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Surfside Beach, TX

Texas · Brazoria County · Metropolitan Area

Surfside Beach is a small town in Texas with a population of 753. Residents earn $96,250 per year, which is 28% above the national average.

3.7 /5.0
B+ Good
753 Population 474/sq mi density
$96,250 Median Income $61,048 per capita
$310,700 Home Value $310,195 Zillow
$1,292 Median Rent 25.4% income on rent
71°F Avg Temperature 330 sunny days/yr
765 Violent Crime/100K 1,912 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.7 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.8 / 5.0
$96,250 median income, 2.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$310,700 home value, $1,292/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
765 violent crimes/100K (101% above avg)
A
Education
4.1 / 5.0
39.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $96,250
28% higher than US avg
Home Value $310,700
10% higher than US avg
Violent Crime 765/100K
101% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 39.2%
16% higher than US avg
Median Rent $1,292
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment 2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.3%
49% lower than US avg

How Surfside Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population753
Median Age57.5 yrs
Density474/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans12.6%

Economy

A+
Median Income$96,250
Per Capita$61,048
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$23,376M
Commute26 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$310,700
Rent$1,292
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$310,195
Housing Units1,128
Rent Burden25.4%

Crime

F
Violent765/100K
Property1,912/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault382/100K
Burglary765/100K

Health

Obesity36.3%
Uninsured14.4%
Smoking15.3%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.9%

Climate

Avg Temp71°F (22°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain49.9 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)

Education

A
Bachelor's+39.2%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+13.5%
School Score5.10

Community

2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute26 min
Broadband92.7%
Libraries13

Is Surfside Beach a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Surfside Beach receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Surfside Beach offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Surfside Beach is $96,250, 28% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Surfside Beach is $310,700, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,292 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

With 765 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 1,912 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 39.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.

Climate & Weather

Surfside Beach has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.

Surfside Beach has a population of 753 with a density of 474 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 57.5 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.5% of residents, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

753
Total Population
474
People / sq mi
57.5yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
1.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.9%
Female 48.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Surfside Beach vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only91.5%
17% above US avg
Spanish8.5%
37% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Surfside Beach vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Surfside Beach is $96,250, which is 28% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $61,048 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,312. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,858 business establishments, including 727 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Surfside Beach vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$96,250
28% above US avg
Per Capita Income$61,048
Avg Weekly Wage$1,312
IRS Avg AGI$87,500

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.3%
36% below US avg
Poverty Rate6.3%
49% below US avg
Establishments (County)6,858
County GDP$23,376M

Business (County)

Restaurants727
Healthcare920
Retail892
Manufacturing253

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$8,186
134% above US avg
Cost of Living97.10 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate2.63%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.4 min
Drive Alone80.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Surfside Beach is $310,700, 10% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,195. Homes sell for 95.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,292 (11% 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. There are 1,128 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $8,186 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$310,700
10% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI$310,195
Median List Price$467,500

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$467,500
$/Sq Ft$330
Homes Sold3
Sale-to-List Ratio95.5%
Price Drops12.5%
Inventory104

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,292
11% above US avg
Rent Burden25.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$887
1 Bedroom$935
2 Bedrooms$1,149
3 Bedrooms$1,497
4 Bedrooms$1,733

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied83.6%
Housing Units1,128
Median Year Built1978

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$8,186
134% above US avg
Effective Rate2.63%
In Surfside Beach, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 14.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,531. The dentist ratio is 1:1,695. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Surfside Beach vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity36.3%
13% above US avg
Diabetes10.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
High Blood Pressure34.0%
Asthma10.1%
COPD6.8%
Cancer7.0%
Stroke3.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking15.3%
9% above US avg
Binge Drinking19.2%
Physical Inactivity25.5%
Depression24.4%
Mental Distress19.0%
Physical Distress13.4%
Short Sleep43.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate84.0%
Uninsured14.4%
67% above US avg
Primary Care1:1,531
Dentists1:1,695
Mental Health1:852
Checkup Rate73.5%
Dental Visits54.3%
Premature Death7,616/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.0/10
Exercise Access79.2%
Healthcare Facilities920
Surfside Beach has a violent crime rate of 765 per 100,000 residents, 101% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 382.4 per 100,000, robbery at 382.4, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,912 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 956, burglary at 765, vehicle theft at 191 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 35 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Surfside Beach receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Surfside Beach vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent764.8/100K
101% above US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery382.4/100K
Assault382.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property1,912.1/100K
2% below US avg
Burglary764.8/100K
Theft956.0/100K
Vehicle Theft191.2/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)35
FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Surfside Beach has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 85°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 49.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

55°F Jan (13°C) 85°F Jul (29°C)
Annual Average71.4°F
32% above US avg
January Average55°F (13°C)
July Average85°F (29°C)
Sunny Days330 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall49.9 inches
31% above US avg
Snowfall0.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median42.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Area1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²)
Population Density474/sq mi
Coordinates28.9531°N, 95.2838°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyBrazoria County County
County FIPS48039
Surfside Beach is located in Brazoria County. It is classified as Metro — 1 million+, part of a metropolitan area. 39.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 16% above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 13.5% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 59.2% of the vote, a 19.7-point margin. 92.7% of households have broadband internet access. There are 13 public libraries serving the community. 920 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 59.2%
D 39.5%

Winner: Republican by 19.7 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+39.2%
16% above US avg
High School+95.2%
Graduate Degree+13.5%
School Test Score5.10
A Education Grade (4.1/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 1Metro — 1 million+
Population Density474/sq mi
Total Area1.6 sq mi
CountyBrazoria County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access92.7%
Public Libraries13
Healthcare Facilities920
Restaurants727
Retail Stores892

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)35
FEMA Disaster Declarations91
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.4 min
Drive Alone80.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.7%

Nearby Cities

Oyster Creek, TX 1,097 pop · 4.2 mi Freeport, TX 10,639 pop · 4.4 mi Clute, TX 10,650 pop · 8.6 mi Richwood, TX 4,766 pop · 10.5 mi Jones Creek, TX 2,096 pop · 11.3 mi Lake Jackson, TX 27,902 pop · 12.2 mi Angleton, TX 19,597 pop · 17.5 mi Brazoria, TX 2,859 pop · 18.1 mi Danbury, TX 1,671 pop · 19.3 mi Wild Peach Village, TX 2,580 pop · 23.1 mi Sargent, TX 1,332 pop · 24.2 mi Galveston, TX 53,348 pop · 25.1 mi West Columbia, TX 3,631 pop · 25.7 mi Sweeny, TX 3,592 pop · 25.9 mi
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