Median Income
$49,200
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$139,600
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
242/100K
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.9%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How El Rancho Vela Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population587
Median Age29.7 yrs
Density4,515/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$49,200
Per Capita$24,179
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,559M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$139,600
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$140,521
Housing Units219
Rent Burden33.6%
Crime
F
Violent242/100K
Property2,460/100K
Health
Obesity42.9%
Uninsured42.4%
Smoking15.6%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain22.5 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation275 ft (84 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+78.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.90
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 42%
Commute21 min
Broadband81.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is El Rancho Vela a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, El Rancho Vela receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. El Rancho Vela offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in El Rancho Vela is $49,200, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in El Rancho Vela is $139,600, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in El Rancho Vela is below the national average at 242 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,460 per 100,000, 26% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
El Rancho Vela 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. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
El Rancho Vela has a population of 587 with a density of 4,515 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 29.7 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.3% female and 41.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 53.4% of residents, while 46.6% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 56.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.7yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
El Rancho Vela vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
53.4%
32% below US avg
Spanish
46.6%
248% above US avg
Social Characteristics
El Rancho Vela vs U.S. Average
The median household income in El Rancho Vela is $49,200, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,179 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $765, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: El Rancho Vela vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,200 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,179 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $765 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $36,816 |
| Gini Index | 0.515 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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 | 3.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in El Rancho Vela is $139,600, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,521. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 219 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1996. 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 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $139,600 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $140,521 |
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 | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 219 |
| Median Year Built | 1996 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,682 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.35% |
In El Rancho Vela, 42.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 14.1% report binge drinking. 43.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 42.4% 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 Rancho Vela vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.9% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 3.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.7% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 40.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 56.1% |
| Uninsured | 42.4% |
| 393% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,885 |
| Dentists | 1:6,573 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,140 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.6% |
| Dental Visits | 34.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,793/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 108 |
El Rancho Vela has a violent crime rate of 242 per 100,000 residents, 36% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,460 per 100,000, 26% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, El Rancho Vela receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: El Rancho Vela vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 241.7/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,460.0/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
El Rancho Vela 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. 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 22.5 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 275 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) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 275 ft (84 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,515/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.4038°N, 98.7690°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Starr County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Allen International (MFE) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.5"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.4. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 30, 2016.
| Jun 14, 2009 |
35 km E of Ciudad General Terán, Mexico |
M4.4 |
136 km |
| Mar 18, 2014 |
18 km E of Pueblo Nuevo, Mexico |
M4.1 |
132 km |
| Jan 19, 2014 |
12 km SSW of China, Mexico |
M4.1 |
104 km |
| Dec 22, 2013 |
19 km NE of Ciudad General Terán, Mexico |
M4.0 |
138 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
31 km SSE of China, Mexico |
M4.0 |
114 km |
| Mar 4, 2014 |
27 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
23 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Mar 2, 2014 |
15 km SW of China, Mexico |
M4.0 |
106 km |
| Nov 30, 2013 |
26 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Mar 5, 2014 |
18 km SSW of China, Mexico |
M3.9 |
109 km |
| Nov 26, 2013 |
22 km S of China, Mexico |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Aug 30, 2016 |
11 km N of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M3.6 |
110 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 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
247 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
259 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
156 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
178 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
102 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
201 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
169 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 4 |
68 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
68 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 66 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 26, 1950 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2010 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1994 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1983 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1981 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1980 |
EF1 |
37 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 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
SMAC |
19,449 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
KING |
9,793 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
VIB |
7,817 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
HOPPER |
7,150 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
BLANKET |
5,823 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
ENCINO |
3,979 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH JONES |
3,541 |
77 km |
| 2023 |
JENNINGS |
3,494 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,389 |
50 km |
| 2008 |
JONES RANCH |
2,998 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
2686 |
2,979 |
40 km |
| 2009 |
HOPPER |
2,929 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
JONES |
2,178 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
ENCINITOS RANCH |
1,967 |
58 km |
| 2022 |
755 |
1,846 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
ENCINITOS |
1,748 |
61 km |
| 2023 |
FLORIDA |
1,514 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
89 km |
| 2023 |
ELECTRIC SLIDE |
1,410 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
58°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
62°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
69°F (21°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| April |
75°F (24°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
81°F (27°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
85°F (29°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
87°F (31°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
86°F (30°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
60°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
El Rancho Vela has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 58°F in January to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and March the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in El Rancho Vela. 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 Rancho Vela
What is the population of El Rancho Vela?
El Rancho Vela has a population of 587 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 4,515 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.3% female and 41.7% male.
Is El Rancho Vela expensive to live in?
El Rancho Vela 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 $49,200, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $139,600 (50% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is El Rancho Vela safe?
El Rancho Vela is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 242 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,460 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, El Rancho Vela receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in El Rancho Vela?
El Rancho Vela 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. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in El Rancho Vela?
The job market in El Rancho Vela is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below 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. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in El Rancho Vela?
The median home value in El Rancho Vela is $139,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,521. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,682.
How are the schools in El Rancho Vela?
Schools in El Rancho Vela 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 Rancho Vela hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is El Rancho Vela?
The obesity rate in El Rancho Vela is 42.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 43.7% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 42.4% 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 is transportation like in El Rancho Vela?
The average commute in El Rancho Vela is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of El Rancho Vela?
The racial and ethnic makeup of El Rancho Vela is 90.6% White. 53.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 46.6% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 0.8% of residents have a disability. 56.1% have health insurance coverage.