectly if you bring $80,000+ in household income to the city. It is a HOLD for local job seekers, as the wage depression outweighs the low cost of living. It is a SELL for high-earners who prioritize cultural amenities and low crime over housing value.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Wichita Falls?
For a single person to live comfortably (including savings and discretionary spending), a salary of $65,000 is recommended. This is $4,228 above the local median, bridging the gap between local costs and national spending power.

2. How does the value compare to other Texas cities?
Wichita Falls offers 50% better housing value than Dallas or Austin. While those cities offer higher salaries, the price-per-square-foot in Wichita Falls is roughly $110 compared to $240+ in major metros.

3. Is the property crime rate a dealbreaker?
It requires mitigation. With property crime at 2,876 per 100k, your risk is statistically elevated. However, this is often concentrated in specific rental zones. Buying in established neighborhoods reduces this risk significantly.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
Move between May and September to avoid the severe winter wind chill (current temp 37.0°F is mild, but lows can drop to 15°F). The housing market inventory peaks in late summer, offering 5-7% more options for buyers.