East Texas Crossroads With Deep Mission Roots

Cushing is a town of approximately 2,396 residents in western Nacogdoches County where the median home value sits at $124,600 and the homeownership rate reaches 87 percent. The community is served by Cushing ISD, which holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency and operates two schools educating 558 students. The local economy draws from county-level employment in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, with median household income reported at $63,182 according to Census Bureau estimates. Property tax rates vary by district, and the town's character reflects its deep roots in Spanish mission history and 19th-century American settlement.

History

Cushing's history stretches back to the 1716 establishment of Mission San Jose de Los Nazonis by Franciscan missionaries, followed by American settlement in the 1830s when families received Mexican land grants and built plantations, grist mills, and farms that defined the region through the Civil War era.

ZIP Codes Compared

Cushing's housing stock is largely single-family homes on larger lots, with prices concentrated in the $100,000 to $150,000 range and limited rental inventory compared to nearby Nacogdoches.

Demographics

With a median age of 50.5 and an 87 percent homeownership rate, Cushing attracts residents seeking stability and rural character in East Texas. The population is 75.6 percent White, 13 percent Hispanic, and 7.6 percent Black, with about 22.5 percent holding bachelor's degrees.

Economy

Nacogdoches County's largest employment sectors include manufacturing with 3,241 jobs averaging $54,968 annually, accommodation and food services with 2,999 positions, and healthcare and social assistance employing 2,847 workers at an average pay of $54,076. Construction and finance also provide solid middle-income opportunities for county residents.

Schools

Cushing ISD serves the community with two schools educating 558 students and holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, offering a small-district environment where students and staff know one another well.

Cost of Living

With a median home value of $124,600 and median rent at $1,150 per month, Cushing offers housing costs well below Texas metro averages, though grocery and transportation expenses reflect the town's distance from major retail centers.

Homeowners Associations

No registered homeowners associations operate in Cushing, reflecting the town's rural character and preference for individual property management rather than subdivision governance.

About Cushing

Cushing sits at the intersection of US Highway 59 and State Highway 204 in western Nacogdoches County, a small East Texas town where history runs deeper than most travelers realize. This is land where Spanish Franciscan missionaries established the Mission San Jose de Los Nazonis in 1716, hoping to bring Christianity to the Nazoni and Nadaco Indians. Though the mission was temporarily abandoned in 1719 due to French incursions from Louisiana, the legacy of those early settlement efforts remains woven into the town's identity. By the 1830s, American settlers were arriving with land grants from the Mexican government, and families like the Brewers and McKnights established farms and plantations that would shape the area for generations.

Today's Cushing is a quiet community of around 2,400 residents, most of whom own their homes and have chosen this location for its distance from urban congestion and its proximity to the pine forests and rolling terrain characteristic of East Texas. The median age of 50.5 reflects a population that values stability and rural character over rapid growth. Many residents commute to Nacogdoches, about fifteen miles southeast, for work in healthcare, education, or manufacturing, while others find employment in the county's construction and retail sectors.

The town's historical cemeteries tell stories of the families who built this area. Baysinger Cemetery dates to Martin Baysinger's 1839 land grant, where he established a plantation with a grist mill and brick kiln. McKnight Cemetery opened to multiple families by the Civil War era, and Brewer Cemetery marks the site where Henry Brewer received 4,000 acres in 1835. Monte Verdi, the massive 10,700-acre plantation of Julien Sidney Devereux, was one of the most economically significant antebellum operations in the state, a reminder of the complex and often painful history embedded in this landscape.

Daily life in Cushing revolves around family, faith, and the outdoors. J F Whitaker Stadium serves as a gathering point for the community, particularly during football season when Cushing ISD teams take the field. The town doesn't offer the amenities of a larger city, but residents appreciate the trade-off: lower costs, safer streets, and the ability to know your neighbors by name.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4818224

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

18224

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

723

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

4 km²

County

Nacogdoches

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Cushing

Is Cushing a good place to live?

Cushing works well for people who prioritize homeownership, lower costs, and a slower pace of life in a rural East Texas setting. With an 87 percent homeownership rate and a median home value of $124,600 according to Census Bureau estimates, the town attracts residents looking to own property without the financial pressure of urban markets. The median age of 50.5 suggests a population that values stability and has often lived in the area for decades. Daily life is quiet, with limited retail and dining options within town limits, so residents typically drive to Nacogdoches for shopping, healthcare, and entertainment. The town's historical roots run deep, from Spanish mission days through antebellum plantation history, and that sense of continuity appeals to those who appreciate tradition. If you need walkability, cultural amenities, or diverse job opportunities close to home, Cushing will feel isolated. But for families seeking affordable land, safe streets, and a place where neighbors know each other, it offers genuine small-town Texas living.

What is the cost of living in Cushing?

Housing costs in Cushing are notably lower than Texas metro averages, with a median home value of $124,600 and median rent at $1,150 per month according to Census Bureau data. The median household income of $63,182 means most families can afford homeownership here, which explains the 87 percent homeownership rate. Property taxes vary by district, and while specific combined rates aren't publicly consolidated, rural East Texas generally sees lower tax bills than urban counties. Groceries, gas, and utilities tend to run slightly higher than in cities due to the town's distance from major distribution centers and limited competition among retailers. Healthcare costs reflect county-level pricing, with most residents traveling to Nacogdoches for medical services. The trade-off is straightforward: you'll spend less on housing and property taxes but more on transportation since most errands and employment require driving. For retirees or remote workers with fixed incomes, Cushing's low housing costs can stretch a budget significantly further than living closer to Houston or Dallas.

How are the schools in Cushing?

Cushing Independent School District serves the community with two schools educating 558 students and holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency. Small district size means students benefit from close relationships with teachers and staff, and extracurricular activities like football draw strong community support, particularly at J F Whitaker Stadium. The district's 22.5 percent bachelor's degree attainment rate among the adult population suggests that while some families prioritize higher education, the community also values vocational skills and local employment. Parents considering Cushing ISD should visit campuses and ask about specific programs, teacher retention, and college readiness metrics, as statewide ratings don't always capture the nuances of a small-town district. For families seeking specialized programs, advanced placement courses, or extensive extracurricular options, the district's size may feel limiting compared to larger systems in Nacogdoches or Lufkin. But for those who want their children educated in a tight-knit environment where everyone knows each other's names, Cushing ISD delivers that experience with solid academic foundations.

Is Cushing good for families?

Cushing appeals to families who want to raise children in a safe, affordable, rural environment with strong community ties and outdoor access. The 87 percent homeownership rate and median home value of $124,600 make it financially feasible for young families to buy property and build equity, a significant advantage over renting in more expensive markets. Cushing ISD's two schools serve 558 students with a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, offering a small-district experience where teachers and families develop close relationships. The town's historical cemeteries, mission sites, and agricultural heritage provide tangible connections to the past that can enrich a child's sense of place and identity. However, families should consider the limited amenities: there are no movie theaters, shopping centers, or extensive park systems within town limits, and most activities require driving to Nacogdoches. The median age of 50.5 indicates fewer young families than in suburban growth areas, which may mean fewer peer playmates for children. For parents who value land, safety, and affordability over convenience and cultural amenities, Cushing offers a genuine rural upbringing that's increasingly rare in modern Texas.

Considering a Move to Cushing?

Whether you're drawn to Cushing's affordability, its small-town atmosphere, or its connection to East Texas history, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the local real estate market. We'll connect you with professionals who understand Nacogdoches County and can guide your search with insight into schools, property values, and community character.