Median Income
$31,576
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,300
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.5%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.4%
383% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
39.5%
219% higher than US avg
How El Cenizo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population380
Median Age16.9 yrs
Density77,600/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 30%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$31,576
Per Capita$9,520
Unemployment17.4%
Poverty39.5%
County GDP$1,559M
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$108,034
Housing Units85
Rent Burden33.6%
Health
Obesity46.5%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking18.3%
Depression19.7%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (24°C)
Rain22.5 in/yr
Elevation231 ft (70 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+42.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.90
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 42%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is El Cenizo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, El Cenizo receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. El Cenizo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in El Cenizo is $31,576, 58% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 39.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in El Cenizo is $82,300, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 42.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
El Cenizo has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 58°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches.
El Cenizo has a population of 380 with a density of 77,600 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 16.9 years, 57% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%), with 29.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 0% of residents, while 100% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
380
Total Population
2023 Census
16.9yrs
Median Age
57% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
El Cenizo vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
0.0%
100% below US avg
Spanish
100.0%
646% above US avg
Social Characteristics
El Cenizo vs U.S. Average
The median household income in El Cenizo is $31,576, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $9,520 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $765, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 39.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 666 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: El Cenizo vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,576 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $9,520 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $765 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $36,816 |
| Gini Index | 0.515 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.4% |
| 383% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 39.5% |
| 219% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 666 |
| County GDP | $1,559M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 108 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,682 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in El Cenizo is $82,300, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,034, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $54,900 with homes selling in an average of 166 days. Homes sell for 0% 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. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 85 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2004. The average annual property tax is $4,682 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,300 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,034 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $54,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $54,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $42 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 166 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 85 |
| Median Year Built | 2004 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,682 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.69% |
In El Cenizo, 46.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.8% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.4% report binge drinking. 44.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.7% report depression. 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,885. The dentist ratio is 1:6,573. 62.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: El Cenizo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.5% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.8% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 4.0% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 44.1% |
| Depression | 19.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 18.4% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,885 |
| Dentists | 1:6,573 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,140 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.8% |
| Dental Visits | 39.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,793/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 108 |
El Cenizo has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winters average 58°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 231 feet.
Temperature
58°F Jan (14°C)
87°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 74.4°F |
| 38% above US avg |
| January Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (31°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 231 ft (70 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 77,600/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.4106°N, 98.9158°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Starr County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Allen International (MFE)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.5"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.12"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.4. Most recent: M4.2 on May 12, 2025.
| Jun 14, 2009 |
35 km E of Ciudad General Terán, Mexico |
M4.4 |
131 km |
| May 12, 2025 |
13 km E of Ciudad General Terán, Mexico |
M4.2 |
144 km |
| Mar 18, 2014 |
18 km E of Pueblo Nuevo, Mexico |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| Jan 19, 2014 |
12 km SSW of China, Mexico |
M4.1 |
98 km |
| Dec 22, 2013 |
19 km NE of Ciudad General Terán, Mexico |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
31 km SSE of China, Mexico |
M4.0 |
111 km |
| Mar 4, 2014 |
27 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M4.0 |
113 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
23 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M4.0 |
114 km |
| Mar 2, 2014 |
15 km SW of China, Mexico |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| Nov 30, 2013 |
26 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| Mar 5, 2014 |
18 km SSW of China, Mexico |
M3.9 |
104 km |
| Nov 26, 2013 |
22 km S of China, Mexico |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Aug 30, 2016 |
11 km N of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M3.6 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
10 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 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
260 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
262 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
112 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
158 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
188 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
112 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
202 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
181 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 4 |
73 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
51 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 65 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jan 26, 1950 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1994 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1983 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1981 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1980 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1970 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1970 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNS RANCH FIRE (58,395 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BURNS RANCH FIRE |
58,395 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
HOPPER |
7,150 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
BLANKET |
5,823 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
ENCINO |
3,979 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH JONES |
3,541 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
JENNINGS |
3,494 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,389 |
54 km |
| 2008 |
JONES RANCH |
2,998 |
58 km |
| 2005 |
2686 |
2,979 |
39 km |
| 2009 |
HOPPER |
2,929 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
JONES |
2,178 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
ENCINITOS RANCH |
1,967 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
755 |
1,846 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
ENCINITOS |
1,748 |
71 km |
| 2023 |
ELECTRIC SLIDE |
1,410 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
SAN RAFAEL RANCH |
1,407 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
BORREGO |
1,392 |
54 km |
| 2008 |
281 |
1,308 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
ROMAN COMPLEX |
1,241 |
37 km |
| 2022 |
LA PALOMA |
1,214 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
58°F (14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
63°F (17°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
69°F (21°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
76°F (24°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
82°F (28°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
86°F (30°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
87°F (31°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| August |
87°F (31°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
83°F (28°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
76°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
67°F (19°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
59°F (15°C) |
0.8 in |
|
El Cenizo has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 58°F in January to 87°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 22.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in El Cenizo. 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 | $624 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $546 |
| Preschool | $537 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About El Cenizo
What is the population of El Cenizo?
El Cenizo has a population of 380 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 77,600 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 16.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is El Cenizo expensive to live in?
El Cenizo 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 $31,576, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,300 (71% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in El Cenizo?
El Cenizo has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 58°F in January, while summers reach an average of 87°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 22.5 inches.
How is the job market in El Cenizo?
The job market in El Cenizo faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $765. There are 666 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in El Cenizo?
The median home value in El Cenizo is $82,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,034. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $54,900, with homes typically selling within 166 days. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,682.
How are the schools in El Cenizo?
Schools in El Cenizo have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in El Cenizo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 42.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is El Cenizo?
The obesity rate in El Cenizo is 46.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 44.1% are physically inactive. 19.7% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,885.
What are the demographics of El Cenizo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of El Cenizo is 29.7% White, 100% Hispanic or Latino. 0% of residents speak only English at home, while 100% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 83.9% have health insurance coverage.