Median Income
$61,578
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$498,800
77% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
1,569/100K
313% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
52.5%
56% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,421
22% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.4%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How South Padre Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,852
Median Age59.0 yrs
Density1,060/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,578
Per Capita$67,367
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$17,387M
Commute14 min
Housing
C
Home Value$498,800
Rent$1,421
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$437,502
Housing Units6,033
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,569/100K
Property13,012/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault642/100K
Burglary642/100K
Health
Obesity32.4%
Uninsured14.6%
Smoking9.4%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+52.5%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+22.3%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute14 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations22
Libraries9
Is South Padre Island a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Padre Island receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs, a high uninsured rate. South Padre Island has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Padre Island is $61,578, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Padre Island is $498,800, making it a premium housing market at 77% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,421 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
With 1,569 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 13,012 per 100,000, 564% above the national average.
Education
South Padre Island is a highly educated community / 52.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
South Padre Island has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
South Padre Island has a population of 2,852 with a density of 1,060 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 59.0 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (80%), with 5.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.3% of residents, while 15.7% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.0yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Padre Island vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.3%
7% above US avg
Spanish
15.7%
17% above US avg
Social Characteristics
South Padre Island vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Padre Island is $61,578, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $67,367 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,200 business establishments, including 815 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). 18.0% of workers work from home.
Income: South Padre Island vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,578 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $67,367 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,200 |
| County GDP | $17,387M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 815 |
| Healthcare | 1,060 |
| Retail | 1,030 |
| Manufacturing | 186 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 18.0% |
The median home value in South Padre Island is $498,800, 77% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $437,502, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,421 (22% 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. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 6,033 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $6,394 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $498,800 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $437,502 |
| Median List Price | $450,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $450,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $359 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 16.1% |
| Inventory | 298 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,421 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 6,033 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.28% |
In South Padre Island, 32.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 9.4% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.8% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 14.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034. The dentist ratio is 1:3,127. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Padre Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.4% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 8.8% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.8% |
| Uninsured | 14.6% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,034 |
| Dentists | 1:3,127 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,028 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
South Padre Island has a violent crime rate of 1,569 per 100,000 residents, 313% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 641.7 per 100,000, robbery at 213.9, rape at 713.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 13,012 per 100,000, 564% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 11,337, burglary at 642, vehicle theft at 1,034 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, South Padre Island receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Padre Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,568.6/100K |
| 313% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 713.0/100K |
| Robbery | 213.9/100K |
| Assault | 641.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 13,012.5/100K |
| 564% above US avg |
| Burglary | 641.7/100K |
| Theft | 11,336.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 1,033.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Padre Island has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 61°F in January while summers reach 84°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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
61°F Jan (16°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 74.7°F |
| 38% above US avg |
| January Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,060/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.1205°N, 97.1707°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cameron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownsville/South Padre Island International (BRO)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
6.38"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0363 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 28, 2021.
| Jun 28, 2021 |
96 km E of South Padre Island, Texas |
M2.7 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 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 |
222 km |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 1 |
247 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
230 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
72 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
125 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
195 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
27 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
153 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
261 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
65 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
218 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
82 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
4 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
100 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 15 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
10 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1977 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1970 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1970 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1969 |
EF1 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1967 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1967 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1957 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HAYFIELD SOUTH (11,038 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
85 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
MILE MARKER 32 |
1,426 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
61°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
68°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| April |
73°F (23°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
68°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
South Padre Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 22°F / from 61°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.4") and March the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in South Padre Island. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $632 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $611 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $580 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Padre Island
What is the population of South Padre Island?
South Padre Island has a population of 2,852 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,060 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is South Padre Island expensive to live in?
South Padre Island 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 $61,578, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $498,800 (77% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,421 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is South Padre Island safe?
Public safety is a concern in South Padre Island, with a violent crime rate of 1,569 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 13,012 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Padre Island receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Padre Island?
South Padre Island has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 61°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in South Padre Island?
South Padre Island has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 7,200 business establishments in the area, including 815 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 18.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Padre Island?
The median home value in South Padre Island is $498,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $437,502. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,421. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,394.
How are the schools in South Padre Island?
Schools in South Padre Island score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 52.5% of adults in South Padre Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 22.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Padre Island?
The obesity rate in South Padre Island is 32.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.4% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 14.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034.
What is transportation like in South Padre Island?
The average commute in South Padre Island is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 18.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Padre Island?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Padre Island is 80% White, 5.6% Black or African American. 84.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.7% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
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