Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ben Wheeler, TX
Considering a move to Ben Wheeler, TX? This small, close-knit community of 400 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $210,000 and average rents at $980. Residents enjoy mild winters, long sunny summers, and short commutes averaging 29 minutes. The area features a low violent crime rate, reputable schools in the Van ISD, and easy access to healthcare in nearby Tyler and Athens. Ben Wheeler is perfect for those seeking small-town charm, reasonable costs, and a relaxed rural lifestyle.
Demographics - Ben Wheeler, TX
Demographics - Ben Wheeler, TX
Ben Wheeler is a small rural community of about 400 residents, with a median age of 43, and a close balance between males and females. The population is predominantly White, with a modest presence of other ethnic groups, and just under 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area’s low population density supports its peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
400
Density:
85 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
10.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ben Wheeler, TX?
The cost of living in Ben Wheeler is notably affordable, with a median home value of $210,000 and average rents around $980. The cost of living index is below the national average, and housing costs in particular are favorable, making it an attractive option for homebuyers and renters alike. Utilities and transportation remain reasonably priced, and Texas’ lack of state income tax adds to the area’s affordability.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
89.0
Housing:
78.2
Utilities:
102.5
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
94.6
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Ben Wheeler, TX a safe place to live?
Ben Wheeler experiences a low rate of violent crime, with only 165 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering peace of mind for families and newcomers. Property crime rates are higher, but still moderate for a small town, with a 1 in 74 chance annually. Overall, the area maintains a safe, community-oriented environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
165
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,515
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 606
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Ben Wheeler, TX year-round?
Ben Wheeler enjoys mild winters and warm summers, with temperatures typically ranging from 35°F in winter to highs of 94°F in summer. The region sees about 43 inches of annual rainfall and benefits from 65% sunny days, making it pleasant for outdoor activities most of the year. Seasonal changes are moderate, providing a comfortable and inviting climate.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
94°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Residents of Ben Wheeler have a median household income of around $54,900, with a family income of $60,200 and a per capita income of $25,100. The area has a moderate poverty rate of 13.4% and an unemployment rate of 4%, while most people commute about 29 minutes to work. The community is friendly, with a high school graduation rate over 85%.
Median Income:
$34,700
Household Income:
$54,900
Family Income:
$60,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$27,900
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
28.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.8%
Education
How are the schools in Ben Wheeler, TX?
Ben Wheeler is served by reputable public schools in the Van Independent School District, including Van High School and Van Middle School, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education options are easily accessible, with Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler located within 30 miles. The area’s educational environment supports learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Van High School
Street:
985 N Maple St
Phone:
903-963-8628
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Van Middle School
Street:
14360 TX-110
Phone:
903-963-8710
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Colleges
Name:
Tyler Junior College
City:
Tyler
State:
TX
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
12,000
Name:
University of Texas at Tyler
City:
Tyler
State:
TX
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
10,500
Healthcare
Ben Wheeler residents have access to comprehensive healthcare facilities in nearby Athens and Tyler, including UT Health East Texas and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, both offering emergency services. There are about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and health insurance coverage is strong at nearly 84%. The overall healthcare environment is supportive and well-connected for a rural area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UT Health East Texas - Athens
Address:
2000 S Palestine St, Athens, TX 75751
Phone:
(903) 676-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Tyler
Address:
800 E Dawson St, Tyler, TX 75701
Phone:
(903) 593-8441
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.9%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ben Wheeler, TX?
The housing market in Ben Wheeler is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $210,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $980. Most residents own their homes, reflected in a high owner-occupancy rate of 78%, while vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Home values have appreciated by 6.7% in the past year, indicating steady growth.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Ben Wheeler are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with services available online or at the main office in Austin. Residents benefit from Texas’ straightforward DMV processes and helpful customer support. More information and resources can be found on the official TxDMV website.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4000 Jackson Ave, Austin, TX 78731
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.