Median Income
$60,333
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,500
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
279/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$847
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.1%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.2%
71% higher than US avg
How La Paloma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,836
Median Age25.2 yrs
Density1,319/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 42%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,333
Per Capita$19,744
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty21.2%
County GDP$17,387M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,500
Rent$847
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$162,586
Housing Units814
Rent Burden17.7%
Crime
F
Violent279/100K
Property4,510/100K
Health
Obesity44.1%
Uninsured44.1%
Smoking16.5%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp76°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain28.2 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation45 ft (14 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+55.0%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute27 min
Broadband66.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is La Paloma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Paloma receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. La Paloma has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Paloma is $60,333, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 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 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Paloma is $79,500, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Paloma is below the national average at 279 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,510 per 100,000, 130% above the national average.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
La Paloma has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F. Winters average 61°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 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
La Paloma has a population of 2,836 with a density of 1,319 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 25.2 years, 35% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (41.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 11.7% of residents, while 88.3% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 5.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 72.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.2yrs
Median Age
35% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
La Paloma vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
11.7%
85% below US avg
Spanish
88.3%
559% above US avg
Social Characteristics
La Paloma vs U.S. Average
The median household income in La Paloma is $60,333, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,744 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (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 7,200 business establishments, including 815 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 23.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: La Paloma vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,333 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,744 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.2% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,200 |
| County GDP | $17,387M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 815 |
| Healthcare | 1,060 |
| Retail | 1,030 |
| Manufacturing | 186 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.3% |
The median home value in La Paloma is $79,500, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,586, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $847 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 814 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $6,394 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,500 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,586 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $847 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 814 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.04% |
In La Paloma, 44.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.8% of residents, above the national average. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 14.6% report binge drinking. 43.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.8% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 44.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034. The dentist ratio is 1:3,127. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Paloma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.1% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 4.1% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.9% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 18.9% |
| Short Sleep | 42.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.3% |
| Uninsured | 44.1% |
| 413% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,034 |
| Dentists | 1:3,127 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,028 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 39.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
La Paloma has a violent crime rate of 279 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,510 per 100,000, 130% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, La Paloma receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Paloma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 278.8/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,509.7/100K |
| 130% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Paloma has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (24°C). Winters average 61°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 28.2 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 45 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
61°F Jan (16°C)
87°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 75.6°F |
| 40% above US avg |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 45 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,319/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.0520°N, 97.6553°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cameron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valley International (HRL)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.2"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.71"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0363 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 28, 2021.
| Jun 28, 2021 |
96 km E of South Padre Island, Texas |
M2.7 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
171 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
198 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
42 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
136 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
192 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
74 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
39 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
126 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 37 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
39 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1994 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNS RANCH FIRE (58,395 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BURNS RANCH FIRE |
58,395 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
SAN CARLOS |
2,849 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
LA PALOMA |
1,214 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
61°F (16°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
69°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| April |
74°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
83°F (28°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
87°F (30°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
67°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
La Paloma has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 61°F in December to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.7") and March the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in La Paloma. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $632 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $611 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $580 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About La Paloma
What is the population of La Paloma?
La Paloma has a population of 2,836 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,319 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is La Paloma expensive to live in?
La Paloma 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 $60,333, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,500 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is La Paloma safe?
La Paloma is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 279 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,510 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Paloma receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Paloma?
La Paloma has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 61°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 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in La Paloma?
The job market in La Paloma is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 7,200 business establishments in the area, including 815 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 23.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Paloma?
The median home value in La Paloma is $79,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,586. For renters, the median monthly rent is $847. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,394.
How are the schools in La Paloma?
Schools in La Paloma score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.6% of adults in La Paloma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.0% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Paloma?
The obesity rate in La Paloma is 44.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 43.9% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 44.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034.
What is transportation like in La Paloma?
The average commute in La Paloma is 27 minutes. 69.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Paloma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Paloma is 41.5% White. 11.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 88.3% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 5.8% of residents have a disability. 72.3% have health insurance coverage.
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