Sheppard AFB PCS Guide: BAH Rates, Housing, Schools & Wichita Falls Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Sheppard AFB is home to the 82nd Training Wing (tech training) and 80th Flying Training Wing (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training) with 5,000 active duty personnel. This is a dual mission—tech training AND pilot training in North Texas. Low cost of living, decent schools, but hot climate.

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: Excellent fit (E5 BAH covers median 3BR house with $450-500 buffer)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,200/month (very affordable for Texas)
• School Quality: Wichita Falls ISD (6-7/10) is decent, Burkburnett ISD (6-7/10) also good
• Wichita Falls: Small city (100K people), Oklahoma border location

What This Guide Covers: Housing with real prices, school ratings, Wichita Falls North Texas intel, and tech/pilot training mission realities.

Want real-time data? This guide provides 2025 rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Sheppard Air Force Base
• Location: Wichita Falls, TX (Wichita County) - within city limits, north side
• Size: 5,000 acres
• Population: 5,000 active duty + 13,000 total (students + civilians)
• Branch: Air Force (AETC - Air Education and Training Command)
• Major Units: 82nd Training Wing (tech training - aircraft maintenance, munitions, cyber), 80th Flying Training Wing (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training - T-6, T-38)
• Climate: Semi-arid North Texas—HOT/dry summers (95-105°F), mild winters (35-55°F)
• Nearest Major City: Wichita Falls, TX (within city, 100K people), Dallas/Fort Worth (2 hours southeast), Lawton, OK (1 hour north)

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BAH Rates

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

Key Insight: BAH generously covers rent in all good neighborhoods—Wichita Falls ISD (6-7/10) or Burkburnett ISD (6-7/10). E5 BAH (~$1,650) covers median rent ($1,200) with $450 left over. This is a HIGH savings post—low cost of living + generous BAH + NO Texas state income tax = save $5,000-6,000/year.

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Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

🏆 Tier 1 - Best for Families (Live Here)

Southwest Wichita Falls (Near McNiel Middle/Rider High):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,250/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to gate
• Schools: 7/10 (Wichita Falls ISD—best schools)
• Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, newer development
• Best Areas: Near Southwest Parkway, McNiel Middle School
• Why: Best schools, pocket $400/month

Burkburnett, TX (North of base):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,150/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to gate
• Schools: 6-7/10 (Burkburnett ISD—decent)
• Vibe: Small town (11K people), military-friendly
• Why: Close commute, pocket $500/month

On-Base Housing (Privatized - Corvias):

• Cost: Free (BAH auto-deducted)
• Wait Time: 4-8 months (moderate)
• Quality: 7-8/10 (renovated, good)
• Schools: Bus to Wichita Falls ISD (6-7/10)
• Why: Convenience, no commute

⚠️ Tier 2 - Livable But Research Carefully

Iowa Park, TX (West of base):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,100/month
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to gate
• Schools: 6/10 (Iowa Park CISD—small district)
• Vibe: Very small town (6K people), rural
• Trade-off: Cheap but very rural, limited amenities

Downtown Wichita Falls:

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,050/month
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to gate
• Schools: 5-6/10 (Wichita Falls ISD—older schools)
• Vibe: Urban, older infrastructure
• Trade-off: Cheap but older areas, schools weaker

❌ Tier 3 - Avoid Unless You Know What You're Doing

East Wichita Falls:

• Some higher crime areas, schools 5-6/10
• Research carefully before committing

Pro Tip: Southwest Wichita Falls (7/10 schools, McNiel/Rider area) is the gold standard—best schools in area, 10-15 min commute, pocket $400. Burkburnett (6-7/10 schools, small town 11K people) pocket $500, military-friendly. On-base waitlist 4-8 months, quality 7-8/10, convenient. Southwest Wichita Falls or Burkburnett are the winners.

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Schools

Top Elementary Schools

• Kirby Lake Elementary (Wichita Falls SW) - 7/10 - Best elementary near base
• Crockett Elementary (Wichita Falls SW) - 7/10 - Strong
• Burkburnett Elementary (Burkburnett) - 6/10 - Decent

Top Middle Schools

• McNiel Middle (Wichita Falls SW) - 7/10 - Best middle school near base
• Burkburnett Middle (Burkburnett) - 6/10 - Average

Top High Schools

• Rider High School (Wichita Falls SW) - 7/10 - Best high school near base
• Burkburnett High School (Burkburnett) - 6/10 - Decent

Private Schools

• Notre Dame Catholic School (Wichita Falls) - 7/10 - Catholic (PK-12, $6K-9K/year, BEST option)
• Wichita Christian School (Wichita Falls) - 6/10 - Christian (K-12, $5K-8K/year)

Schools to Avoid

• Downtown Wichita Falls schools - 5-6/10 - Older, struggling
• East Wichita Falls schools - 5-6/10 - Lower performance

School District Strategy: Wichita Falls ISD Southwest area (7/10) is best—Kirby Lake/Crockett Elementary, McNiel Middle, Rider High (all 7/10). Burkburnett ISD (6-7/10) is decent. Private schools limited—Notre Dame Catholic (7/10, $6K-9K/year) is BEST option. Schools are solid but not exceptional.

For live school ratings and neighborhood analysis: Base Navigator →

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Local Intel (What You Actually Need to Know)

Cost of Living

Overall: -12% lower — North Texas affordability
Housing: -18% lower — BAH covers rent with $450-500 buffer
Groceries: -8% lower — Commissary + off-base savings
Utilities: +10% higher — HOT summers, AC runs constantly

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base in Burkburnett): $1,150
• Utilities (electric + AC): $185 (summer: $245-285)
• Groceries: $750
• Gas (commute + errands): $152
• Internet/Streaming: $86
• Kids (activities, daycare part-time): $305

Total: ~$2,628/month (summer: ~$2,728 with higher AC)
E5 BAH + BAS: ~$3,500/month (covers housing + food, pocket $772-872)

State Taxes

• Texas: NO state income tax (MAJOR savings)
• Sales Tax: 8.25% (state + local)
• Property Tax: High (but renters not directly impacted)

BAH Reality: E5 with dependents BAH (~$1,650) covers Burkburnett rent ($1,150) with $500 left over. Live in Southwest Wichita Falls ($1,250, best schools 7/10) and pocket $400. Budget $245-285/month for summer AC (HOT North Texas summers).

Pro Tip: Southwest Wichita Falls or Burkburnett = sweet spot (pocket $400-500/month, 6-7/10 schools). NO Texas state income tax = save $2,500-3,500/year. LOW cost of living + generous BAH = save $5,000-6,000/year. Budget extra $700-900/year for summer AC spike. Use this assignment to max TSP, pay off debt.

Traffic & Commute

• Rush Hour: 7-8am, 4:30-5:30pm (moderate)
• Best Routes: US-287, Missile Road, Maurine Street
• Worst: US-287 during rush hour (backed up)
• Pro Tip: 10-20 minute commute from suburbs, moderate traffic

Commissary & BX

• Best Times: Weekday mornings, early afternoons
• Worst Times: Weekends (busier with students), paydays
• Off-Base Alternative: Walmart, H-E-B, Costco (Wichita Falls)

Things You Should Know

• Dual mission: 82nd Training Wing (tech training) + 80th Flying Training Wing (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training)
• Tech training: Aircraft maintenance, munitions, cyber, medical—airmen here 3-12 months
• Pilot training: Euro-NATO students (international) train on T-6, T-38
• Student-heavy: Constant flow of students (tech training + pilots)
• Instructors: Mix of tech school instructors and pilot instructors (stable assignments)
• MINIMAL deployments: Instructors stay CONUS, teach (non-deploying assignment for most)
• HOT summers: 95-105°F, dry heat
• Wichita Falls: Small city (100K people), limited nightlife/dating
• Oklahoma border: 20 min from Oklahoma (Lawton 1 hour)

Hidden Gems

• Lucy Park (Wichita Falls) - Falls on Wichita River, walking trails, disc golf
• River Bend Nature Center (Wichita Falls) - Trails, wildlife, education programs
• Lake Arrowhead State Park (15 min) - Boating, fishing, camping
• Lake Wichita (Wichita Falls) - Water sports, fishing
• Backdoor Theatre (Wichita Falls) - Community theater, shows
• Wichita Falls Museum of Art (Wichita Falls) - Small but decent art museum
• Dallas/Fort Worth (2 hours) - DFW metroplex, Cowboys, Rangers, entertainment

Areas to Avoid

• East Wichita Falls (some higher crime areas)
• Downtown Wichita Falls at night (some sketchy areas)

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What's It Like to Live at Sheppard AFB?

Sheppard AFB has a dual mission—the 82nd Training Wing (tech training for aircraft maintenance, munitions, cyber, medical) and the 80th Flying Training Wing (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training on T-6 and T-38 aircraft). If you're here, you're either a tech school instructor (teaching airmen technical skills), a pilot instructor (teaching international students), or a student yourself. The mission is training—churning out maintainers, cyber operators, and NATO pilots. Instructors stay CONUS (MINIMAL deployments), teach daily, stable assignments (3+ years). Students rotate through every 3-12 months (tech training) or 1 year (pilot training). This is an instructor mission in North Texas—low cost of living, stable lifestyle, student-heavy environment.

Mission Reality:

• 82nd Training Wing (tech training): Aircraft maintenance, munitions, cyber, medical—students 3-12 months
• 80th Flying Training Wing (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training): T-6, T-38—international students 1 year
• MINIMAL deployments: Instructors stay CONUS, teach (stable, non-deploying assignment)
• Student-heavy: Constant flow of students (young airmen + international pilots)
• Instructor lifestyle: Teach daily, stable 3+ year assignments
• Support/Mx: Minimal deployment tempo

Quality of Life:

• LOW cost of living: Pocket $400-500/month from BAH, save $5,000-6,000/year
• NO Texas state income tax: Save $2,500-3,500/year (major win)
• Schools: Wichita Falls ISD Southwest (7/10) or Burkburnett ISD (6-7/10) are decent
• MINIMAL deployments: Instructors stay CONUS (major quality-of-life win)
• Wichita Falls: Small city (100K people), limited nightlife/dating
• HOT summers: 95-105°F, dry heat (AC runs constantly)
• Student-heavy environment: Young airmen + international students (transient community)
• Dallas/Fort Worth: 2 hours southeast (weekend trips)

The Good:

• LOW cost of living (pocket $400-500/month, save $5,000-6,000/year)
• NO Texas state income tax (save $2,500-3,500/year, major win)
• MINIMAL deployments (instructors stay CONUS, stable lifestyle)
• Southwest Wichita Falls schools decent (7/10)
• Instructor camaraderie (teaching culture, tight-knit community)
• Lake Arrowhead (15 min, boating, fishing)
• Dallas/Fort Worth 2 hours (DFW metroplex, Cowboys, entertainment)
• Wichita Falls has amenities (100K people, not too small)

The Not-So-Good:

• HOT summers are brutal (95-105°F, AC runs constantly)
• Wichita Falls is small (100K people, limited nightlife/dating)
• Student-heavy environment (transient community, young airmen)
• Schools are 6-7/10 (decent but not great)
• Wichita Falls downtown has some crime (avoid at night)
• Tornado season (April-June, North Texas Tornado Alley)

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Cost of Living Breakdown

Cost of Living

Overall: -12% lower — North Texas affordability
Housing: -18% lower — BAH covers rent with big buffer
Groceries: -8% lower — Commissary saves 20-30%
Utilities: +10% higher — HOT summers, AC runs constantly

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base in Burkburnett): $1,150
• Utilities (electric + AC): $185 (summer: $245-285)
• Groceries: $750
• Gas (commute + errands): $152
• Internet/Cable: $86
• Childcare (part-time): $305
• Car Insurance: $110 (TX is moderate)
• Misc (restaurants, entertainment): $125

Total: ~$2,863/month (summer: ~$2,963 with higher AC)
E5 BAH + BAS: ~$3,500/month (covers housing + food, pocket $537-637)

BAH Coverage: E5 BAH (~$1,650) covers Burkburnett rent ($1,150) with $500 left over. Live in Southwest Wichita Falls ($1,250, best schools 7/10) and pocket $400. On-base is free (BAH auto-deducted).

Savings Potential: HIGH—pocket $400-500/month in good neighborhoods. NO Texas state income tax saves $2,500-3,500/year (major win). Low cost of living + generous BAH = save $5,000-6,000/year. Budget extra $700-900/year for summer AC spike. This is a wealth-building assignment—max TSP, pay off debt, build emergency fund.

Pro Tips:

• Southwest Wichita Falls or Burkburnett = sweet spot (pocket $400-500/month, 6-7/10 schools)
• NO Texas state income tax = save $2,500-3,500/year (major win)
• Commissary saves 20-30% vs off-base (Walmart, H-E-B)
• LOW cost of living = save $5,000-6,000/year (max TSP contributions)
• Budget extra $700-900/year for summer AC (HOT Texas summers)

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Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality: Wichita Falls (100K people) has a small-city economy—Midwestern State University, healthcare, retail, oil/gas, and military. Civilian jobs exist but lower-paying than major metros. Remote work is growing—many spouses work remotely.

Top Spouse Employers:

1. Healthcare: United Regional Health Care System (RN $56K-70K, admin $30K-44K)
2. On-Base Contractors: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman (admin, IT - $40K-56K)
3. Education: Wichita Falls ISD, Burkburnett ISD, Midwestern State (teachers start $42K)
4. Midwestern State University: Staff, admin ($28K-44K)
5. Retail: Walmart, Target, Sikes Senter Mall (manager $30K-40K)
6. Remote Work: Growing market ($44K-70K)

Average Spouse Salaries:

• Healthcare (RN): $56,000-70,000
• On-base contractor (admin/IT): $40,000-56,000
• Teaching (TX): $42,000-54,000
• University staff: $28,000-44,000
• Remote work (varies): $44,000-70,000

Military Spouse Preference:

• Sheppard AFB has NAF jobs (CDC, fitness, MWR)
• Airman & Family Readiness has job assistance programs
• MyCAA grants available for education/certifications
• Wichita Falls job market moderate—remote work recommended

Childcare Situation:

• CDC Waitlist: 4-8 months (moderate wait, student-heavy base)
• Off-Base Daycare: $95-135/week per child (affordable)
• FCC (Family Child Care): On-base home providers, $85-125/week
• School-Age: Before/after school programs $60-100/week

For Families:

• Schools: Southwest Wichita Falls ISD (7/10) or Burkburnett ISD (6-7/10) are decent
• Activities: Lucy Park, Lake Arrowhead (15 min), River Bend Nature Center, Dallas/Fort Worth (2 hours)
• Support: Strong military community, instructor families (stable, non-deploying lifestyle), but student-heavy (transient)

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Common Questions About Sheppard AFB

Q: Is Sheppard AFB a good duty station? A: YES, if you value MINIMAL deployments, LOW cost of living, and NO state income tax. Instructors stay CONUS (stable lifestyle, teach), pocket $400-500/month from BAH, save $5,000-6,000/year, NO Texas income tax (save $2,500-3,500/year), Southwest Wichita Falls schools decent (7/10). Trade-offs: HOT summers (95-105°F, brutal), Wichita Falls is small (100K people, limited nightlife), student-heavy environment (transient), schools are 6-7/10 (decent but not great). GREAT for instructors wanting stable assignment focused on saving money.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base? A: Off-base is better for most. Southwest Wichita Falls (7/10 schools, best) 10-15 min commute, pocket $400. Burkburnett (6-7/10 schools) 10-15 min, pocket $500. On-base waitlist 4-8 months, quality 7-8/10, convenient. Both options solid—choose based on preference (schools vs extra cash).

Q: How bad are the deployments? A: MINIMAL for instructors. Tech school instructors and pilot instructors stay CONUS—teach airmen or international students daily (non-deploying assignment). This is a MAJOR quality-of-life win. Stable 3+ year assignments, family-friendly lifestyle. Support/Mx also minimal deployments. This is one of the most stable assignments in the Air Force.

Q: Can my spouse find work? A: Yes, moderate market. Wichita Falls (100K people) has healthcare (RN $56K-70K), on-base contractors ($40K-56K), teaching ($42K-54K), Midwestern State staff ($28K-44K). Remote work is recommended ($44K-70K). Job market is small-city—lower pay than major metros but better than tiny towns. Plan for remote work or on-base NAF jobs.

Q: What's the student environment like? A: Transient. Tech school students (young airmen, 18-22 years old) here 3-12 months + Euro-NATO pilot students (international) here 1 year. Dorms on base, students everywhere. If you have kids, this creates younger vibe. If you're single, dating pool skews young. Instructor families create stable community amidst student turnover.

Q: How hot does it get? A: HOT. North Texas summers: 95-105°F, dry heat. AC runs constantly. Electric bills spike ($245-285/month peak). Mild winters (35-55°F). Budget extra $700-900/year for summer AC. HOT but dry (tolerable vs Gulf Coast humidity).

Q: Can I save money at Sheppard? A: YES. This is a HIGH savings post. Pocket $400-500/month from BAH, NO Texas state income tax (save $2,500-3,500/year), LOW cost of living = save $5,000-6,000/year. Max your TSP, pay off debt, build emergency fund. One of the best savings assignments in CONUS.

Q: What about tornadoes? A: REAL. North Texas is Tornado Alley—tornado season April-June. Wichita Falls has tornado sirens, warning systems. Base has shelters. Know your tornado plan (basement, interior room, away from windows). Tornadoes are a fact of life in North Texas—prepare but don't panic.

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Next Steps: Your PCS Toolkit

This guide gave you the local intel. Now use our premium tools to execute:

1. Interactive Data (Live Updates)

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Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
• MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
• Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem

Last verified: 2025-01-15. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.