Median Income
$58,511
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,000
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
340/100K
10% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.2%
71% higher than US avg
How Cotulla Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,690
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density1,836/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 30%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$58,511
Per Capita$19,860
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty21.2%
County GDP$3,998M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,000
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$115,296
Housing Units1,392
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent340/100K
Property1,994/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured40.5%
Smoking16.0%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp73°F (23°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain21.7 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation440 ft (134 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+74.2%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score4.15
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 40%
Commute12 min
Broadband72.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Cotulla a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cotulla receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Cotulla has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cotulla is $58,511, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 21.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cotulla is $79,000, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cotulla is below the national average at 340 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,994 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Cotulla has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F. Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Cotulla has a population of 3,690 with a density of 1,836 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (29.9%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 40% of residents, while 60% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
40.0%
49% below US avg
Spanish
60.0%
348% above US avg
The median household income in Cotulla is $58,511, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,860 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,629, 14% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 197 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,511 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,860 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,629 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,744 |
| Gini Index | 0.377 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.2% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 197 |
| County GDP | $3,998M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,620 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Cotulla is $79,000, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $115,296, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,392 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $6,620 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,000 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $115,296 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,392 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,620 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.38% |
In Cotulla, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 15.3% report binge drinking. 43.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.2% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 40.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 5.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cotulla vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.0% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.5% |
| Uninsured | 40.5% |
| 371% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,307 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 36.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,565/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.8/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Cotulla has a violent crime rate of 340 per 100,000 residents, 10% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,994 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cotulla receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cotulla vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 340.4/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,993.7/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 56 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cotulla has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. The area gets 312 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 21.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 440 feet.
Temperature
56°F Jan (13°C)
87°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 73.0°F |
| 35% above US avg |
| January Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (31°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 440 ft (134 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,836/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 28.4364°N, 99.2367°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | La Salle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Laredo International (LRD)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.7"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
168 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 30, 2025.
| Oct 20, 2011 |
14 km SSW of Falls City, Texas |
M4.8 |
123 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
3 km SSW of Falls City, Texas |
M4.5 |
131 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
3 km S of Falls City, Texas |
M4.3 |
131 km |
| Apr 9, 1993 |
21 km NW of Pawnee, Texas |
M4.1 |
116 km |
| May 1, 2018 |
4 km SSE of Falls City, Texas |
M4.0 |
133 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
3 km S of Falls City, Texas |
M3.9 |
131 km |
| Feb 22, 2024 |
3 km E of Falls City, Texas |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Apr 7, 2008 |
7 km SSW of Falls City, Texas |
M3.9 |
129 km |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
19 km E of Pleasanton, Texas |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| Mar 24, 1997 |
4 km SSE of Alice, Texas |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
2 km S of Falls City, Texas |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Feb 12, 2024 |
3 km S of Falls City, Texas |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Jan 6, 2018 |
17 km SW of Falls City, Texas |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Jul 20, 1991 |
8 km SSW of Falls City, Texas |
M3.6 |
128 km |
| Jul 24, 2025 |
18 km E of El Indio, Texas |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| Jun 16, 2019 |
5 km SE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| May 2, 2024 |
2 km E of Falls City, Texas |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Apr 3, 2005 |
11 km NE of Guerrero, Mexico |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Feb 23, 2024 |
2 km ESE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
16 km ESE of Tilden, Texas |
M3.4 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
6 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Hanna (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
191 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
258 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
186 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 3 |
105 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
87 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 24 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 15, 1973 |
EF4 |
44 km |
5 |
| Apr 29, 1975 |
EF3 |
71 km |
3 |
| Mar 19, 2012 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2006 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2002 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1971 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1968 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1966 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1959 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1956 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2021 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2015 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2012 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2002 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2002 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2001 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY 322 (44,652 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 322 |
44,652 |
19 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
13,175 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
COTULLA |
8,419 |
1 km |
| 2022 |
LOS ANGELES |
6,287 |
32 km |
| 2008 |
COMMANCHE RANCH |
4,488 |
83 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,532 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
CHRISTINE |
2,946 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,570 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
FARCO MINE |
2,421 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,171 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
ENCINAL |
1,900 |
67 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,411 |
54 km |
| 2018 |
MINE |
1,224 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
56°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
58°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
66°F (19°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| April |
72°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
84°F (29°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
87°F (31°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
86°F (30°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
55°F (13°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
Cotulla has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 55°F in December to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.5") and March the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Cotulla. 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 | $563 |
| Toddler | $537 |
| Preschool | $528 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $502 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cotulla
What is the population of Cotulla?
Cotulla has a population of 3,690 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,836 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Cotulla expensive to live in?
Cotulla 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 $58,511, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,000 (72% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cotulla safe?
Cotulla is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 340 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,994 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cotulla receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cotulla?
Cotulla has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 56°F in January, while summers reach an average of 87°F in July. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Cotulla?
The job market in Cotulla is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,629. There are 197 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cotulla?
The median home value in Cotulla is $79,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $115,296. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,620.
How are the schools in Cotulla?
Schools in Cotulla have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.4% of adults in Cotulla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cotulla?
The obesity rate in Cotulla is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 43.0% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 40.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Cotulla?
The average commute in Cotulla is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cotulla?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cotulla is 29.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 40% of residents speak only English at home, while 60% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
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