Median Income
$44,464
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,300
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
157/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$974
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.8%
76% higher than US avg
How Lyford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,153
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density1,230/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,464
Per Capita$20,200
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty21.8%
County GDP$684M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,300
Rent$974
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$164,359
Housing Units783
Rent Burden43.9%
Crime
F
Violent157/100K
Property864/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault39/100K
Burglary236/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured38.0%
Smoking13.5%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain25.5 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation35 ft (11 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+62.7%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute21 min
Broadband68.9%
EV Stations6
Is Lyford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lyford receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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, below-average incomes. Lyford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lyford is $44,464, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 21.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lyford is $58,300, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $974 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 Lyford is below the national average at 157 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 864 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lyford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Lyford has a population of 2,153 with a density of 1,230 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (60.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 25.2% of residents, while 74.8% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 75.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
25.2%
68% below US avg
Spanish
74.8%
458% above US avg
The median household income in Lyford is $44,464, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,200 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $861, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 318 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,464 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,200 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $861 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,143 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.8% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 318 |
| County GDP | $684M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,378 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Lyford is $58,300, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,359, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $974 (16% 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. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 783 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $4,378 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 43.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,300 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,359 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $974 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 43.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 783 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,378 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.51% |
In Lyford, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 15.5% report binge drinking. 40.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.9% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 38.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,540. The dentist ratio is 1:20,143. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lyford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 8.8% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 4.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.5% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.7% |
| Uninsured | 38.0% |
| 342% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,540 |
| Dentists | 1:20,143 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,226 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,567/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Lyford has a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 39.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 117.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 864 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 550, burglary at 236, vehicle theft at 79 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Lyford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lyford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 157.2/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 117.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 39.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 864.4/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Burglary | 235.8/100K |
| Theft | 550.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 78.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lyford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 86°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 25.5 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 35 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
60°F Jan (15°C)
86°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 74.4°F |
| 38% above US avg |
| January Average | 60°F (15°C) |
| July Average | 86°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 35 ft (11 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,230/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.4146°N, 97.7893°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Willacy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valley International (HRL)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.5"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.63"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.9 on Apr 25, 2010.
| Apr 25, 2010 |
10 km WNW of Driscoll, Texas |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Mar 24, 1997 |
4 km SSE of Alice, Texas |
M3.8 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
13 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 |
243 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
29 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
166 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
240 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
10 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
171 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
130 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
55 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
226 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
117 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
19 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
139 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 39 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jan 26, 1950 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
64 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
59 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 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
KING |
9,793 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
CANE |
8,802 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
VIB |
7,817 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
HOPPER |
7,150 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
TRUST |
6,648 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
BLANKET |
5,823 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
TURTLE |
5,457 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
ENCINO |
3,979 |
62 km |
| 2014 |
28 MILE |
3,719 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH JONES |
3,541 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
BAFFIN |
3,223 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
36 km |
| 2009 |
HOPPER |
2,929 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
SAN CARLOS |
2,849 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
JONES |
2,178 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
ENCINITOS RANCH |
1,967 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
755 |
1,846 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
60°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
69°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| April |
74°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
83°F (28°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
86°F (30°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
85°F (29°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
67°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Lyford has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 60°F in January to 86°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.6") and March the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Lyford. 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 Lyford
What is the population of Lyford?
Lyford has a population of 2,153 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,230 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Lyford expensive to live in?
Lyford 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 $44,464, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,300 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $974 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 Lyford safe?
Lyford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 864 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lyford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lyford?
Lyford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 60°F in January, while summers reach an average of 86°F in July. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Lyford?
The job market in Lyford is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $861. There are 318 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lyford?
The median home value in Lyford is $58,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,359. For renters, the median monthly rent is $974. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,378.
How are the schools in Lyford?
Schools in Lyford have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.9% of adults in Lyford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.7% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lyford?
The obesity rate in Lyford is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 40.5% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 38.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,540.
What is transportation like in Lyford?
The average commute in Lyford is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lyford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lyford is 60.5% White. 25.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 74.8% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 75.7% have health insurance coverage.
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