Median Income
$24,395
68% lower than US avg
Home Value
$37,600
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
155/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.2%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$369
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.0%
77% higher than US avg
How Sebastian Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,144
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density685/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 52%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$24,395
Per Capita$18,626
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty22.0%
County GDP$684M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$37,600
Rent$369
Ownership72.0%
Zillow$117,999
Housing Units564
Rent Burden38.4%
Crime
F
Violent155/100K
Property620/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured40.8%
Smoking15.5%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain24.6 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation56 ft (17 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.2%
High School+50.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.52
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute38 min
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations6
Is Sebastian a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sebastian receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Sebastian has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sebastian is $24,395, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. The poverty rate of 22.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sebastian is $37,600, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $369 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sebastian is below the national average at 155 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 620 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
7.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sebastian 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. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Sebastian has a population of 1,144 with a density of 685 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (51.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 18.9% of residents, while 81.1% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 26.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 58.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sebastian vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
18.9%
76% below US avg
Spanish
81.1%
505% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Sebastian vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sebastian is $24,395, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,626 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $861, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.0% 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 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 20.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sebastian vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,395 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,626 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $861 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,143 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.0% |
| 77% 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 | 11.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |
The median home value in Sebastian is $37,600, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,999, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $369 (68% 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. 72.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 564 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $4,378 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $37,600 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,999 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $369 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.0% |
| Housing Units | 564 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,378 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 11.64% |
In Sebastian, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 15.1% report binge drinking. 43.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.5% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 40.8% 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: Sebastian vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.5% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 58.2% |
| Uninsured | 40.8% |
| 374% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,540 |
| Dentists | 1:20,143 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,226 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 44.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,567/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Sebastian has a violent crime rate of 155 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 620 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sebastian receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sebastian vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 155.0/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 619.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sebastian 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. The area gets 312 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 24.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 56 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) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 56 ft (17 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 685/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.3452°N, 97.7963°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Willacy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valley International (HRL)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.6"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.63"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
249 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
35 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
171 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
233 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
17 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
164 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
123 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
62 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
219 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
109 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
21 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
133 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 39 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1983 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1967 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jan 26, 1950 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
61 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
53 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 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
KING |
9,793 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
CANE |
8,802 |
85 km |
| 2022 |
VIB |
7,817 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
HOPPER |
7,150 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
TRUST |
6,648 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
BLANKET |
5,823 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
TURTLE |
5,457 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
ENCINO |
3,979 |
68 km |
| 2014 |
28 MILE |
3,719 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH JONES |
3,541 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
BAFFIN |
3,223 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
HOPPER |
2,929 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
SAN CARLOS |
2,849 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
JONES |
2,178 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
ENCINITOS RANCH |
1,967 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
755 |
1,846 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
60°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
69°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| April |
74°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
83°F (28°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
86°F (30°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
85°F (29°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
67°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Sebastian has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 60°F in January to 86°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.6") and March the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Sebastian. 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 Sebastian
What is the population of Sebastian?
Sebastian has a population of 1,144 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 685 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Sebastian expensive to live in?
Sebastian 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 $24,395, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $37,600 (87% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $369 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sebastian safe?
Sebastian is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 155 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 620 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sebastian receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sebastian?
Sebastian 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. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Sebastian?
The job market in Sebastian is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below 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 38 minutes, and 20.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sebastian?
The median home value in Sebastian is $37,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,999. For renters, the median monthly rent is $369. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,378.
How are the schools in Sebastian?
Schools in Sebastian have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.2% of adults in Sebastian hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sebastian?
The obesity rate in Sebastian is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 43.5% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 40.8% 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 Sebastian?
The average commute in Sebastian is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sebastian?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sebastian is 51.9% White. 18.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 81.1% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 26.3% of residents have a disability. 58.2% have health insurance coverage.
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