Median Income
$71,970
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$316,400
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.2%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Bolivar Peninsula Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,995
Median Age62.6 yrs
Density71/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans17.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,970
Per Capita$39,499
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$3,740M
Commute45 min
Housing
A
Home Value$316,400
Ownership91.7%
Zillow$257,623
Housing Units3,127
Rent Burden18.3%
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking16.0%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (22°C)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Elevation2 ft (1 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.2%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute45 min
Broadband93.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries4
Is Bolivar Peninsula a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bolivar Peninsula receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Bolivar Peninsula offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bolivar Peninsula is $71,970, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bolivar Peninsula is $316,400, 12% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
13.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bolivar Peninsula has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches.
Bolivar Peninsula has a population of 2,995 with a density of 71 people per square mile, spread across 42.5 square miles. The median age is 62.6 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.4% female and 41.6% male. The city is predominantly White (85.5%), with 17.2% Hispanic, 6.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.1% of residents, while 9% speak Spanish. 17.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,995
Total Population
2023 Census
62.6yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bolivar Peninsula vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.1%
12% above US avg
Spanish
9.0%
33% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bolivar Peninsula vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bolivar Peninsula is $71,970, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,499. The average weekly wage is $1,480. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 930 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bolivar Peninsula vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,970 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,499 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,480 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $98,146 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 930 |
| County GDP | $3,740M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,975 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 45.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Bolivar Peninsula is $316,400, 12% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,623, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $465,000 with homes selling in an average of 177 days. Homes sell for 94.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,127 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2003. The average annual property tax is $5,975 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $316,400 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $257,623 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $465,000 |
| Median List Price | $568,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $465,000 |
| Median List Price | $568,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $317 |
| Homes Sold | 17 |
| Days on Market | 177 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.9% |
| Price Drops | 20.1% |
| Inventory | 289 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.3% |
| Housing Units | 3,127 |
| Median Year Built | 2003 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,975 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.89% |
In Bolivar Peninsula, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,981. The dentist ratio is 1:10,258. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bolivar Peninsula vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,981 |
| Dentists | 1:10,258 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,449 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 53.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,173/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Bolivar Peninsula has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 2 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
56°F Jan (13°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 71.4°F |
| 32% above US avg |
| January Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 42.5 sq mi (110.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 71/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.4898°N, 94.5685°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chambers County County |
| Nearest Airport | Scholes International At Galveston (GLS)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
6.65"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
246 km |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
140 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
134 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
127 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
115 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
284 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
279 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
25 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
16 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
160 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 2 |
226 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 3 |
285 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
53 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
20 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
38 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
153 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
181 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
643 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 756 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1961 |
EF4 |
28 km |
8 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2002 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Mar 8, 1976 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Oct 11, 1970 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1969 |
EF3 |
35 km |
3 |
| Mar 23, 1969 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 1967 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1966 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1961 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 08 UNIT 1 RX (16,981 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
08 UNIT 1 RX |
16,981 |
34 km |
| 1993 |
PF UNIT 5 |
15,059 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
MCR UNIT 2 RX |
14,471 |
42 km |
| 2000 |
E WHITES 2 |
13,996 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
UNIT 5 |
13,959 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
WF HOLIDAY 1-2 |
13,251 |
40 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,431 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
RX UNIT 12 1117 2005 |
10,728 |
39 km |
| 1997 |
WILD COW BAY |
10,069 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
TXMCR-FY20-RX-W |
10,033 |
51 km |
| 2023 |
H AND H COMPLEX |
9,476 |
60 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
9,344 |
40 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 WILDFIRE |
9,076 |
55 km |
| 1986 |
STAR LAKE |
8,876 |
42 km |
| 2015 |
WF UNIT 1 1/2 |
8,840 |
39 km |
| 1997 |
GRIT ROAD |
8,599 |
51 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
8,539 |
29 km |
| 1996 |
UNIT 7 |
8,298 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
UNIT1ARSON |
8,287 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
SABINE WEST 2011 UNIT 5 |
8,184 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
56°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
58°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
69°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
78°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
83°F (28°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
85°F (29°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
74°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| November |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
58°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Bolivar Peninsula has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 56°F in January to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.7") and April the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Bolivar Peninsula. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146-$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194-$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97-$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777-$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73-$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146-$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24-$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49-$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388-$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97-$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58-$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49-$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146-$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884-$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388-$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341-$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486-$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855-$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942-$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777-$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194-$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971-$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73-$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49-$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91-$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43-$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43-$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91-$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88-$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58-$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78-$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49-$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73-$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165-$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29-$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15-$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583-$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486-$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194-$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24-$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388-$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855-$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49-$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97-$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $723 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $662 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bolivar Peninsula
What is the population of Bolivar Peninsula?
Bolivar Peninsula has a population of 2,995 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 71 people per square mile, spread across 42.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.4% female and 41.6% male.
Is Bolivar Peninsula expensive to live in?
Bolivar Peninsula has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,970, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $316,400 (12% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bolivar Peninsula?
Bolivar Peninsula has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 56°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches.
How is the job market in Bolivar Peninsula?
The job market in Bolivar Peninsula is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,480. There are 930 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 45 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bolivar Peninsula?
The median home value in Bolivar Peninsula is $316,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,623. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $465,000, with homes typically selling within 177 days. The homeownership rate is 91.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,975.
How are the schools in Bolivar Peninsula?
Schools in Bolivar Peninsula score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.2% of adults in Bolivar Peninsula hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bolivar Peninsula?
The obesity rate in Bolivar Peninsula is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,981.
What is transportation like in Bolivar Peninsula?
The average commute in Bolivar Peninsula is 45 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bolivar Peninsula?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bolivar Peninsula is 85.5% White, 6.2% Black or African American, 17.2% Hispanic or Latino. 88.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 9% speak Spanish. 17.9% of the population are military veterans. 25.7% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.