City profile · Texas · Census ACS 2023

Cactus, TX

Population, income, housing, safety, climate and schools for Cactus - drawn straight from Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA, NCES, HUD and FEMA, refreshed on the 2024–2025 release cycle.

3,063
Residents
$49,125
Median income
$61,300
Median home
$1,038
Median rent (state)

Cactus - the verdict

Nationally, Cactus sits in the 18th percentile for household income and the 64th percentile for safety among US cities with a population of 1,000 or more. Source: Census ACS + FBI UCR.

18th
percentile, household income
1st
percentile, home value
23rd
percentile, median rent
64th
percentile, safety
📝 How we sourced this

Population, income, and housing-cost figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (B-series tables). Crime data uses FBI UCR; climate uses NOAA Climate Normals; school counts come from NCES Common Core of Data; permits use the Census Building Permits Survey (BPS). See our methodology page for the full ETL pipeline and OMB / FIPS join keys.

Data Snapshot: Cactus, TX

Cactus is a small town in Texas, home to 3,063 residents per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates. Cactus households earn a median of $49,125 annually, in the lower quartile of U.S. cities for household income, with a poverty rate of 20.6%. Typical homes in Cactus are valued around $61,300, and the median resident age is 30.1 years. About 1.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 62.2% of working-age residents are in the labor force.

Cactus reports a comparatively low crime rate: FBI UCR figures show 997.7 crimes per 100,000 residents, below the national average (reporting is voluntary across agencies, so treat this as reporting activity rather than a definitive danger score).

Texas tracks close to the national cost-of-living baseline: on BEA's 100-equals-national-average cost index, Texas scores 97.1 (Near Average), per the 2024 Regional Price Parities release. Statewide, HUD pegs Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom unit at $1,038 monthly. Monthly utility costs average around $223 across Texas, per EIA 2023 residential energy estimates. FEMA's National Risk Index rates natural-hazard exposure at 61.9 out of 100 (Moderate).

Population

3,063 residents

Census ACS 2023 - Texas

Median Household Income

$49,125 /yr

Poverty 20.6%

Cost of Living Index (state)

97.1 (US=100)

Near Average - BEA RPP 2024, Texas average

How does Cactus compare to other US cities?

Where Cactus sits among all US cities (population 1,000+) on each measure, computed live from Census and FBI data.

Household income 18% higher than other cities
Home value 1% pricier than other cities
Median rent 23% pricier than other cities
Safety 64% safer than other cities

"Safer than" reflects total crime rate from FBI UCR; the others use Census ACS estimates.

A national percentile can hide a lot of local variation: narrowed to Texas alone, Cactus ranks #228 of 624 Texas cities by lowest crime rate - a different, more locally useful comparison than stacking it against the entire country.

How we calculate these percentiles & ranks

For each metric we count every US city with population 1,000+ and a non-null value, then compute what share of them fall below Cactus's value: round(cities-below ÷ total × 100). Safety is inverted (percentile = share of cities with a higher crime rate) so a higher number always means safer. The in-state rank narrows that same crime-rate comparison to only the cities PlainCities tracks in Texas, breaking ties alphabetically. See the methodology page for the full source-to-figure lineage.

18thIncome percentile
64thSafety percentile

18th percentile nationally for median household income · 64th percentile for safety (lower crime rate). Source: Census ACS 2023 / FBI UCR 2023.

Cactus's profile vs. every US city

Income, affordability, and safety percentile

Cactus's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown. 3-axis radar comparing 1 series across Income, Affordability, Safety. IncomeAffordabilitySafety 57 Avg. percentile National median
Cactus's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown.

How Cactus's home value compares nationally

Median home value vs. every US city (population 1,000+)

$61,300 Among the most affordable more affordable than 99% of 15,600 US cities

$0–$25,000: 5 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$50,000: 54 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $50,000–$75,000: 352 US cities (2%). This entry sits in this band. $75,000–$100,000: 1,086 US cities (7%). Above this entry. $100,000–$125,000: 1,516 US cities (10%). Above this entry. $125,000–$150,000: 1,170 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $150,000–$175,000: 1,278 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $175,000–$200,000: 1,229 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $200,000–$225,000: 1,035 US cities (7%). Above this entry. $225,000–$250,000: 976 US cities (6%). Above this entry. $250,000–$275,000: 754 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $275,000–$300,000: 712 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $300,000–$325,000: 521 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $325,000–$350,000: 526 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $350,000–$375,000: 465 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $375,000–$400,000: 393 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $400,000–$425,000: 317 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $425,000–$450,000: 300 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $450,000–$475,000: 307 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $475,000–$500,000: 250 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $500,000–$525,000: 160 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $525,000–$550,000: 156 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $550,000–$575,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $575,000–$600,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $600,000–$625,000: 163 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $625,000–$650,000: 167 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $650,000–$675,000: 135 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $675,000–$700,000: 101 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $700,000–$725,000: 95 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $725,000–$750,000: 71 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $750,000–$775,000: 65 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $775,000–$800,000: 70 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $800,000–$825,000: 57 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $825,000–$850,000: 67 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $850,000–$875,000: 60 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $875,000–$900,000: 58 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $900,000–$925,000: 47 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $925,000–$950,000: 37 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $950,000–$975,000: 31 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $975,000–$1,000,000: 470 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $1,000,000–$1,025,000: 0 US cities (0%). Above this entry. Cactus $0 $1,025,000 every US city, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $25K-wide band; taller bars hold more US cities. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2023

Income distribution context

Household income distribution - Cactus, TX Cactus, TX's reported median household income shown against the U.S. national quintile-share pattern (not Cactus, TX-specific quintile data). The Lorenz curve traces the national cumulative income share against cumulative population share, perfect equality is the diagonal; observed inequality bows below. $ Household Income Distribution Cactus, TX median $49,125/yr, vs. U.S. national quintile pattern QUINTILE SHARE OF AGGREGATE INCOME Lowest 20% 3.4% Second 20% 9.2% Middle 20% 15.1% Fourth 20% 23.2% Top 20% 49.1% LORENZ CURVE cumulative income vs. population 100% 0% 100% pop. 0%
Cactus, TX's median household income (Census ACS 5-year estimate) plotted against the U.S. national income-quintile distribution pattern for context; the quintile shares and Lorenz curve are national figures, not computed specifically for Cactus, TX. Diagonal = perfect equality.

Key socioeconomic indicators

Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+) 1.3%

Census ACS S1501, educational attainment

Poverty rate (households below FPL) 20.6%

Census ACS S1701, poverty status

Labor force participation (adults 16+) 62.2%

Census ACS S2301, share of working-age residents in the labor force

Population
3,063
Median Income
$49,125
Median Home Value
$61,300
Median Age
30.1
Poverty Rate
20.6%
Labor force participation
62.2%
Bachelor's Degree+
1.3%

Safety & Crime

Total Crime Rate
997.7
per 100,000 residents
Violent Crime
386.2
per 100,000 residents
Property Crime
611.5
per 100,000 residents

Reflects incidents reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program — agency participation is voluntary and reporting completeness varies by jurisdiction and year, so this reflects reporting activity, not a definitive danger score. Not adjusted for tourism, commuter, or daytime population.

Schools

Total Schools
1
Public schools in this city

Population Change

Annual U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP) estimates, 2020–2025

See the fastest-growing cities →
3,000 residents3,050 residents3,100 residents3,150 residents3,200 residents 202020212022202320242025 3,038 residents 3,165 residents ▲ +4.2%
Cactus's Census PEP population estimates, 2020–2025.

Commute Patterns

How workers travel to work, Census ACS 2023

Drive Alone
86.8%
Carpool
9.1%
Public Transit
0.4%
Walk
3.7%
Work from Home
0.0%

Based on 1,340 workers 16 and over.

Monthly Utility Costs

State-average estimates for Texas - EIA 2023 residential energy data

Electricity
$130
avg/month
Natural Gas
$45
avg/month
Water & Sewer
$48
avg/month
Total Utilities
$223
estimated/month

Estimates reflect Texas state averages. Actual costs vary by home size, usage, and local rates. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023.

Living Costs & Risk

Cost of living is a Texas state average from BEA; rent and hazard risk are county-level figures from HUD and FEMA for the county Cactus sits in

Cost of Living Index
97.1
Near Average
US average = 100 · BEA RPP 2024
Typical 2-BR Rent
$1,038/mo
HUD Fair Market Rent
County-level FMR estimate
Natural Hazard Risk
61.9 / 100
Moderate
FEMA NRI composite score (county)

Similar Cities in Texas

Waller
3,062 people
Double Oak
3,060 people
George West
3,067 people
Nocona
3,073 people
Needville
3,076 people
DeCordova
3,086 people

Cities of a Similar Size Nationwide

Population-matched peers from other states, closest to Cactus's 3,063 residents (Census ACS 5-Year 2023).

Prescott, AR
3,063 people
Arthurtown, SC
3,063 people
Garner, IA
3,062 people
Potterville, MI
3,065 people
Sewell, NJ
3,065 people
Vails Gate, NY
3,065 people

Cities with a Similar Household Income Nationwide

Median-household-income-matched peers from other states, closest to Cactus's $49,125 (Census ACS 5-Year 2023, table B19013).

Liberty, NY
$49,125 median income
Winchester Bay, OR
$49,125 median income
Bobtown, PA
$49,125 median income
Corsica, PA
$49,125 median income
Hickory Hills, PA
$49,125 median income
Continental Courts, PA
$49,118 median income

Race & Ethnicity Composition

Race and ethnicity - Cactus, TX Race categories sum to one hundred percent per Census methodology. Hispanic or Latino is shown separately as an ethnicity overlay; it cuts across all race categories per OMB Directive 15. Race & Ethnicity Composition Cactus, TX - Census ACS, OMB race + ethnicity categories RACE, sums to 100% 53.0% 7.9% 6.6% 30.6% ETHNICITY, Hispanic or Latino (any race) 81.1% White 53.0% Black or African American 7.9% Asian 6.6% American Indian 0.2% Native Hawaiian 0.0% Some other race 1.7% Two or more races 30.6% Per OMB Directive 15: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is reported separately from the race categories.
Race categories sum to 100%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is reported separately and cuts across race per Census/OMB methodology.

City-level race and ethnicity, Census ACS 5-year 2023 (tables B02001, B03001), OMB Directive 15 categories.

How Cactus compares to nearby Texas cities

Population + median household income, sourced from Census Bureau ACS 5-year B01001 (population) and B19013 (median household income).

City Population Median Household Income
Cactus (this city) 3,063 $49,125
Waller 3,062 $37,163
Double Oak 3,060 $180,208
George West 3,067 $47,402
Census ACS 5-year FIPS TX FBI UCR NCES CCD OMB Bulletin 23-01

What do people ask about Cactus, TX?

What is the population of Cactus, TX? +

The population of Cactus, TX stands at 3,063 according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the median household income in Cactus, TX? +

In Cactus, the typical household earns $49,125 per year, based on Census ACS 2023 data.

What is the cost of living in Cactus? +

BEA does not publish a city-level cost-of-living figure for Cactus; the closest available measure is the Texas state average, a cost of living index of 97.1 (U.S. average = 100), rated "Near Average" based on BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 data. Costs within Texas vary by metro area.

Is Cactus, TX safe? +

Cactus has a total crime rate of 997.7 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average. This reflects incidents reported to the FBI UCR program, not a definitive safety score -- agency reporting is voluntary and completeness varies by jurisdiction.

What is the median home value in Cactus, TX? +

The median home value in Cactus is $61,300, according to Census ACS 2023 estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2023, FBI UCR, NCES CCD, Census ACS B08301/B08136, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023, BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, HUD Fair Market Rents 2026, FEMA National Risk Index.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Primary sources: Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES.

Citation & verification links Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCities Editorial

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Every figure on PlainCities is rendered directly from Census ACS source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on Census ACS source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.