Marfa, TX

Texas

Marfa is a small town in Texas with a population of 2,179. Residents earn $38,205 per year, which is 49% below the national average.

3.3 /5.0
B Good
2,179 Population 1,345/sq mi density
$38,205 Median Income $35,418 per capita
$217,600 Home Value $293,888 Zillow
$395 Median Rent
59°F Avg Temperature
B
Overall
3.3 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$38,205 median income, 0.0% unemployment
B
Affordability
3.5 / 5.0
$217,600 home value, $395/mo rent
B
Education
3.4 / 5.0
29.8% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $38,205
49% lower than US avg
Home Value $217,600
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 29.8%
12% lower than US avg
Median Rent $395
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 17.0%
37% higher than US avg

How Marfa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population2,179
Median Age54.2 yrs
Density1,345/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 65%

Economy

B
Median Income$38,205
Per Capita$35,418
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty17.0%
County GDP$105M
Commute6 min

Housing

B
Home Value$217,600
Rent$395
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$293,888

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity39.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease6.4%

Climate

Avg Temp59°F
AQI42 (Good)
Elevation4,698 ft

Education

B
Bachelor's+29.8%
High School+73.6%
School Score5.10

Community

2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute6 min
EV Stations1
Libraries1

Is Marfa a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Marfa receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Marfa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Marfa is $38,205, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 17.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Marfa is $217,600, 23% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $395 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Education

29.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.

Climate & Weather

Marfa enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.

Marfa has a population of 2,179 with a density of 1,345 people per square mile. The median age is 54.2 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (64.9%).

Population

2,179
Total Population
1,345
People / sq mi
54.2yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
1.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45%
Female 55%

Race & Ethnicity

Marfa vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only51.0%
35% below US avg
Spanish49.0%
266% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Marfa vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Marfa is $38,205, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes.

Income: Marfa vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$38,205
49% below US avg
Per Capita Income$35,418
Avg Weekly Wage$822
IRS Avg AGI$90,193

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate17.0%
37% above US avg
Establishments (County)88
County GDP$105M

Business (County)

Restaurants15
Retail11

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$6,200
77% above US avg
Effective Tax Rate2.85%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time6.2 min
Work from Home11.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Marfa is $217,600, 23% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $395 (66% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $293,888.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$217,600
23% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$293,888

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$395
66% below US avg

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$887
1 Bedroom$935
2 Bedrooms$1,149
3 Bedrooms$1,497
4 Bedrooms$1,733

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied77.3%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$6,200
77% above US avg
Effective Rate2.85%
In Marfa, 39.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 22.4% report depression. 33.8% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Marfa vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity39.6%
23% above US avg
Diabetes14.5%
Heart Disease6.4%
High Blood Pressure33.9%
Asthma9.6%
COPD6.6%
Stroke3.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking17.2%
Physical Inactivity33.8%
Depression22.4%
Mental Distress18.1%
Physical Distress15.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate85.3%
Checkup Rate72.0%
Premature Death8,208/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment6.2/10
Exercise Access51.3%

Crime Rates: Marfa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Marfa has an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.

Temperature

42°F Jan (6°C) 75°F Jul (24°C)
Annual Average59.3°F
10% above US avg
January Average42°F (6°C)
July Average75°F (24°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Air Quality

AQI Median42.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation4,698 ft (1,432 m)
Area1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²)
Population Density1,345/sq mi
Coordinates30.3107°N, 104.0255°W
County FIPS48243
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 29.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (12% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 21.3-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 59.8%
D 38.5%

Winner: Republican by 21.3 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+29.8%
12% below US avg
High School+73.6%
School Test Score5.10
B Education Grade (3.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density1,345/sq mi
Total Area1.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1
Public Libraries1
Restaurants15
Retail Stores11

Safety & Disasters

FEMA Disaster Declarations91

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute6.2 min
Work from Home11.6%

Nearby Cities

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