Matagorda, TX — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $13,565

82% lower than US avg

Home Value $143,600

49% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 5.4%

84% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 35.2%

10% higher than US avg

Unemployment 12.1%

236% higher than US avg

Poverty Rate 51.0%

311% higher than US avg

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

People

Population298

Median Age62.8 yrs

Density162/mi²

Male / Female55% / 45%

Largest GroupWhite 91%

Veterans20.8%

Economy

Median Income$13,565

Per Capita$14,421

Unemployment12.1%

Poverty51.0%

County GDP$2,905M

Commute7 min

Housing

Home Value$143,600

RentN/A

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$287,933

Housing Units451

Rent Burden35.4%

Health

Obesity35.2%

Uninsured14.5%

Smoking15.8%

Depression25.1%

Heart Disease5.9%

Climate

Avg Temp69°F (21°C)

AQI42 (Good)

Rain44.5 in/yr

Sunny Days330/yr

Elevation8 ft (2 m)

Education

Bachelor's+5.4%

High School+79.2%

Graduate+4.4%

School Score4.89

Community

2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%

Commute7 min

Broadband71.1%

Libraries4

Is Matagorda a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Matagorda receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Matagorda faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Matagorda is $13,565, 82% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 51.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Matagorda is $143,600, 49% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. With a home price-to-income ratio of 10.6x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.

Education

5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.

Climate & Weather

Matagorda enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.

Matagorda has a population of 298 with a density of 162 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 62.8 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.3% female and 54.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 20.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 77.5% have health insurance coverage.

Population

298

Total Population

162

People / sq mi

62.8yrs

Median Age

61% above US avg

1.8mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 54.7%

Female 45.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Matagorda vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	100.0%
	27% above US avg
Spanish	0.0%
	100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Matagorda vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Matagorda is $13,565, which is 82% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,421 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,327. The unemployment rate is 12.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 51.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 824 business establishments, including 96 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Matagorda vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$13,565
	82% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$14,421
Avg Weekly Wage	$1,327
IRS Avg AGI	$64,685

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	12.1%
	236% above US avg
Poverty Rate	51.0%
	311% above US avg
Establishments (County)	824
County GDP	$2,905M

Business (County)

Restaurants	96
Healthcare	86
Retail	132
Manufacturing	32

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)	$5,986
	71% above US avg
Cost of Living	97.10 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate	4.17%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	6.8 min
Drive Alone	100.0%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Matagorda is $143,600, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,933, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 83.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $960 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 451 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $5,986 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.6x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$143,600
	49% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$287,933

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

$/Sq Ft	$224
Homes Sold	3
Sale-to-List Ratio	83.8%
Price Drops	0.0%
Inventory	6

Rental Costs


Rent Burden	35.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$912
1 Bedroom	$960
2 Bedrooms	$1,173
3 Bedrooms	$1,498
4 Bedrooms	$1,911

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	82.4%
Housing Units	451
Median Year Built	1969

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)	$5,986
	71% above US avg
Effective Rate	4.17%

In Matagorda, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 14.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,796. The dentist ratio is 1:2,779. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.5 out of 10.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	35.2%
	10% above US avg
Diabetes	10.3%
Heart Disease	5.9%
High Blood Pressure	32.5%
Asthma	10.1%
COPD	6.8%
Cancer	7.1%
Stroke	3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	15.8%
	13% above US avg
Binge Drinking	20.5%
Physical Inactivity	25.2%
Depression	25.1%
Mental Distress	19.0%
Physical Distress	13.4%
Short Sleep	36.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	77.5%
Uninsured	14.5%
	69% above US avg
Primary Care	1:2,796
Dentists	1:2,779
Mental Health	1:1,818
Checkup Rate	71.3%
Dental Visits	58.8%
Premature Death	11,456/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment	5.5/10
Exercise Access	72.3%
Healthcare Facilities	86

Matagorda enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 330 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 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 8 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

53°F Jan (12°C) 83°F Jul (28°C)

Annual Average	69.0°F
	28% above US avg
January Average	53°F (12°C)
July Average	83°F (28°C)
Sunny Days	330 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	44.5 inches
	17% above US avg
Snowfall	0.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	42.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	8 ft (2 m)
Area	1.8 sq mi (4.8 km²)
Population Density	162/sq mi
Coordinates	28.6965°N, 95.9666°W
Timezone	America/Chicago
County	Matagorda County County
County FIPS	48321

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	53°F (12°C)	3.6 in	Coldest
February	57°F (14°C)	2.7 in
March	64°F (18°C)	2.2 in	Driest
April	70°F (21°C)	2.6 in
May	76°F (25°C)	4.5 in
June	82°F (28°C)	4.8 in
July	83°F (28°C)	4.2 in
August	84°F (29°C)	3.7 in	Warmest
September	80°F (27°C)	6.7 in	Wettest
October	73°F (23°C)	4.1 in
November	64°F (18°C)	3.8 in
December	57°F (14°C)	3.0 in

Matagorda has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F — from 53°F in January to 84°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 45.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.7") and March the driest (2.2").

Matagorda is located in Matagorda County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent, a smaller urban community. 5.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 84% below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 74.8% of the vote, a 50.5-point margin. 71.1% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 4 public libraries serving the community. 86 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 100% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 74.8%

D 24.3%

Winner: Republican by 50.5 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	5.4%
	84% below US avg
High School+	79.2%
Graduate Degree+	4.4%
School Test Score	4.89

F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 6	Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent
Population Density	162/sq mi
Total Area	1.8 sq mi
County	Matagorda County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	71.1%
Public Libraries	4
Healthcare Facilities	86
Restaurants	96
Retail Stores	132

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)	6
FEMA Disaster Declarations	91

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	6.8 min
Drive Alone	100.0%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	0.0%

Frequently Asked Questions About Matagorda

What is the population of Matagorda?

Matagorda has a population of 298 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 162 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.3% female and 54.7% male.

Is Matagorda expensive to live in?

Matagorda 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 $13,565, 82% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,600 (49% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 10.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Matagorda?

Matagorda enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.

How is the job market in Matagorda?

The job market in Matagorda faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.1% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,327. There are 824 business establishments in the area, including 96 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Matagorda?

The median home value in Matagorda is $143,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,933. The average annual property tax is $5,986.

How are the schools in Matagorda?

Schools in Matagorda have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.4% of adults in Matagorda hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Matagorda?

The obesity rate in Matagorda is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 14.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,796.

What is transportation like in Matagorda?

The average commute in Matagorda is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Matagorda?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Matagorda is 90.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 20.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability. 77.5% have health insurance coverage.

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