Median Income
$64,048
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,300
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
806/100K
112% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$876
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.3%
152% higher than US avg
How Los Fresnos Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,174
Median Age29.4 yrs
Density45/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 49%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$64,048
Per Capita$25,004
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty31.3%
County GDP$17,387M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,300
Rent$876
Ownership60.8%
Zillow$226,758
Housing Units2,493
Rent Burden33.0%
Crime
F
Violent806/100K
Property1,635/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured24.6%
Smoking14.0%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
AQI61 (Moderate)
Rain23.3 in/yr
Elevation25 ft (8 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+74.2%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.8%
EV Stations10
Libraries9
Is Los Fresnos a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Los Fresnos receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Los Fresnos has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Los Fresnos is $64,048, 15% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 31.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Los Fresnos is $123,300, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $876 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 806 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,635 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Los Fresnos has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.3 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 61.
Los Fresnos has a population of 8,174 with a density of 45 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 29.4 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (88.9%), with 48.6% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 38.6% of residents, while 67.8% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 75.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
8,174
Total Population
2023 Census
29.4yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Los Fresnos vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
38.6%
51% below US avg
Spanish
67.8%
406% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Los Fresnos vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Los Fresnos is $64,048, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,004 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.3% 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 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Los Fresnos vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,048 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,004 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.3% |
| 152% 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 | 5.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Los Fresnos is $123,300, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,758, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $312,000 with homes selling in an average of 106 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $876 (25% 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. 60.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,493 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $6,394 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,300 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,758 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $312,000 |
| Median List Price | $205,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $312,000 |
| Median List Price | $205,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $159 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Days on Market | 106 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 44.4% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $876 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,493 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.19% |
In Los Fresnos, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 15.6% report binge drinking. 37.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.8% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 24.6% 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: Los Fresnos vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.6% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.4% |
| Uninsured | 24.6% |
| 186% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,034 |
| Dentists | 1:3,127 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,028 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 46.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
Los Fresnos has a violent crime rate of 806 per 100,000 residents, 112% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,635 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Los Fresnos receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Los Fresnos vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 805.8/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,635.3/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Los Fresnos has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 61 / residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 27% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 25 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
61°F Jan (16°C)
85°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 74.8°F |
| 39% above US avg |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (30°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 25 ft (8 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (7.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 45/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.0741°N, 97.4880°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cameron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownsville/South Padre Island International (BRO)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.3"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.26"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 61.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 27.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 61 |
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 |
128 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 |
246 km |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
155 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
198 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
36 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
142 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
278 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
199 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
75 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
29 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
121 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 37 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
23 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1981 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1980 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HAYFIELD SOUTH (11,038 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
SAN CARLOS |
2,849 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
61°F (16°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
65°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
70°F (21°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
75°F (24°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
81°F (27°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
84°F (29°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
85°F (30°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| August |
85°F (30°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
83°F (28°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
77°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
69°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Los Fresnos has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 61°F in January to 85°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 23.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Los Fresnos. 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 Los Fresnos
What is the population of Los Fresnos?
Los Fresnos has a population of 8,174 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 45 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Los Fresnos expensive to live in?
Los Fresnos 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 $64,048, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,300 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $876 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Los Fresnos safe?
Public safety is a concern in Los Fresnos, with a violent crime rate of 806 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,635 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Los Fresnos receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Los Fresnos?
Los Fresnos has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 61°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 23.3 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 61.
How is the job market in Los Fresnos?
Los Fresnos has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average 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 22 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Los Fresnos?
The median home value in Los Fresnos is $123,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,758. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $312,000, with homes typically selling within 106 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $876. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,394.
How are the schools in Los Fresnos?
Schools in Los Fresnos score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Los Fresnos hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Los Fresnos?
The obesity rate in Los Fresnos is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 37.6% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 24.6% 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 Los Fresnos?
The average commute in Los Fresnos is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Los Fresnos?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Los Fresnos is 48.6% White, 88.9% Hispanic or Latino. 38.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 67.8% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 75.4% have health insurance coverage.