Bonham used to be the type of place where everyone was as familiar as family. "Whenever you went into a restaurant or business, you’d recognize everyone. But I attended a networking event last year, and I didn’t know a single person,” says Jeri Leah Johnson, a local Realtor with Fannin Land Realty. The city's scenic back roads, recreational lakes and quiet country lifestyle have led to a population jump of over 5% since 2020. Over 10,000 people live here today, some working for the city's major employer, Tongrun International, a manufacturing company. But even as the city grows, its quaint museums, annual Fannin County Fair and historic downtown filled with local businesses maintain a small-town picture.
Bonham used to be the type of place where everyone was as familiar as family.
Many residents of Bonham appreciate the job opportunities Tongrun provides.
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Bonham's treasured history
Bonham's claim to fame is that the late Sam Rayburn, the longest-serving speaker of the House, lived here. His life and career are encapsulated at a local museum bearing his name. "At First Baptist Church, in 1961, when Sam Rayburn passed away, four presidents attended his funeral. There's a photo of the presidents in the church," Johnson says. Locals can learn more about the city's past at the Fannin County Museum of History and Fort Inglish Village, a 19th-century settlement replica.
Bonham's claim to fame is that the late Sam Rayburn, the longest-serving speaker of the House, lived here.
In the heart of Bonham, the iconic James Butler Bonham statue stands proudly in the city square.
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Bonham's 140-year-old tradition
The Fannin County Fair has been around for nearly 140 years. Held in the fall at Bonham's Fannin County Multi-Purpose Complex, it lasts four days and features pig races, rodeos and beauty pageants. Another Bonham gem is the Creative Arts Center, which hosts rotating exhibits, art classes and annual celebrations, including Dia de los Muertos in Fall. "The chamber also puts on events such as the wine stroll," Johnson says. "Christmas and homecoming parades are [also] coming back to Bonham."
Bonham's new developments and 19th-century homes
The city's median home price is around $245,000, far lower than the state’s median. Most homes on the market are re-sale, but that’s changing. "I’ve noticed a lot of investors coming in, buying up lots, demolishing older or abandoned homes, and revitalizing areas with new developments, including many new duplexes,” Johnson says. Many of these new homes are built to mirror Bonham’s oldest architectural styles from the late 19th century.
Older homes in Bonham showcase unique architectural styles from different eras.
New homes in Bonham often feature modern designs and energy-efficient materials.
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Local fare in Bonham's downtown square
The central courthouse, built in 1887, anchors the city’s historic town square where the first settler's cabins once stood. Antique stores and other local shops and businesses surround the square, including Asian and Latin-inspired restaurants. “And a lot of growth is happening on 121. That has been expanding with new restaurants and hopefully we can get some more shopping with businesses coming in,” Johnson says.
Shoppers in Bonham love finding everything from snacks to household essentials at Dollar General on the square.
Big box stores on HW 121 play a significant role in Bonham’s economy.
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Bois De Arc Lake is making waves across the state
Bonham’s small parks, including Powdercreek Park with its splash pad and playground, are walking distance from homes. The Bonham Baseball and Soccer Complex Lake is the local practice ground for youth sports. Locals can launch almost any type of boat from The Lake Bonham Recreation Area, which has a double-wide ramp, and a public beach for lounging and swimming. Bonham State Park’s rolling prairies and woodlands surround a 65-acre lake, with places to camp, hike, paddle and fish. Bois De Arc Lake, completed in 2025, is north of the city with three public boat ramps, and it’s causing a stir. "It's been 30 years since Texas created a new manmade lake, so Fannin County has been getting a lot of attention,” Johnson says.
Bonham is home to Lake Bois D'Arc, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor adventures.
Bonham’s Lake Bonham is perfect for boating, with several boat ramps to choose from for easy launch.
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Bonham's small-town school district
The Bonham Independent School District earns a B rating on Niche and serves fewer than 2,000 students. Nearly 50 colleges are within 100 miles of the city.
Evans Elementary School in Bonham provides a nurturing environment for young learners in the community.
Bonham High School in Bonham provides students with opportunities for extracurricular activities and sports.
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A chance of tornadoes in Bonham
The weather has a mind of its own in Fannin County. "It’s sunny and 70 degrees today, but just two days ago, it was cold and rainy,” Johnson says. “We’ve had some severe ice storms, but they usually last just a few days. During summer, the heat index can get pretty high, which tends to surprise visitors to Texas." The hot season lasts a little more than three months. Winters are mostly mild.
Being in the northern Texas or "Texoma" region makes tornado warnings a reality. The last major outbreak was in Leonard, a town 16 miles south of Bonham, in 2022.
As for crime, Fannin County has roughly 1,000 incidences per 100,000 people. Crime also trended upward from 2023 to 2024. A primary thoroughfare here is Highway 121. "The traffic coming back and forth from the metroplex has made it increasingly congested," Johnson says. The closest airport is Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, over 70 miles away. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, crime increased in Fannin County from 2023 to 2024 by over 50%.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Adam Jebbeh
Video By
Matt Ferguson
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