Life on the Caprock: Silverton's Prairie Community

Silverton is a Caprock town of approximately 845 residents in Briscoe County, where the median home value sits at $91,300 and median household income reaches $43,362 according to Census Bureau estimates. The town has no formally mapped neighborhoods, with nearly ninety percent of residents owning their homes. Silverton ISD serves 204 students across one campus and carries an A rating from the Texas Education Agency. Agriculture dominates the local economy, employing 58 workers at an average pay of $36,607 based on county-level Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

History

Founded in 1891 before Briscoe County's official organization, Silverton grew from pioneer claims filed by families like the Schotts and Crawfans who arrived in the late 1880s. The 1894 stone jail and Pleasant Lafayette Crawford's 1904 Queen Anne home stand as physical reminders of the town's early settlement years.

ZIP Codes Compared

The town operates as a single unified area without distinct zip code zones or neighborhood price tiers. Housing stock is relatively uniform, with most properties falling within a narrow value range that reflects the agricultural economy.

Demographics

The population skews older with a median age of 49.2 years, reflecting a community of established families and retirees. The town is predominantly White at 64.7 percent with a significant Hispanic population at 29.1 percent, and educational attainment shows 18.6 percent holding bachelor's degrees.

Economy

Agriculture, forestry, and hunting form the economic backbone with 58 employees countywide earning an average of $36,607 annually. Retail trade and finance provide additional employment, though opportunities are limited in this rural county where most work ties directly to the land.

Schools

Silverton ISD operates one campus serving 204 students and holds an A rating from the Texas Education Agency. The small district size means tight-knit classrooms and direct community involvement in education.

Cost of Living

With median rent at $543 monthly and home values at $91,300, Silverton offers housing costs well below state and national averages. The tradeoff comes in limited services and distance from urban amenities, making this one of Texas's most affordable places to own property.

Homeowners Associations

No registered homeowners associations operate in Silverton. Property owners here manage their own land without covenant restrictions, reflecting the rural character and individual ownership traditions of the area.

About Silverton

Silverton sits on the edge of the Texas Caprock in Briscoe County, a town of roughly 845 residents where the prairie stretches toward Palo Duro and Tule canyons. This is agricultural country, shaped by the families who arrived in the 1890s when the county organized and the first post offices opened at Celtic and Luther. The town itself was founded in 1891, and by 1894 the handcut stone jail still standing today was hauled in from Tule Canyon by horse-drawn wagons. The history here runs deep through families like the Crawfords and Vaughans, pioneers who filed claims, served as sheriffs, and built the Queen Anne homes that still line the streets.

Daily life in Silverton revolves around agriculture and the close-knit routines of small-town Texas. The Briscoe County Clinic provides local healthcare, while Dollar General handles everyday shopping needs. For meals, residents head to High Noon Hamburgers or Garcia's Restaurant. The First Baptist Church and First Methodist Church anchor community life, both organized in 1891 before the town was officially founded. With a median age approaching fifty and a homeownership rate near ninety percent according to Census Bureau data, this is a town where people put down roots and stay.

The surrounding landscape tells stories older than the town itself. Before Mackenzie Reservoir filled, archeological sites in Tule Canyon revealed evidence of human occupancy dating back ten thousand years to ancient bison kills. Today, the reservoir and canyons offer the primary recreation for a community that values open space and quiet. Silverton isn't a place people stumble upon—it's a destination for those seeking affordable rural living with strong schools and deep Texas history, where the median home value of $91,300 makes ownership accessible and the pace of life follows the rhythms of the land.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4867904

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

67904

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

649

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

3 km²

County

Briscoe

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Silverton

Is Silverton a good place to live?

Silverton works well for people seeking affordable rural living with strong community ties and excellent schools. The homeownership rate near ninety percent according to Census Bureau data reflects residents who stay long-term, and Silverton ISD's A rating from the Texas Education Agency makes it appealing for families prioritizing education. The median home value of $91,300 puts ownership within reach for buyers priced out of urban markets. However, this is isolated Caprock country with limited job opportunities outside agriculture, no major shopping or entertainment, and significant distance from hospitals and specialized services. The median age of 49.2 years indicates a community of established families and retirees rather than young professionals. If you value wide-open spaces, low costs, and small-town rhythms over career diversity and urban amenities, Silverton delivers an authentic Texas prairie experience with deep historical roots dating to the 1890s.

What is the cost of living in Silverton?

Silverton ranks among Texas's most affordable communities, with median home values at $91,300 and median rent at $543 monthly according to Census Bureau estimates—well below state and national averages. The median household income of $43,362 reflects the agricultural economy but still supports homeownership for most residents given the low housing costs. Property taxes vary by district, and with limited municipal services, residents save on utility and service costs compared to urban areas. Everyday expenses stay low with Dollar General handling basic shopping, though selection is limited and residents often drive to larger towns for major purchases. The tradeoff for these low costs is distance from specialized healthcare, entertainment, and career opportunities outside farming and ranching. For retirees on fixed incomes or families willing to commute for work, Silverton offers property ownership at prices increasingly rare in Texas.

How are the schools in Silverton?

Silverton ISD serves 204 students across one campus and carries an A rating from the Texas Education Agency, indicating strong academic performance for a small rural district. The single-campus structure means students progress through all grades in one tight-knit environment where teachers know every family. Class sizes stay small, and the district's limited enrollment allows for individualized attention that larger systems can't match. Parents should understand that course offerings, extracurriculars, and specialized programs will be more limited than in comprehensive urban districts—there's no choosing between multiple high schools or accessing magnet programs. The A rating demonstrates the district delivers quality core education despite its size. For families prioritizing small class sizes, community involvement, and strong fundamentals over program variety, Silverton ISD provides an excellent rural education grounded in the values of this agricultural community.

Is Silverton good for families?

Silverton appeals to families seeking small-town safety, excellent schools, and affordable homeownership in a close-knit community. The Silverton ISD A rating from the Texas Education Agency and the single-campus structure mean children receive quality education with direct parental involvement. Housing costs at a median of $91,300 according to Census Bureau data allow families to own rather than rent, building equity in a stable market. The First Baptist Church and First Methodist Church provide family programming, and the town's low crime and neighborly character offer the security parents value. However, families must weigh these benefits against limited youth activities, no organized sports beyond school programs, and distance from pediatric specialists and children's hospitals. Parents often drive considerable distances for extracurriculars, shopping, and entertainment. For families willing to create their own activities and comfortable with rural isolation, Silverton delivers affordable, safe living with strong schools and the kind of community where neighbors still look out for each other's children.

Considering a Move to Silverton?

Whether you're drawn to Silverton's affordable housing, strong schools, or the quiet of Caprock country, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the local market. We understand small-town Texas real estate and can connect you with properties that match your rural living goals.