Small-Town Living in the Heart of Jack County

Perrin is a rural Jack County community of approximately 1,123 residents where the median home value reaches $408,600 and the median household income sits at $69,808 according to Census Bureau estimates. The town is served by Perrin-Whitt CISD, an A-rated district with 324 students, and the local economy is anchored by county-level industries including mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction. With a 73 percent homeownership rate and minimal commercial development, Perrin offers spacious country living within reach of Jacksboro and Mineral Wells.

History

Perrin's history is intertwined with nearby Gibtown, originally called New Hope City before being renamed for merchant Burdett Levi Gibbins. The Gibtown Cemetery, marked by the Texas Historical Commission in 2013, preserves the memory of pioneer families who settled this part of Jack County in the late 1800s.

ZIP Codes Compared

Perrin operates as a single small community without distinct ZIP code variations or neighborhood price tiers. Property values are largely determined by acreage size and land quality rather than location within town boundaries.

Demographics

Perrin's population skews younger than typical rural Texas towns, with a median age of 33 and a homeownership rate of 73 percent. The community is predominantly White at 85.1 percent, with a smaller Hispanic population of 7.7 percent and relatively few college graduates at 16.4 percent holding bachelor's degrees.

Economy

Jack County's economy is heavily tied to natural resources and infrastructure, with mining, oil and gas extraction employing 270 workers at an average pay of $76,198 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Construction, retail trade, and transportation also provide significant employment, though Perrin itself has limited commercial activity within town limits.

Schools

Perrin is served exclusively by Perrin-Whitt Consolidated Independent School District, which earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency and educates 324 students across one campus. The small district offers a close-knit educational environment typical of rural Texas schools.

Cost of Living

Housing costs in Perrin run higher than many rural Texas towns, with a median home value of $408,600 according to Census data, though median rent remains affordable at $986 per month. The elevated home values likely reflect larger lot sizes and acreage properties common in the area.

Homeowners Associations

Perrin has just one registered homeowners association, reflecting the town's rural character where most properties sit on larger tracts without deed restrictions. The vast majority of homes operate outside HOA governance.

About Perrin

Perrin is a rural community of roughly 1,100 residents in Jack County, Texas, where wide-open spaces and agricultural heritage define daily life. The town traces its roots to the late 19th century, and nearby Gibtown Cemetery—originally part of a settlement called New Hope City—stands as a reminder of the pioneer families who shaped this corner of North Texas. The cemetery was later renamed for Burdett Levi Gibbins, a local merchant whose presence helped establish the area's early commerce. Today, that entrepreneurial spirit persists in a community where small businesses and resource extraction industries provide the economic backbone.

Life in Perrin revolves around family, work, and the kind of neighborly familiarity that comes with small-town Texas. The median age of 33 reflects a younger population than many rural towns, with families drawn to affordable land and the Perrin-Whitt school district. Homeownership stands at 73 percent according to Census Bureau data, and many residents work in nearby industries tied to oil and gas, construction, or transportation. The town itself has minimal commercial infrastructure, so most shopping and dining happen in Jacksboro, the county seat about 15 miles southeast, or in Mineral Wells to the south.

Perrin offers the kind of setting where children can grow up with acreage to roam, where commutes are measured in minutes rather than hours, and where the pace of life is decidedly unhurried. The town doesn't have the amenities of larger cities—no chain restaurants, no movie theaters, no weekend farmers markets—but for those seeking privacy, land, and a tight-knit community, Perrin delivers an authentic rural Texas experience. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling pastureland, modest ranch homes, and the occasional historic marker pointing to the region's frontier past.

Classification

Type

Census Designated Place

Class Code

U1

Identifiers

GEOID

4856864

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

56864

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

219

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

4 km²

County

Jack

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Perrin

Is Perrin a good place to live?

Perrin is well-suited for those seeking authentic rural Texas living with space, privacy, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. With a population of just over 1,100 and a homeownership rate of 73 percent according to Census Bureau data, the town attracts families and individuals who value land over urban conveniences. The median household income of $69,808 supports a stable working-class community, and the Perrin-Whitt school district's A rating from the Texas Education Agency provides quality education for local children. However, Perrin lacks commercial infrastructure—residents drive to Jacksboro or Mineral Wells for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The town works best for those who prioritize acreage, quiet, and a slower pace over walkability and amenities. If you're comfortable with rural isolation and want genuine small-town Texas character, Perrin delivers.

What is the cost of living in Perrin?

Housing costs in Perrin run higher than many rural Texas communities, with a median home value of $408,600 according to Census Bureau estimates, likely reflecting the larger lot sizes and acreage properties common in the area. Median rent sits at a more modest $986 per month, making rental options relatively affordable for those not ready to buy. The median household income of $69,808 suggests that while homes carry significant price tags, local wages support ownership for many families. Jack County's economy provides decent-paying jobs in industries like oil and gas extraction, where Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows average annual pay of $76,198, and utilities work averaging $165,742. Day-to-day expenses for groceries, gas, and services typically run lower than in urban Texas markets, though residents must factor in driving distances to reach shopping centers in nearby towns. Overall, Perrin's cost of living reflects a trade-off between higher home values and lower everyday expenses.

How are the schools in Perrin?

Perrin is served by Perrin-Whitt Consolidated Independent School District, which earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency and educates 324 students across one campus. The small district size means students receive individualized attention and families often know teachers personally, creating a close-knit educational environment typical of rural Texas schools. With only 16.4 percent of Perrin residents holding bachelor's degrees according to Census data, the community isn't heavily focused on college preparation culture, though the district's strong rating indicates solid academic fundamentals. Parents seeking specialized programs, advanced placement courses, or extensive extracurricular options may find the offerings limited compared to larger districts, but for families prioritizing small class sizes and community connection, Perrin-Whitt delivers quality education. The district serves the town and surrounding rural areas, making it the primary educational option for families living in this part of Jack County.

Is Perrin good for families?

Perrin offers families a safe, rural environment where children can grow up with space to explore and a strong sense of community. The town's median age of 33 and high homeownership rate of 73 percent according to Census Bureau data indicate a stable population of working families. Perrin-Whitt CISD's A rating from the Texas Education Agency provides quality education in a small-school setting where teachers know every student. However, families should understand that Perrin lacks the recreational infrastructure found in larger towns—no public pools, sports complexes, or organized youth programs within town limits. Children's activities often center around school sports, church groups, and outdoor play on family property. The nearest libraries, parks, and entertainment options are in Jacksboro or Mineral Wells, requiring regular drives. For families who value acreage, outdoor freedom, and a slower pace over structured activities and urban conveniences, Perrin can be an excellent choice. It works best for parents comfortable with rural isolation and willing to create their own entertainment.

Explore Rural Living in Perrin

Considering a move to Perrin or the surrounding Jack County area? A Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the rural property market, from finding land with the right acreage to understanding school options and county services. Let's discuss what small-town Texas living could look like for you.