Median Income
$29,803
60% lower than US avg
Home Value
$48,700
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.7%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$892
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.2%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.3%
214% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.6%
187% higher than US avg
How Santa Rosa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,111
Median Age25.5 yrs
Density471/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 54%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
F
Median Income$29,803
Per Capita$13,616
Unemployment11.3%
Poverty35.6%
County GDP$684M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$48,700
Rent$892
Ownership53.9%
Zillow$153,690
Housing Units1,050
Rent Burden33.8%
Health
Obesity44.2%
Uninsured28.7%
Smoking15.7%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
Rain24.6 in/yr
Elevation50 ft (15 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.7%
High School+70.1%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute24 min
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations1
Is Santa Rosa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Santa Rosa 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 above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Santa Rosa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Santa Rosa is $29,803, 60% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 35.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Santa Rosa is $48,700, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
9.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Santa Rosa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.6 inches.
Santa Rosa has a population of 3,111 with a density of 471 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 25.5 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (98.3%), with 54.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 52.5% of residents, while 48.8% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 71.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,111
Total Population
2023 Census
25.5yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Santa Rosa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
52.5%
33% below US avg
Spanish
48.8%
264% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Santa Rosa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Santa Rosa is $29,803, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,616 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $861, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 35.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 318 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Santa Rosa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,803 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,616 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $861 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,143 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.3% |
| 214% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.6% |
| 187% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 318 |
| County GDP | $684M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,378 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Santa Rosa is $48,700, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,690, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $892 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 53.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,050 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $4,378 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $48,700 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $153,690 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $892 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,050 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,378 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.99% |
In Santa Rosa, 44.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.5% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 15.0% report binge drinking. 45.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.6% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 28.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,540. The dentist ratio is 1:20,143. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Santa Rosa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.2% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.5% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 4.1% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 45.2% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 18.7% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 71.3% |
| Uninsured | 28.7% |
| 234% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,540 |
| Dentists | 1:20,143 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,226 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 37.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,567/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Santa Rosa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 50 feet.
Temperature
60°F Jan (16°C)
86°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 74.7°F |
| 38% above US avg |
| January Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 86°F (30°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 471/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.2561°N, 97.8253°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Willacy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valley International (HRL)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.6"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.56"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
13 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
257 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
178 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
224 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
27 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
153 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
115 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
73 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
209 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
101 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
28 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
132 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 39 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jan 26, 1950 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
60 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1994 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNS RANCH FIRE (58,395 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BURNS RANCH FIRE |
58,395 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
KING |
9,793 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
CANE |
8,802 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
VIB |
7,817 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
TRUST |
6,648 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
64 km |
| 2008 |
ENCINO |
3,979 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
BAFFIN |
3,223 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
SAN CARLOS |
2,849 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
JONES |
2,178 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
ENCINITOS RANCH |
1,967 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
755 |
1,846 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
ENCINITOS |
1,748 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
BAFFIN 2 |
1,662 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
DEER |
1,657 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
48 km |
| 2024 |
MILE MARKER 32 |
1,426 |
92 km |
| 2023 |
ELECTRIC SLIDE |
1,410 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
60°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
64°F (18°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
70°F (21°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
75°F (24°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
81°F (27°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
85°F (29°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
86°F (30°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| August |
86°F (30°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
77°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
68°F (20°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
62°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Santa Rosa has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 60°F in January to 86°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 24.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.6") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Santa Rosa. 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 | $624 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $546 |
| Preschool | $537 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Rosa
What is the population of Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa has a population of 3,111 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 471 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Santa Rosa expensive to live in?
Santa Rosa 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 $29,803, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $48,700 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 60°F in January, while summers reach an average of 86°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.6 inches.
How is the job market in Santa Rosa?
The job market in Santa Rosa faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $861. There are 318 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Santa Rosa?
The median home value in Santa Rosa is $48,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,690. For renters, the median monthly rent is $892. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,378.
How are the schools in Santa Rosa?
Schools in Santa Rosa have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.7% of adults in Santa Rosa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.1% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Santa Rosa?
The obesity rate in Santa Rosa is 44.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 45.2% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 28.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,540.
What is transportation like in Santa Rosa?
The average commute in Santa Rosa is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Santa Rosa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Rosa is 54.3% White, 98.3% Hispanic or Latino. 52.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 48.8% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 71.3% have health insurance coverage.