A Small Texas Town Built on Timber and Pioneer Roots

Redwater is a town of approximately 263 residents in Bowie County, Texas, with a median home value of $159,500 and median household income of $90,349. The community has no formally mapped neighborhoods and is served entirely by Redwater ISD, which holds a C rating from the Texas Education Agency and enrolls 251 students across three campuses. The local economy draws primarily from Bowie County's healthcare, manufacturing, and wholesale trade sectors, with many residents commuting to nearby employment centers. Property tax rates for the school district are not publicly listed in available records.

History

Redwater's origins trace to the 1840 settlement of Mooresville by Republic of Texas pioneer Charles Moores and evolved into a sawmill town in the late 1800s when the Daniels and Spence operation attracted workers. The Cemetery for Old Harrison Chapel stands as a tangible link to the circuit-rider era when frontier communities gathered for worship across denominational lines.

ZIP Codes Compared

Redwater's small size means limited housing variation within town limits, with most properties falling into the affordable single-family home category. Prospective buyers will find a narrow price range rather than distinct neighborhood tiers, typical of towns with populations under 300.

Demographics

Redwater's population of 263 skews younger than many rural Texas towns, with a median age of 32.4 years and a bachelor's degree attainment rate of 33%. The town is predominantly White at 90.5%, with homeownership split nearly evenly at 51%, suggesting a balanced mix of renters and owners in this small community.

Economy

Bowie County's economy is anchored by healthcare and social assistance employing 7,687 workers at an average pay of $60,716, followed by retail trade and accommodation sectors. Manufacturing, wholesale trade, and construction provide higher-wage opportunities averaging between $60,000 and $70,000 annually for residents willing to commute.

Schools

Redwater ISD serves the entire town with three campuses educating 251 students from elementary through junior high, earning a C rating from the Texas Education Agency. Families should explore the district's specific programs and recent performance trends to understand how it aligns with their educational priorities.

Cost of Living

With a median home value of $159,500 and median rent of $971 per month, Redwater offers housing costs well below Texas metro averages while household incomes remain competitive at $90,349. This combination creates affordability for families seeking small-town life without sacrificing earning potential through regional employment.

Homeowners Associations

Redwater has no registered homeowners associations in county records, reflecting its rural character where property owners maintain independence over their land. This absence of HOA governance means fewer restrictions on property use but also less formal neighborhood organization.

About Redwater

Redwater sits in northeastern Bowie County as a quiet town of roughly 263 residents, shaped by its history as a sawmill community and its enduring connection to the land. The town grew around the Daniels and Spence sawmill in the late 1800s, replacing the earlier settlement of Mooresville that had been founded in 1840 by Republic of Texas pioneer Charles Moores and his wife Mary Harrison. The Cemetery for Old Harrison Chapel, established in 1840, still marks the site where circuit riders once served an all-faiths congregation named for Mary's South Carolina parents. These historical markers tell the story of families who carved out lives in the Piney Woods when Texas was still a republic, and that pioneering spirit persists in the town's character today.

Redwater Elementary School, Redwater Intermediate School, and Redwater Junior High School anchor the community, serving as gathering points for the 251 students enrolled across Redwater ISD. With a median age of 32.4 years and a homeownership rate of 51%, the town attracts a mix of young families and established residents who value small-town life within reach of larger employment centers. Daily life revolves around school activities, local churches, and the rhythms of rural Northeast Texas. The median household income of $90,349 according to Census Bureau estimates reflects a community where many residents commute to jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and wholesale trade throughout Bowie County while maintaining homes in Redwater's quieter setting. The town offers an alternative to suburban sprawl—a place where neighbors know each other, where history is visible in century-old cemeteries, and where the pace of life moves slower than in the cities an hour away.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4861340

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

61340

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

989

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

5 km²

County

Bowie

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Redwater

Is Redwater a good place to live?

Redwater works well for people who prioritize small-town living, affordable housing, and community connections over urban amenities. With a population of just 263 residents according to Census Bureau data, everyone knows their neighbors and the town maintains a slower pace rooted in its pioneer and sawmill heritage. The median household income of $90,349 is notably strong for a rural area, indicating residents successfully balance small-town life with commuting to higher-wage jobs in Bowie County's healthcare, manufacturing, and wholesale sectors. The median home value of $159,500 makes homeownership accessible compared to Texas metro areas. However, the town lacks the restaurants, entertainment, and shopping options found in larger communities, and Redwater ISD's C rating means families need to carefully evaluate whether the school meets their standards. This is a place for people who value quiet, land, and independence over convenience and variety.

What is the cost of living in Redwater?

Redwater offers a cost of living well below Texas metro averages, driven primarily by affordable housing with a median home value of $159,500 and median rent of $971 per month according to Census Bureau estimates. These housing costs are significantly lower than what you'd find in Dallas, Houston, or even mid-sized regional cities, making homeownership accessible on moderate incomes. The median household income of $90,349 provides comfortable purchasing power in this market, allowing families to secure housing while maintaining financial flexibility for other expenses. Property tax rates for Redwater ISD are not publicly listed in available records, so prospective buyers should request specific tax calculations from the county appraisal district. Daily expenses like groceries and gas align with rural Northeast Texas norms, generally lower than urban areas but without the competitive pricing that comes from dense retail markets. The tradeoff is that many shopping and service needs require drives to larger towns, adding transportation costs and time to your budget.

How are the schools in Redwater?

Redwater ISD serves the entire town with three campuses—Redwater Elementary School, Redwater Intermediate School, and Redwater Junior High School—educating 251 students total and earning a C rating from the Texas Education Agency. This rating places the district in the middle tier of Texas schools, indicating adequate performance but room for improvement compared to higher-rated districts in the region. The small enrollment of 251 students across all grades means intimate class sizes and close relationships between students, teachers, and families, which some parents value highly for the personal attention it provides. However, limited enrollment also restricts course offerings, extracurricular programs, and competitive sports compared to larger districts. Families considering Redwater should visit the campuses, review recent STAAR test scores, and talk with current parents to understand whether the district's strengths align with their children's needs. For high school, students typically continue to a district facility or explore nearby options, so understanding the full K-12 pathway is essential before committing to the community.

Is Redwater good for families?

Redwater appeals to families who want a safe, tight-knit community where children grow up knowing their neighbors and playing outdoors rather than navigating urban complexity. The town's median age of 32.4 years suggests a presence of younger families, and the three Redwater ISD campuses serve as community anchors where parents engage directly with teachers and school activities. With 251 students total across the district, children receive individualized attention that larger schools can't match, though this comes with fewer extracurricular options and less academic variety. The median household income of $90,349 according to Census Bureau data indicates families here maintain solid earning power, often through commuting to Bowie County's healthcare, manufacturing, and wholesale trade jobs while returning home to Redwater's quieter setting. The lack of registered HOAs means families have freedom to use their property as they wish, whether that's raising animals, building workshops, or simply enjoying space. However, the town offers minimal organized activities, no public parks listed in available records, and limited childcare or youth programming, so families need to be comfortable creating their own entertainment and driving to nearby towns for services.

Considering a Move to Redwater?

Whether you're drawn to Redwater's small-town character or exploring rural Northeast Texas options, a Texas Ally advisor can help you understand the local market and find the right property. Our team knows Bowie County communities and can guide you through every step of your home search.