Home Value
$80,100
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
260/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$483
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.4%
121% higher than US avg
How Laguna Heights Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population990
Median Age33.5 yrs
Density6,188/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 42%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$14,573
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty27.4%
County GDP$17,387M
Commute19 min
Housing
Home Value$80,100
Rent$483
Ownership50.7%
Zillow$259,008
Housing Units496
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent260/100K
Property5,660/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured42.2%
Smoking16.0%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation7 ft (2 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+45.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute19 min
Broadband26.1%
EV Stations22
Libraries9
Is Laguna Heights a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Laguna Heights receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. 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. Laguna Heights faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 27.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Laguna Heights is $80,100, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $483 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Laguna Heights is below the national average at 260 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,660 per 100,000, 189% above the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 45.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Laguna Heights has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Laguna Heights has a population of 990 with a density of 6,188 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 33.5 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.6% female and 40.4% male. The city is predominantly White (42.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 56.8% of residents, while 43.2% speak Spanish. 0.0% 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). 51.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.5yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Laguna Heights vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
56.8%
28% below US avg
Spanish
43.2%
222% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Laguna Heights vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $14,573 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.4% 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 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Laguna Heights vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $14,573 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.4% |
| 121% 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 | 7.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Laguna Heights is $80,100, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,008, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $483 (58% 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. 50.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 496 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $6,394 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,100 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,008 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $483 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.3% |
| Housing Units | 496 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.98% |
In Laguna Heights, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 15.5% report binge drinking. 41.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.6% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 42.2% 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: Laguna Heights vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 4.2% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.7% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 51.3% |
| Uninsured | 42.2% |
| 391% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,034 |
| Dentists | 1:3,127 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,028 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 38.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
Laguna Heights has a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,660 per 100,000, 189% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Laguna Heights receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Laguna Heights vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 260.0/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,660.0/100K |
| 189% 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 |
Laguna Heights has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 84°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 28.8 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 7 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
60°F Jan (16°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 73.9°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 6,188/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.0808°N, 97.2593°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cameron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownsville/South Padre Island International (BRO)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
6.38"
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 |
106 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 |
231 km |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 1 |
256 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
134 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
193 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
36 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
147 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
88 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
210 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
77 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
6 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
107 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 16 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
0 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1977 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1970 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1970 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1969 |
EF1 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1967 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HAYFIELD SOUTH (11,038 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
60°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
68°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| April |
73°F (23°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
68°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Laguna Heights has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 60°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.4") and March the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Laguna Heights. 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 Laguna Heights
What is the population of Laguna Heights?
Laguna Heights has a population of 990 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 6,188 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.6% female and 40.4% male.
Is Laguna Heights expensive to live in?
Laguna Heights has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $80,100 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $483 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Laguna Heights safe?
Laguna Heights is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,660 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Laguna Heights receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Laguna Heights?
Laguna Heights has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 60°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Laguna Heights?
The job market in Laguna Heights is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Laguna Heights?
The median home value in Laguna Heights is $80,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,008. For renters, the median monthly rent is $483. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,394.
How are the schools in Laguna Heights?
Schools in Laguna Heights score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.3% of adults in Laguna Heights hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 45.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Laguna Heights?
The obesity rate in Laguna Heights is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 41.7% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 42.2% 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 Laguna Heights?
The average commute in Laguna Heights is 19 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 Laguna Heights?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Laguna Heights is 42.4% White. 56.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 43.2% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 51.3% have health insurance coverage.
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