Median Income
$103,500
38% higher than US avg
Home Value
$395,400
40% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
60.5%
80% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,181
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Salado Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,292
Median Age48.3 yrs
Density739/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$103,500
Per Capita$66,827
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$44,610M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$395,400
Rent$1,181
Ownership88.5%
Zillow$486,966
Housing Units1,088
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,347/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault84/100K
Burglary842/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking8.9%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days303/yr
Elevation586 ft (179 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+60.5%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+20.4%
School Score6.22
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute24 min
Broadband96.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
Is Salado a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salado receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Salado offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Salado is $103,500, which is significantly higher than the national average / 38% above $75,149. This places Salado among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salado is $395,400, 40% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,181 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Salado is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,347 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
Salado is a highly educated community / 60.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Salado enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 303 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Salado has a population of 2,292 with a density of 739 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 48.3 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (85%), with 4.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.3% of residents, while 12.7% speak Spanish. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.3yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.3%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.7%
5% below US avg
The median household income in Salado is $103,500, which is 38% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $66,827 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,545. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 15,692 business establishments, including 1,297 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 14.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $103,500 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $66,827 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,545 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $110,070 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 15,692 |
| County GDP | $44,610M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,297 |
| Healthcare | 1,657 |
| Retail | 1,626 |
| Manufacturing | 387 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,871 |
| 182% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.3% |
The median home value in Salado is $395,400, 40% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $486,966, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,181 (2% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,088 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $9,871 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $395,400 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $486,966 |
| Median List Price | $519,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $519,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $200 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.6% |
| Price Drops | 32.1% |
| Inventory | 28 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,181 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,088 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,871 |
| 182% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.50% |
In Salado, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 27.0% have high blood pressure. 8.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,465. The dentist ratio is 1:1,638. 91.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salado vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,465 |
| Dentists | 1:1,638 |
| Mental Health | 1:560 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,175/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,657 |
Salado has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 84.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,347 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 379, burglary at 842, vehicle theft at 126 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 59 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Salado receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Salado vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 84.2/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 84.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,347.4/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| Burglary | 842.1/100K |
| Theft | 379.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 126.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 59 |
| Traffic Accidents | 45 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Salado enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 303 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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 586 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 67.1°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 303 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 586 ft (179 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 739/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.9484°N, 97.5283°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Williamson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional (TPL) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 2, 2024.
| Sep 3, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Leander, Texas |
M2.9 |
44 km |
| Oct 20, 2017 |
5 km W of Flatonia, Texas |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Jun 7, 2009 |
6 km NNE of Rio Vista, Texas |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
4 km SSW of Round Top, Texas |
M2.5 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
6 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
235 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
297 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 2 |
251 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
213 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
239 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
461 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 159 fatalities, 986 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF5 |
17 km |
27 |
| May 6, 1973 |
EF5 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1953 |
EF5 |
76 km |
114 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| Apr 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1994 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1989 |
EF3 |
22 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
20 km |
2 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BASTROP COUNTY COMPLEX (31,838 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
BASTROP COUNTY COMPLEX |
31,838 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
CRITTENBERG COMPLEX |
21,391 |
40 km |
| 2011 |
ROBINETTE |
6,039 |
38 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
5,706 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
SPICEWOOD |
4,239 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
3 OAKS |
3,294 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
HARMAN ROAD |
3,094 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
OWL CREEK |
2,376 |
42 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,236 |
32 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,234 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
BROWNS CREEK RANGE |
1,889 |
42 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
1,581 |
37 km |
| 2011 |
CORYELL COMPLEX |
1,572 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
BERTRAM |
1,567 |
47 km |
| 2008 |
HWY 195 FIRE |
1,523 |
26 km |
| 2006 |
MONAHAM FIRE |
1,484 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
CR 208 |
1,483 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,445 |
34 km |
| 2022 |
DRY BRANCH |
1,424 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,140 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Salado has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 48°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and July the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Salado. 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 | $875 |
| Toddler | $818 |
| Preschool | $792 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $784 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Salado
What is the population of Salado?
Salado has a population of 2,292 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 739 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Salado expensive to live in?
Salado 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 $103,500, 38% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $395,400 (40% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,181 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Salado safe?
Salado is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,347 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Salado receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Salado?
Salado enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 303 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Salado?
The job market in Salado is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,545. There are 15,692 business establishments in the area, including 1,297 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 14.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salado?
The median home value in Salado is $395,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $486,966. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,181. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.5%. The average annual property tax is $9,871.
How are the schools in Salado?
Schools in Salado score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 60.5% of adults in Salado hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 20.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salado?
The obesity rate in Salado is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 8.9% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 91.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,465.
What is transportation like in Salado?
The average commute in Salado is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salado?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salado is 85% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 87.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.7% speak Spanish. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.