Violent Crime
748/100K
97% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.6%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
22.9%
536% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
50.0%
303% higher than US avg
How Rancho Chico Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population48
Median Age73.3 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 40%
Veterans48.0%
Economy
Per Capita$13,981
Unemployment22.9%
Poverty50.0%
County GDP$3,781M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$155,850
Housing Units63
Rent Burden31.0%
Crime
F
Violent748/100K
Property2,924/100K
Health
Obesity45.6%
Uninsured38.4%
Smoking15.1%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days300/yr
Elevation50 ft (15 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+39.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Broadband22.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Rancho Chico a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rancho Chico receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Rancho Chico faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 22.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 50.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
With 748 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 2,924 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 39.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Rancho Chico has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 300 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Rancho Chico has a population of 48 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 73.3 years, 88% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.4% female and 39.6% male. The city is predominantly White (39.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 62.3% of residents, while 37.7% speak Spanish. 48.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 62.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
73.3yrs
Median Age
88% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rancho Chico vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
62.3%
21% below US avg
Spanish
37.7%
181% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Rancho Chico vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $13,981 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,213, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 22.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 50.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,217 business establishments, including 185 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average.
Income: Rancho Chico vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $13,981 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,213 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,370 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 22.9% |
| 536% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 50.0% |
| 303% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,217 |
| County GDP | $3,781M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 185 |
| Healthcare | 112 |
| Retail | 156 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,590 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,850. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 63 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $6,590 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 63 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,590 |
| 88% above US avg |
In Rancho Chico, 45.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 37.6% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 15.0% report binge drinking. 43.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.0% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 38.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,356. The dentist ratio is 1:2,498. 72.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rancho Chico vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.7% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.6% |
| Short Sleep | 44.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 38.4% |
| 347% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,356 |
| Dentists | 1:2,498 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,019 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 36.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,605/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 112 |
Rancho Chico has a violent crime rate of 748 per 100,000 residents, 97% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,924 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Rancho Chico receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rancho Chico vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 748.5/100K |
| 97% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,924.3/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rancho Chico has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (21°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 300 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 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 50 feet.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 70.5°F |
| 31% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 300 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 28.0242°N, 97.4966°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | San Patricio County County |
| Nearest Airport | Corpus Christi International (CRP) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.67"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
210 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 26, 2025.
| Oct 20, 2011 |
14 km SSW of Falls City, Texas |
M4.8 |
110 km |
| Jan 30, 2025 |
18 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M4.6 |
120 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
3 km SSW of Falls City, Texas |
M4.5 |
115 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
3 km S of Falls City, Texas |
M4.3 |
115 km |
| Sep 14, 2023 |
16 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M4.1 |
120 km |
| Apr 9, 1993 |
21 km NW of Pawnee, Texas |
M4.1 |
107 km |
| May 1, 2018 |
4 km SSE of Falls City, Texas |
M4.0 |
114 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
10 km WNW of Driscoll, Texas |
M3.9 |
49 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
3 km S of Falls City, Texas |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| Feb 22, 2024 |
3 km E of Falls City, Texas |
M3.9 |
117 km |
| Apr 7, 2008 |
7 km SSW of Falls City, Texas |
M3.9 |
113 km |
| Mar 24, 1997 |
4 km SSE of Alice, Texas |
M3.8 |
65 km |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
19 km E of Pleasanton, Texas |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Feb 12, 2024 |
3 km S of Falls City, Texas |
M3.7 |
115 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
2 km S of Falls City, Texas |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Jan 6, 2018 |
17 km SW of Falls City, Texas |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Jun 16, 2019 |
5 km SE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Jul 20, 1991 |
8 km SSW of Falls City, Texas |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Feb 23, 2024 |
2 km ESE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| May 2, 2024 |
2 km E of Falls City, Texas |
M3.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
11 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
158 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
127 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
138 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
44 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
172 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
119 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
260 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 4 |
158 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
408 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 120 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1970 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| May 16, 1969 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 1968 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1967 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1966 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1963 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 1954 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2010 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2002 |
EF2 |
35 km |
1 |
| Aug 10, 1980 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1980 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1976 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1976 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BORREGA (54,575 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
BORREGA |
54,575 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
SHOOTING RANGE |
15,389 |
72 km |
| 2012 |
6 MILE |
12,272 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
LAGUNA 24 |
12,147 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
DAISY |
10,556 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
6,236 |
64 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
4,966 |
63 km |
| 1986 |
FIREWORKS |
4,733 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
POLARIS |
4,624 |
61 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,589 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
GUS CANALAS |
4,316 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
LIGHTNING14 |
4,241 |
86 km |
| 2001 |
SAVANNAH S |
3,866 |
68 km |
| 2023 |
LAGUNA LARGA |
3,850 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
FLACA |
3,366 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
3,320 |
56 km |
| 2018 |
TXMAR-FY18-RX-MATAGORDA ISLAND WUI |
3,024 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
TXARR-FY19-RX-MATAGORDA G5 |
2,924 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
2009 MI A 5 |
2,844 |
73 km |
| 2020 |
T-10 UNIT |
2,821 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
55°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
65°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
65°F (18°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
58°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Rancho Chico has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 55°F in January to 84°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.7") and March the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Rancho Chico. 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 | $662 |
| Toddler | $624 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $598 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $567 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rancho Chico
What is the population of Rancho Chico?
Rancho Chico has a population of 48 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 73.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.4% female and 39.6% male.
Is Rancho Chico expensive to live in?
Rancho Chico has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Rancho Chico safe?
Public safety is a concern in Rancho Chico, with a violent crime rate of 748 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,924 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rancho Chico receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rancho Chico?
Rancho Chico has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 55°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 300 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Rancho Chico?
The job market in Rancho Chico faces challenges, with unemployment at 22.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,213. There are 1,217 business establishments in the area, including 185 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Rancho Chico?
Schools in Rancho Chico have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Rancho Chico hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 39.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rancho Chico?
The obesity rate in Rancho Chico is 45.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 43.7% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 38.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,356.
What are the demographics of Rancho Chico?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rancho Chico is 39.6% White. 62.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 37.7% speak Spanish. 48.0% of the population are military veterans. 62.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.