Median Income
$53,319
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$68,000
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
106/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.4%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,016
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.4%
133% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.0%
53% higher than US avg
How Sierra Blanca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population694
Median Age25.7 yrs
Density145/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 46%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
C
Median Income$53,319
Per Capita$18,729
Unemployment8.4%
Poverty19.0%
County GDP$215M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$68,000
Rent$1,016
Ownership63.0%
Zillow$159,330
Housing Units190
Rent Burden18.2%
Crime
F
Violent106/100K
Property106/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured34.8%
Smoking18.4%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain8.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,479 ft (1,365 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.4%
High School+74.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.99
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute14 min
Broadband93.1%
Is Sierra Blanca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sierra Blanca receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Sierra Blanca has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sierra Blanca is $53,319, 29% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 19.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sierra Blanca is $68,000, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sierra Blanca is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 106 per 100,000, 95% below the national average.
Education
14.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Sierra Blanca enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 8.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Sierra Blanca has a population of 694 with a density of 145 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 25.7 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.5% female and 53.5% male. The city is predominantly White (46.3%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 40.4% of residents, while 59.6% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.7yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sierra Blanca vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
40.4%
49% below US avg
Spanish
59.6%
345% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Sierra Blanca vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sierra Blanca is $53,319, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,729 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,450. The unemployment rate is 8.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 80 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sierra Blanca vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,319 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,729 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,450 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $39,457 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.4% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.0% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 80 |
| County GDP | $215M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 40.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Sierra Blanca is $68,000, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,330, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,016 (13% 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. 63.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 190 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. 18.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $68,000 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,330 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,016 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.0% |
| Housing Units | 190 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
In Sierra Blanca, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 40.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 34.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 0.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 0.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sierra Blanca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.5% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 18.4% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 34.8% |
| 305% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 39.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,663/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 0.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.1% |
Sierra Blanca has a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 106 per 100,000, 95% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sierra Blanca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sierra Blanca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 105.8/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 105.8/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sierra Blanca enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 330 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 8.3 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 4,479 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,479 ft (1,365 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 145/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.1834°N, 105.3395°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hudspeth County County |
| Nearest Airport | El Paso International (ELP)
75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
8.3"
78% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.40"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,847 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 30, 2025.
| May 4, 2025 |
59 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M5.4 |
98 km |
| Mar 26, 2020 |
41 km W of Mentone, Texas |
M5.0 |
137 km |
| Feb 15, 2025 |
53 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M5.0 |
122 km |
| Jul 21, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.9 |
103 km |
| Feb 18, 2025 |
52 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.7 |
99 km |
| Jun 1, 2022 |
53 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
95 km |
| Mar 25, 2022 |
56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
103 km |
| Apr 30, 2011 |
54 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.6 |
62 km |
| Mar 17, 2021 |
57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
107 km |
| Aug 11, 2022 |
54 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.5 |
103 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.4 |
106 km |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
57 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.4 |
60 km |
| Sep 1, 2022 |
38 km WSW of Mentone, Texas |
M4.4 |
137 km |
| Jun 1, 2022 |
western Texas |
M4.3 |
137 km |
| Jun 6, 2022 |
52 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.3 |
97 km |
| Jul 28, 2021 |
54 km NW of Toyah, Texas |
M4.3 |
113 km |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
57 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.3 |
111 km |
| Feb 13, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
106 km |
| Jul 28, 2022 |
55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico |
M4.2 |
106 km |
| May 17, 2011 |
56 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.2 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
15 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1997 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1974 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1974 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2007 |
EF0 |
10 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2005 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1997 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1997 |
EF0 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1997 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1974 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1962 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COYOTE (14,517 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
COYOTE |
14,517 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
11,008 |
79 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,765 |
39 km |
| 1994 |
MARCUS |
7,097 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
FRIJOLE |
6,387 |
98 km |
| 1993 |
PINE |
5,956 |
95 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
5,905 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,579 |
39 km |
| 2011 |
APACHE MOUNTAIN |
3,162 |
90 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
3,153 |
16 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,076 |
87 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,806 |
93 km |
| 2023 |
LOMA DESERT |
2,028 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
DOG |
1,828 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,158 |
36 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,131 |
95 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,127 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Sierra Blanca has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 43°F in December to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.4") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Sierra Blanca. 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 | $528 |
| Toddler | $502 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $481 |
| Toddler | $463 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sierra Blanca
What is the population of Sierra Blanca?
Sierra Blanca has a population of 694 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 145 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
Is Sierra Blanca expensive to live in?
Sierra Blanca 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 $53,319, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $68,000 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sierra Blanca safe?
Sierra Blanca is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 106 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sierra Blanca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sierra Blanca?
Sierra Blanca enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Sierra Blanca?
The job market in Sierra Blanca faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,450. There are 80 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sierra Blanca?
The median home value in Sierra Blanca is $68,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,330. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,016. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.0%.
How are the schools in Sierra Blanca?
Schools in Sierra Blanca have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.4% of adults in Sierra Blanca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sierra Blanca?
The obesity rate in Sierra Blanca is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 40.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 34.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 0.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Sierra Blanca?
The average commute in Sierra Blanca is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 40.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sierra Blanca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sierra Blanca is 46.3% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 40.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 59.6% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 35.1% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
