A Small Town Built on Railroads and Resilience

Meadow is a town of approximately 916 residents in Terry County, Texas, with a median home value of $95,000 and median household income of $73,438 according to Census Bureau estimates. The community has no formally mapped neighborhoods but maintains a 70 percent homeownership rate, with students attending schools in the Meadow ISD system, which holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency. Terry County's economy centers on agriculture, wholesale trade, and retail, with agriculture employees earning an average of $46,444 annually. The town was founded in 1904 and relocated in 1917 to meet the Santa Fe Railway, establishing the grid that defines it today.

History

Meadow was founded in 1904 on former L-7 Ranch grazing land and moved to its current location in 1917 to meet the Santa Fe Railway, with settlers arriving in boxcars loaded with livestock and belongings. The Brooks Blacksmith Shop, established in 1922, and the Meadow United Methodist Church, organized in 1920, stand as testaments to the town's frontier roots and self-sufficient character.

ZIP Codes Compared

Meadow's compact geography means housing costs remain consistent throughout town, with the $95,000 median home value representing typical pricing across all residential areas. The lack of distinct neighborhoods or subdivisions means buyers won't find significant price variation based on location within town limits.

Demographics

Meadow's population is nearly 60 percent Hispanic and 41 percent White, with a median age of 37 that skews toward working families rather than retirees. The homeownership rate of 70 percent and relatively modest educational attainment of 13.6 percent with bachelor's degrees reflect a community built on trades, agriculture, and practical skills rather than white-collar professions.

Economy

Terry County's economy revolves around agriculture, wholesale trade, and retail, with 304 employees in farming and ranching earning an average of $46,444 per year according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Wholesale trade offers higher wages at an average of $76,005, while retail and healthcare round out the employment landscape for Meadow residents.

Schools

Meadow ISD serves 230 students across one campus and holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, providing the only public education option for families in town. The district's small size means close-knit classrooms and teachers who know every student by name.

Cost of Living

With a median home value of $95,000 and median rent of $746 per month according to Census estimates, Meadow offers housing costs well below Texas and national averages. The combination of affordable real estate and a median household income of $73,438 makes homeownership accessible for working families.

Homeowners Associations

Meadow has no registered homeowners associations, reflecting the town's rural character and preference for individual property management. Homebuyers here won't encounter deed restrictions or architectural review boards common in suburban developments.

About Meadow

Meadow is a town of roughly 916 people in Terry County, Texas, where the rhythm of life still follows the agricultural calendar that has defined this region for more than a century. The town's story begins in 1904 when settlers arrived on public land once grazed by L-7 Ranch herds, but Meadow truly came into its own in 1917 when it relocated to meet the Santa Fe Railway line. That move transformed the settlement, with new arrivals bringing livestock in one end of a boxcar and their household belongings in the other, ready to stake their claim in West Texas.

Today the community remains tightly knit, with a 70 percent homeownership rate reflecting the stability that comes from generations of families putting down roots. The population is nearly 60 percent Hispanic and 41 percent White, creating a bicultural character visible in everything from church congregations to local celebrations. First Baptist Church, Meadow Church of Christ, and Meadow First Assembly of God anchor the spiritual life of the town, while Meadow United Methodist Church traces its lineage back to 1904 when circuit rider J.A. Sweeney held early worship services across the frontier.

The Brooks Blacksmith Shop, established in 1922 when brothers Leslie and Roy Brooks operated it alongside O.L. Puthuff's original forge, stands as a reminder of the town's practical, self-reliant character. This is a place where people still know their neighbors, where the post office serves as a gathering point, and where Meadow ISD educates 230 students from kindergarten through high school. The median age of 37 suggests a community with working families rather than retirees, and the median household income of $73,438 reflects steady employment in agriculture, wholesale trade, and retail across Terry County. Life here unfolds at a slower pace than in Texas cities, but that's precisely what draws people to Meadow—the chance to own an affordable home, raise kids in a safe environment, and be part of a community where your presence matters.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4847316

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

47316

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

823

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

4 km²

County

Terry

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Meadow

Is Meadow a good place to live?

Meadow is an excellent choice for people who value small-town stability, affordable homeownership, and a close-knit community where neighbors know each other by name. With a median home value of $95,000 according to Census Bureau estimates and a 70 percent homeownership rate, the town offers attainable real estate that's increasingly rare in Texas. The median household income of $73,438 provides solid earning potential relative to housing costs, making it possible for working families to build equity and financial security. The town's population of roughly 916 means you'll never get lost in the crowd, and the presence of three active churches and a single school district creates natural gathering points for community life. However, Meadow's rural location means limited shopping, dining, and entertainment options compared to larger cities, and the nearest urban amenities are a significant drive away. For those who prioritize space, safety, and a slower pace of life over convenience and variety, Meadow delivers exactly what it promises.

What is the cost of living in Meadow?

Meadow's cost of living is substantially lower than state and national averages, driven primarily by affordable housing. The median home value of $95,000 according to Census estimates is a fraction of what you'd pay in Texas metros, while the median rent of $746 per month makes rental housing equally accessible. Combined with a median household income of $73,438, residents enjoy a favorable income-to-housing-cost ratio that allows for comfortable living without financial strain. Grocery and goods costs reflect typical rural Texas pricing, neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the state, while transportation costs may run higher due to the need to drive to neighboring towns for shopping and services. Terry County employment in agriculture averages $46,444 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, while wholesale trade jobs pay considerably more at $76,005 on average. The absence of registered HOAs means no additional monthly fees eating into your budget, and property taxes remain the primary recurring housing expense beyond mortgage or rent payments.

How are the schools in Meadow?

Meadow ISD serves all 230 students in town through a single consolidated campus and holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, indicating solid academic performance for a small rural district. The district's intimate size means exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratios, with educators who know every child and family personally, creating an environment where students can't slip through the cracks. Parents appreciate the continuity of having their children attend the same school system from kindergarten through high school graduation, building relationships with teachers and administrators over many years. However, the small enrollment also means fewer elective offerings, limited advanced placement courses, and smaller athletic programs compared to larger districts. Families prioritizing personalized attention, community involvement, and a safe learning environment will find Meadow ISD delivers those qualities consistently, while those seeking specialized programs, diverse extracurriculars, or extensive course catalogs may need to consider supplemental educational resources or online options to round out their children's education.

Is Meadow good for families?

Meadow offers families an exceptionally safe, affordable environment with strong community ties and the kind of childhood where kids can play outside without constant supervision. The median age of 37 according to Census data indicates a population centered on working-age parents raising children, and the 70 percent homeownership rate reflects stability and long-term commitment to the community. Meadow ISD educates 230 students with the personalized attention only possible in small districts, and the presence of First Baptist Church, Meadow Church of Christ, Meadow First Assembly of God, and Meadow United Methodist Church provides family-oriented programming and social networks. Housing affordability is perhaps the strongest draw, with a median home value of $95,000 making it possible for families to own rather than rent and build generational wealth. The tradeoffs include limited youth sports leagues, no movie theaters or entertainment venues, and the need to drive significant distances for shopping, dining, and specialized healthcare. Families who grew up in small towns or who consciously seek to raise children away from urban distractions will find Meadow's tight-knit character and agricultural setting ideal, while those accustomed to suburban amenities may find the isolation challenging.

Find Your Home in Meadow

Whether you're drawn to Meadow's affordable real estate, tight-knit community, or agricultural heritage, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the local market. We know Terry County inside and out and can connect you with properties that match your family's needs and budget.