A Quiet Coastal Plain Town Rooted in Texas Independence

Tivoli is a rural Refugio County town of approximately 590 residents with a median home value of $54,200 and median household income of $75,417 according to Census Bureau estimates. The community has no formally mapped neighborhoods and maintains a 91% homeownership rate. Austwell-Tivoli ISD, rated A by the Texas Education Agency, serves the town's students. The regional economy centers on oil and gas extraction, construction, and agriculture, with Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas jobs averaging over $105,000 annually in county-level data.

History

Tivoli's historical significance stems from its connection to the Texas Revolution, with early settlers like Nicholas Fagan and Thomas O'Connor playing roles in the fight for independence. The town's historical markers commemorate these pioneers whose ranching empires shaped Refugio County's development through the 19th century.

ZIP Codes Compared

Tivoli's small size and lack of distinct neighborhoods means housing stock is relatively uniform throughout the town, consisting primarily of single-family homes on larger lots. Price variation depends more on acreage and property condition than location within town limits.

Demographics

Tivoli's population is nearly evenly split between White and Hispanic residents, with a median age of 53.8 reflecting an older, established community. The exceptionally high homeownership rate and low percentage of bachelor's degree holders point to a working-class population rooted in trades, ranching, and energy sector employment rather than professional services.

Economy

Refugio County's economy revolves around oil and gas extraction, which offers the highest average wages at $105,591 annually, followed by construction, transportation, and real estate. Agriculture and ranching remain significant employers, reflecting the region's historical foundation in cattle operations and farming.

Schools

Austwell-Tivoli Independent School District serves the town with an A rating from the Texas Education Agency, operating two campuses for a total enrollment of just 67 students. The small scale allows for highly personalized education but limits extracurricular options and course offerings compared to larger districts.

Cost of Living

With a median home value of $54,200 and median household income of $75,417, Tivoli offers exceptional housing affordability well below state and national averages. Median rent at $1,170 monthly appears high relative to home values, likely reflecting limited rental inventory in a market dominated by owner-occupied properties.

Homeowners Associations

Tivoli has no registered homeowners associations, reflecting the town's rural character where properties are typically larger parcels with minimal deed restrictions. Homebuyers here enjoy maximum freedom in property use without architectural review boards or monthly fees.

About Tivoli

Tivoli sits in the coastal prairie of Refugio County, a town of roughly 590 residents where the pace of life moves slowly and nearly everyone owns their home. The landscape here is flat and open, shaped by cattle ranching and oil extraction that have defined the regional economy for generations. With a median age above fifty-three and a homeownership rate exceeding ninety percent, this is a community of established families and retirees who value privacy and space over urban amenities.

The town's history runs deep into the Texas Revolution. Nicholas Fagan arrived in 1829 as part of Powers Colony and fought at the Battle of Coleto, surviving the Goliad Massacre through intervention by Mexican friends. His son Peter Henry Fagan later became a Confederate soldier, and the family's homestead still stands as a reminder of the area's frontier past. Thomas O'Connor, who signed the Goliad Declaration of Independence in 1835, built his T-C Ranch House here and became one of the region's most prominent cattlemen. Peter Teal, a Tennessee native who served in the Army of the Republic during 1835-36, is also buried in the area, his grave marked by a state historical monument.

Today that pioneering spirit translates into self-reliance and a strong connection to the land. Austwell-Tivoli High School and Tivoli Elementary School serve the community through the highly rated Austwell-Tivoli Independent School District, educating just sixty-seven students in total. The Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department provides emergency services, while the Refugio County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement. Daily life centers on work in nearby ranches, oil fields, and construction sites rather than coffee shops or shopping districts. This is a place for people seeking acreage, quiet, and a town where everyone knows their neighbors by name.

Classification

Type

Census Designated Place

Class Code

U1

Identifiers

GEOID

4873148

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

73148

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

628

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

3 km²

County

Refugio

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Tivoli

Is Tivoli a good place to live?

Tivoli works well for people seeking rural tranquility, affordable land, and a community where neighbors know each other by name. With a median home value of $54,200 according to Census Bureau estimates and a 91% homeownership rate, this is a place where buying property is accessible and most residents put down permanent roots. The town's connection to oil and gas, construction, and ranching means employment often involves physical labor or commuting to nearby job sites rather than local office work. The median age of 53.8 reflects an older population, so younger families should expect limited youth activities and social infrastructure compared to larger towns. The Austwell-Tivoli school district earns an A rating from the Texas Education Agency, though with only 67 total students, course offerings and sports programs are necessarily limited. This is not a place for people who want restaurants, shopping, or entertainment options—it's for those who value space, privacy, and a slower pace of life on the coastal prairie.

What is the cost of living in Tivoli?

Tivoli offers some of the most affordable housing in Texas, with a median home value of $54,200 according to Census Bureau data—dramatically below state and national averages. The median household income of $75,417 means most residents have strong purchasing power relative to local housing costs, making homeownership highly attainable. However, the median rent of $1,170 monthly appears disproportionately high compared to home values, likely because rental properties are scarce in a market where more than nine out of ten households own their homes. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities follow typical rural Texas patterns, with residents often driving to Refugio or Victoria for major shopping. The lack of city services means lower utility costs but also requires self-sufficiency for things like waste management on some properties. Energy sector jobs in Refugio County pay well, with Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas positions averaging $105,591 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, helping offset any premium paid for goods and services in remote areas.

How are the schools in Tivoli?

Austwell-Tivoli Independent School District serves the town with an A rating from the Texas Education Agency, operating Tivoli Elementary School and Austwell-Tivoli High School for a combined enrollment of just 67 students. This exceptionally small scale creates an intimate educational environment where teachers know every student personally and can tailor instruction to individual needs. However, families should understand the tradeoffs that come with such a tiny district—limited Advanced Placement courses, smaller athletic programs with fewer sports offered, and reduced extracurricular options compared to larger schools. The district serves a geographically spread population across rural Refugio County, so bus rides can be lengthy for some students. About 15.5% of Tivoli's adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher according to Census Bureau estimates, reflecting a community where vocational skills and on-the-job training are often valued over four-year college pathways. For families prioritizing small class sizes and close-knit school communities over program variety, Austwell-Tivoli delivers quality education in a personalized setting.

Is Tivoli good for families?

Tivoli works for families who want to raise children in wide-open spaces with strong community ties and minimal outside influences, though it requires accepting significant tradeoffs in amenities and activities. The Austwell-Tivoli school district earns an A rating from the Texas Education Agency and provides personalized attention with only 67 students across two campuses, but older children may feel limited by the small peer group and reduced extracurricular options. The 91% homeownership rate and median home value of $54,200 according to Census Bureau data make it financially feasible for families to own property with acreage, giving kids room to explore outdoors, raise animals, or work on family land. However, the median age of 53.8 indicates this is primarily a community of empty nesters and retirees rather than young families, so children may have fewer playmates nearby. There are no parks, recreation centers, or organized youth activities beyond what the school provides. Families here typically create their own entertainment through ranching, hunting, fishing, and outdoor work rather than relying on structured programs. This lifestyle appeals to parents who want their children to learn self-reliance and develop a strong work ethic, but not to those seeking playdates, youth sports leagues, or cultural enrichment programs.

Considering a Move to Tivoli or Refugio County?

Finding property in small Texas towns requires local knowledge and patience. A Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the limited inventory, understand land and mineral rights, and connect with sellers in tight-knit communities like Tivoli where many properties never hit the open market.