Median Income
$21,984
71% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,900
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$494
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.8%
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment
17.9%
397% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
40.2%
224% higher than US avg
How Arecibo zona urbana Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population40,255
Median Age44.8 yrs
Density2,594/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 27%
Economy
F
Median Income$21,984
Per Capita$14,311
Unemployment17.9%
Poverty40.2%
Commute23 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$110,900
Rent$494
Ownership56.1%
Zillow$1,052,735
Housing Units20,120
Rent Burden27.3%
Health
Obesity25.8%
Uninsured5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp78°F (26°C)
Rain45.5 in/yr
Elevation131 ft (40 m)
Is Arecibo zona urbana a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Arecibo zona urbana receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Arecibo zona urbana has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Arecibo zona urbana is $21,984, 71% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 40.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Arecibo zona urbana is $110,900, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $494 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Arecibo zona urbana has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 78°F. Winters average 74°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.5 inches.
Arecibo zona urbana has a population of 40,255 with a density of 2,594 people per square mile, spread across 18.0 square miles. The median age is 44.8 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (99.3%), with 26.7% White, 2% Black, 1.2% Asian. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40,255
Total Population
2023 Census
44.8yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Arecibo zona urbana vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
Spanish
93.3%
596% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Arecibo zona urbana vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Arecibo zona urbana is $21,984, which is 71% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,311 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $614, 57% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 40.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,198 business establishments. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Arecibo zona urbana vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $21,984 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $614 |
| Gini Index | 0.531 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.9% |
| 397% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 40.2% |
| 224% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,198 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Arecibo zona urbana is $110,900, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,052,735, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $494 (58% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $496 for a one-bedroom to $574 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 20,120 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,900 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,052,735 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $494 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $486 |
| 1 Bedroom | $496 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $574 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $753 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $864 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.9% |
| Housing Units | 20,120 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
In Arecibo zona urbana, 25.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-21)
PM2.5
6.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
9.9
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
107.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Arecibo zona urbana vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.8% |
| 20% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
Food & Exercise
Arecibo zona urbana has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 78°F (26°C). Winters average 74°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 45.5 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 131 feet.
Temperature
74°F Jan (23°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 78.2°F |
| 45% above US avg |
| January Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m) |
| Area | 18.0 sq mi (46.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,594/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 18.4549°N, 66.7354°W |
| Timezone | America/Puerto_Rico |
| County | Arecibo Municipio County |
| Nearest Airport | Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.5"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
7.95"
Earthquake History
22,441 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.4. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jan 13, 2014 |
61 km N of Hatillo, Puerto Rico |
M6.4 |
66 km |
| Jan 7, 2020 |
4 km SSE of Indios, Puerto Rico |
M6.4 |
56 km |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
67 km NNW of San Antonio, Puerto Rico |
M6.0 |
89 km |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
5 km SE of Maria Antonia, Puerto Rico |
M5.9 |
58 km |
| Jan 6, 2020 |
14 km S of Indios, Puerto Rico |
M5.8 |
66 km |
| May 16, 2010 |
4 km E of Moca, Puerto Rico |
M5.8 |
36 km |
| Jan 7, 2020 |
11 km S of Tallaboa, Puerto Rico |
M5.6 |
63 km |
| May 15, 2024 |
92 km NNW of San Antonio, Puerto Rico |
M5.6 |
116 km |
| Jan 7, 2020 |
0 km NW of Magas Arriba, Puerto Rico |
M5.6 |
48 km |
| Dec 11, 2000 |
65 km N of Isabela, Puerto Rico |
M5.5 |
80 km |
| Feb 4, 2008 |
Puerto Rico region |
M5.5 |
66 km |
| May 2, 2020 |
6 km S of Tallaboa, Puerto Rico |
M5.4 |
58 km |
| Jul 3, 2020 |
9 km SSE of La Parguera, Puerto Rico |
M5.3 |
68 km |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
28 km NNW of San Antonio, Puerto Rico |
M5.3 |
56 km |
| Jan 15, 2020 |
Puerto Rico region |
M5.2 |
67 km |
| Jan 10, 2020 |
4 km S of Maria Antonia, Puerto Rico |
M5.2 |
60 km |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
19 km S of Indios, Puerto Rico |
M5.2 |
70 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
92 km N of Suárez, Puerto Rico |
M5.1 |
139 km |
| Mar 12, 2009 |
66 km N of Brenas, Puerto Rico |
M5.1 |
79 km |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
59 km N of San Antonio, Puerto Rico |
M5.1 |
80 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Erin (2025, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2025 |
Erin |
Category 4 |
227 km |
| 2024 |
Ernesto |
Category 1 |
168 km |
| 2022 |
Fiona |
Category 2 |
64 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 1 |
137 km |
| 2017 |
Maria |
Category 5 |
16 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 5 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
Gonzalo |
Category 3 |
259 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
39 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 4 |
183 km |
| 2008 |
Omar |
Category 4 |
254 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 4 |
241 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 1 |
134 km |
| 2000 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
83 km |
| 1999 |
Lenny |
Category 4 |
221 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 3 |
43 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
300 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 3 |
125 km |
| 1996 |
Hortense |
Category 1 |
54 km |
| 1995 |
Luis |
Category 4 |
264 km |
| 1995 |
Marilyn |
Category 3 |
115 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2022 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1974 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1969 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1962 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2023 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 2023 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2017 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 2016 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 2013 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2012 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2011 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2009 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2007 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2006 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2005 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 2004 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 6.1 m (20 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1918 |
PUERTO RICO: MONA PASSAGE |
Eruption + Earthquake |
6.1 m |
144 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
PUERTO RICO |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
4 |
56 km |
| 1918 |
PUERTO RICO |
Earthquake |
- |
- |
51 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CAMPAMENTO SANTIAGO (3,927 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
CAMPAMENTO SANTIAGO |
3,927 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,896 |
68 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,888 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
PISTA DE SALINAS CARR 3 |
1,137 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
725 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
CARR 304 |
606 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| February |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
75°F (24°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
7.8 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
7.0 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
8.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
78°F (26°C) |
8.0 in |
|
| November |
76°F (25°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| December |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
Arecibo zona urbana has a seasonal temperature swing of 9°F / from 73°F in February to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 69.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (8.0") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Arecibo zona urbana. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Arecibo zona urbana
What is the population of Arecibo zona urbana?
Arecibo zona urbana has a population of 40,255 residents and is located in Puerto Rico. The population density is 2,594 people per square mile, spread across 18.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Arecibo zona urbana expensive to live in?
Arecibo zona urbana has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $21,984, 71% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,900 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $494 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Arecibo zona urbana?
Arecibo zona urbana has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 78°F (26°C). Winter temperatures average 74°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.5 inches.
How is the job market in Arecibo zona urbana?
The job market in Arecibo zona urbana faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $614. There are 1,198 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Arecibo zona urbana?
The median home value in Arecibo zona urbana is $110,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,052,735. For renters, the median monthly rent is $494. Fair market rent is $496 for a 1-bedroom and $574 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.1%.
How are the schools in Arecibo zona urbana?
Schools in Arecibo zona urbana score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Arecibo zona urbana?
The obesity rate in Arecibo zona urbana is 25.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 5.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Arecibo zona urbana?
The average commute in Arecibo zona urbana is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Arecibo zona urbana?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Arecibo zona urbana is 26.7% White, 2% Black or African American, 99.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.