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El Refugio, TX

Texas

El Refugio is a small town in Texas with a population of 686. Residents earn $51,042 per year, which is 32% below the national average.

2.1 /5.0
C Fair
686 Population 1,106/sq mi density
$51,042 Median Income $17,616 per capita
74°F Avg Temperature 312 sunny days/yr
C
Overall
2.1 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.9 / 5.0
$51,042 median income, 4.3% unemployment
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
4.4% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $51,042
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 4.4%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 43.6%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment 4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 20.9%
69% higher than US avg

How El Refugio Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population686
Median Age22.0 yrs
Density1,106/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 22%
Veterans1.1%

Economy

C+
Median Income$51,042
Per Capita$17,616
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty20.9%
County GDP$1,559M
Commute15 min

Health

Obesity43.6%
Uninsured43.0%
Smoking15.8%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease6.7%

Climate

Avg Temp74°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain22.5 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation152 ft (46 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+4.4%
High School+80.0%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.10

Community

2024 VoteR 58% / D 42%
Commute15 min
Broadband80.9%
Libraries1

Is El Refugio a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, El Refugio receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. El Refugio has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in El Refugio is $51,042, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Education

4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.

Climate & Weather

El Refugio 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 Refugio has a population of 686 with a density of 1,106 people per square mile. The median age is 22.0 years, 43% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (21.7%).

Population

686
Total Population
1,106
People / sq mi
22.0yrs
Median Age
43% below US avg
0.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.1%
Female 52.9%

Race & Ethnicity

El Refugio vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only15.6%
80% below US avg
Spanish84.4%
530% above US avg

Social Characteristics

El Refugio vs U.S. Average

The median household income in El Refugio is $51,042, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes.

Income: El Refugio vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$51,042
32% below US avg
Per Capita Income$17,616
Avg Weekly Wage$765
IRS Avg AGI$36,816

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.3%
19% above US avg
Poverty Rate20.9%
69% above US avg
Establishments (County)666
County GDP$1,559M

Business (County)

Restaurants61
Healthcare108
Retail128
Manufacturing11

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,682
34% above US avg
Cost of Living97.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time15.1 min
Drive Alone63.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home22.5%

Walkability

In El Refugio, 43.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 43.0% of residents lack health insurance. 15.8% are current smokers. 20.0% report depression. 45.2% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: El Refugio vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity43.6%
36% above US avg
Diabetes18.7%
Heart Disease6.7%
High Blood Pressure35.2%
Asthma9.0%
COPD6.2%
Cancer4.1%
Stroke3.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking15.8%
13% above US avg
Binge Drinking15.2%
Physical Inactivity45.2%
Depression20.0%
Mental Distress18.3%
Physical Distress18.9%
Short Sleep40.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate83.2%
Uninsured43.0%
400% above US avg
Checkup Rate70.1%
Dental Visits38.3%
Premature Death9,793/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment3.0/10
Exercise Access62.4%
Healthcare Facilities108
El Refugio has an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winters average 58°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. Annual precipitation is 22.5 inches. The area enjoys 312 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.

Temperature

58°F Jan (14°C) 87°F Jul (31°C)
Annual Average74.4°F
38% above US avg
January Average58°F (14°C)
July Average87°F (31°C)
Sunny Days312 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall22.5 inches
41% below US avg
Snowfall0.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median42.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation152 ft (46 m)
Area0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²)
Population Density1,106/sq mi
Coordinates26.3406°N, 98.7589°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
County FIPS48427
It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 20K+, adjacent. 4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (87% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 16-point margin. 80.9% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 57.8%
D 41.8%

Winner: Republican by 16 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+4.4%
87% below US avg
High School+80.0%
Graduate Degree+2.1%
School Test Score5.10
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 4Nonmetro — Urban 20K+, adjacent
Population Density1,106/sq mi
Total Area0.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access80.9%
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities108
Restaurants61
Retail Stores128

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)7

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute15.1 min
Drive Alone63.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home22.5%

Nearby Cities

Las Lomas, TX 1,836 pop · 1.9 mi Rio Grande City, TX 15,258 pop · 4.8 mi Ciudad Camargo 7,984 pop · 4.9 mi Mi Ranchito Estate, TX 1,127 pop · 7.8 mi Mikes, TX 1,676 pop · 8.0 mi La Grulla, TX 1,447 pop · 8.3 mi Valadeces 2,009 pop · 9.1 mi El Cenizo, TX 2,328 pop · 10.8 mi Ciudad Gustavo Díaz Ordaz 11,523 pop · 12.6 mi Sullivan City, TX 3,919 pop · 12.9 mi Escobares, TX 2,563 pop · 13.4 mi Comales 2,429 pop · 14.8 mi Roma, TX 11,543 pop · 16.0 mi Ciudad Miguel Alemán 19,997 pop · 17.2 mi
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