Texas · Metropolitan Area
Mercedes is a small city in Texas with a population of 16,449. Residents earn $41,753 per year, which is 44% below the national average.
Based on current data, Mercedes receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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, below-average incomes. Mercedes has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Mercedes is $41,753, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 24.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Mercedes is $107,700, 62% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $676 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 619 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 5,095 per 100,000, 160% above the national average.
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Mercedes has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
| English Only | 21.7% |
| 72% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 78.3% |
| 484% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $41,753 |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $18,376 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,428 |
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 24.5% |
| 98% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 7,200 |
| County GDP | $17,387M |
| Restaurants | 815 |
| Healthcare | 1,060 |
| Retail | 1,030 |
| Manufacturing | 186 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.94% |
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
| Census Median | $107,700 |
| 62% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $140,307 |
| Median List Price | $166,200 |
| Median List Price | $166,200 |
| $/Sq Ft | $163 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.2% |
| Price Drops | 18.1% |
| Inventory | 72 |
| Census Median Rent | $676 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.4% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.94% |
| Obesity | 45.8% |
| 43% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 18.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.1% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 17.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 73.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
| Total Violent | 618.6/100K |
| 63% above US avg | |
| Murder | 6.1/100K |
| 4% below US avg | |
| Rape | 60.7/100K |
| Robbery | 60.7/100K |
| Assault | 491.3/100K |
| Total Property | 5,094.6/100K |
| 160% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,000.7/100K |
| Theft | 3,875.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 218.3/100K |
| Arson | 42.5/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 75.0°F |
| 39% above US avg | |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 86°F (30°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 25.7 inches |
| 32% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 69 ft (21 m) |
| Area | 11.8 sq mi (30.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,394/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.1538°N, 97.9129°W |
| County FIPS | 48061 |
Winner: Republican by 5.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.9% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 69.9% |
| School Test Score | 5.10 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 1,394/sq mi |
| Total Area | 11.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 9 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
| Restaurants | 815 |
| Retail Stores | 1,030 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 17.7 min |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |