Median Income
$13,565
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
172/100K
55% 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
F
Median Income$13,565
Per Capita$14,421
Unemployment12.1%
Poverty51.0%
County GDP$2,905M
Commute7 min
Housing
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$287,933
Housing Units451
Rent Burden35.4%
Crime
F
Violent172/100K
Property2,303/100K
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
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+79.2%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score4.89
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute7 min
Broadband71.1%
EV Stations1
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 low crime rates, 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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Matagorda is below the national average at 172 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,303 per 100,000, near the national average.
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
62.8yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
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.
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 6.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,933. 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. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). 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.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $224 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 83.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $912 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,498 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,911 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 451 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,986 |
| 71% above US avg |
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 has a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,303 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Matagorda receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Matagorda vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 172.2/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,303.1/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
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 |
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 |
| Nearest Airport | Bay City Regional (BBC)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.5"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
6.73"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2021.
| Feb 19, 2015 |
3 km N of Hallettsville, Texas |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Mar 4, 2019 |
11 km SE of Cuero, Texas |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Jan 4, 1995 |
1 km NW of Hallettsville, Texas |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Aug 24, 2021 |
3 km NNW of Hallettsville, Texas |
M2.6 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
18 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
3 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
26 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
273 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
222 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
178 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
120 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
283 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
140 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
144 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
243 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
46 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
239 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
104 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
182 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
198 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
96 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
311 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 102 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 8, 1976 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 24, 1975 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1969 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
25 km |
4 |
| Apr 18, 1966 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1966 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1961 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
1 |
| Feb 14, 2017 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1972 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MATAGORDA B5 (7,817 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
MATAGORDA B5 |
7,817 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
TXTMR FY17 RX WHARTON |
5,175 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
WHARTON |
5,084 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
COW TRAP 2008 |
4,335 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
2018 NORTH SARGENT WF |
3,959 |
36 km |
| 2001 |
SAVANNAH S |
3,866 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
CHOCOLATE BAYOU UNIT |
3,790 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
CHOCOLATE BAYOU |
3,623 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
MOUND |
3,402 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
ROAD PASTURE 2009 |
3,197 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
69 km |
| 1992 |
SMITH MARSH |
3,057 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
CATTAILS |
3,046 |
43 km |
| 2018 |
TXMAR-FY18-RX-MATAGORDA ISLAND WUI |
3,024 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
2009 MI A 5 |
2,844 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
2009 MI B 7 |
2,608 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,537 |
61 km |
| 2023 |
TXBRR-FY23-RX-W |
2,511 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
TXTMR FY17 RX BLUESTEM |
2,462 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,462 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Matagorda. 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 | $801 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $723 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $662 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
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.
Is Matagorda safe?
Matagorda is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,303 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Matagorda receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
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 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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