Median Income
$51,042
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
242/100K
36% 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
Housing
Ownership69.9%
Zillow$140,521
Housing Units205
Rent Burden33.6%
Crime
F
Violent242/100K
Property2,460/100K
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 Score4.90
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 42%
Commute15 min
Broadband80.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is El Refugio a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, El Refugio receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. El Refugio faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in El Refugio 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
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 4.9/10.
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, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 22.0 years, 43% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (21.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 15.6% of residents, while 84.4% speak Spanish. 1.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.0yrs
Median Age
43% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
El Refugio vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
15.6%
80% below US avg
Spanish
84.4%
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. Per capita income is $17,616 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $765, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.9% 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. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 22.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: El Refugio vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,042 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,616 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $765 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $36,816 |
| Gini Index | 0.515 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.9% |
| 69% 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.5% |
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. 69.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 205 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. 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.
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 | 69.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.1% |
| Housing Units | 205 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,682 |
| 34% above US avg |
In El Refugio, 43.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 15.2% report binge drinking. 45.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.0% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 43.0% 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 Refugio vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.6% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 4.1% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 45.2% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 18.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.2% |
| Uninsured | 43.0% |
| 400% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,885 |
| Dentists | 1:6,573 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,140 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 38.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,793/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 108 |
El Refugio 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 Refugio receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: El Refugio 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 Refugio 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 152 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 | 152 ft (46 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,106/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.3406°N, 98.7589°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Starr County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Allen International (MFE)
36 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
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 |
130 km |
| May 12, 2025 |
13 km E of Ciudad General Terán, Mexico |
M4.2 |
145 km |
| Mar 18, 2014 |
18 km E of Pueblo Nuevo, Mexico |
M4.1 |
128 km |
| Jan 19, 2014 |
12 km SSW of China, Mexico |
M4.1 |
99 km |
| Dec 22, 2013 |
19 km NE of Ciudad General Terán, Mexico |
M4.0 |
133 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
31 km SSE of China, Mexico |
M4.0 |
108 km |
| Mar 4, 2014 |
27 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M4.0 |
115 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
23 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Mar 2, 2014 |
15 km SW of China, Mexico |
M4.0 |
101 km |
| Nov 30, 2013 |
26 km SE of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M3.9 |
117 km |
| Mar 5, 2014 |
18 km SSW of China, Mexico |
M3.9 |
103 km |
| Nov 26, 2013 |
22 km S of China, Mexico |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Aug 30, 2016 |
11 km N of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M3.6 |
107 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 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
250 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
252 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
149 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
172 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
107 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
194 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
164 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 4 |
75 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
66 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 66 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jan 26, 1950 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1994 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1983 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1981 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1980 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1970 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1970 |
EF1 |
48 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 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
KING |
9,793 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
VIB |
7,817 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
HOPPER |
7,150 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
BLANKET |
5,823 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
ENCINO |
3,979 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH JONES |
3,541 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
JENNINGS |
3,494 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,389 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
JONES RANCH |
2,998 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
2686 |
2,979 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
HOPPER |
2,929 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
JONES |
2,178 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
ENCINITOS RANCH |
1,967 |
62 km |
| 2022 |
755 |
1,846 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
ENCINITOS |
1,748 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
91 km |
| 2023 |
ELECTRIC SLIDE |
1,410 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
SAN RAFAEL RANCH |
1,407 |
58 km |
| 2005 |
BORREGO |
1,392 |
57 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 Refugio 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 Refugio. 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 Refugio
What is the population of El Refugio?
El Refugio has a population of 686 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,106 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is El Refugio expensive to live in?
El Refugio 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 $51,042, 32% below the national average of $75,149.
Is El Refugio safe?
El Refugio 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 Refugio receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in El Refugio?
El Refugio 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 Refugio?
El Refugio has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average 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 15 minutes, and 22.5% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in El Refugio?
Schools in El Refugio have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.4% of adults in El Refugio hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is El Refugio?
The obesity rate in El Refugio is 43.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 45.2% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 43.0% 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 Refugio?
The average commute in El Refugio is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of El Refugio?
The racial and ethnic makeup of El Refugio is 21.7% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 15.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 84.4% speak Spanish. 1.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
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