Abilene, TX Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Abilene, TX: What You Need to Know

Abilene, a city in west-central Texas, is home to Dyess Air Force Base, which provides bombing, airlift, training, and combat support. Abilene is located in Taylor and Jones Counties.

Job Opportunities

The 6,400-acre Dyess Air Force Base is Abilene’s largest employer, with more than 5,000 military and civilian personnel. In addition to the base, Abilene’s economy benefits from its robust food processing and manufacturing industries, large talent pool, and business-friendly environment. Major employers in the city include Broadwind Towers (wind towers manufacturing), Coca-Cola, AbiMar Foods, Eagle Aviation Services, and First Financial Bankshares.

Things to Do in Abilene, TX

Learn about Abilene’s Old West roots at Frontier Texas! The heritage center features life-sized holographic displays, an interactive adventure movie, and a general store. You can also browse a collection of historic firearms from the Fort Phantom Hill Foundation at the center. Families love the Abilene Zoo, which has over 1,000 animals representing 250 species, including camels, giraffes, lions, and rhinoceros. The Reptile House features a king cobra and 70 other reptiles.

Is It Expensive to Live in Abilene?

Abilene (population: 123,420) is actually very affordable. Its cost of living rate is 15% lower than the national average. Food and housing costs in Abilene are 2.1% and 36.7% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $924. Residents love the fact that Texas has no income tax. The state imposes 6.25% to 8.25% in sales tax.

What Kind of Weather Does Abilene Have?

You can expect about 243 sunny days per year in Abilene and 26 inches of rain annually versus the U.S. average of 38 inches. The city gets only three inches of snow per year, a lot less than the national average of 28 inches. Imagine the surprise of residents on June 12, 2014, when a full-blown hailstorm pounded Abilene with baseball-sized hail. The storm destroyed buildings downtown and damaged roofs and windows elsewhere. Damages were estimated at $400 million in insured losses to vehicles, homes, and commercial properties.

Are There Universities in Abilene?

There are three institutions of higher learning in Abilene: McMurry University, Abilene Christian University, and Hardin Simmons University. Of the three, Abilene Christian University is the biggest, with 5,204 students. It was founded in 1906, and it offers 164 academic programs. In primary and secondary education, there are 36 public schools in Abilene, serving 20,706 students. The schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% versus the Texas average of 48% and a reading proficiency score of 44% versus the 45% state average.