Median Income
$45,969
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
50/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Terlingua Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population138
Median Age61.1 yrs
Density13/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans92.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,969
Per Capita$25,725
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$611M
Commute8 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Ownership89.9%
Zillow$157,370
Housing Units137
Rent Burden27.0%
Crime
F
Violent50/100K
Property276/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured12.8%
Smoking10.5%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (22°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Sunny Days319/yr
Elevation2,579 ft (786 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.95
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute8 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Terlingua a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Terlingua receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Terlingua offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Terlingua is $45,969, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Terlingua is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Terlingua is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 276 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Terlingua has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. With 319 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Terlingua has a population of 138 with a density of 13 people per square mile, spread across 11.0 square miles. The median age is 61.1 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.1% female and 39.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%), with 2.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 92.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.1yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Terlingua vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Terlingua vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Terlingua is $45,969, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,725 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 456 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Terlingua vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,969 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,725 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 456 |
| County GDP | $611M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,557 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Terlingua is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,370, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $6,557 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,370 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.1% |
| Housing Units | 137 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,557 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.83% |
In Terlingua, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 10.5% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:787. The dentist ratio is 1:3,114. 75.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Terlingua vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.5% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 12.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:787 |
| Dentists | 1:3,114 |
| Mental Health | 1:560 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,718/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Terlingua has a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 276 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Terlingua receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Terlingua vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 50.1/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 275.7/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Terlingua has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. The area gets 319 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 2,579 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
87°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 71.1°F |
| 32% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 319 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,579 ft (786 m) |
| Area | 11.0 sq mi (28.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 13/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.2871°N, 103.5834°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brewster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Del Rio International (DRT)
160 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
2.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0453 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 13, 2025.
| Apr 14, 1995 |
13 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M5.7 |
113 km |
| Apr 15, 1995 |
10 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M4.0 |
112 km |
| May 14, 2015 |
84 km S of Sanderson, Texas |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| Aug 26, 2017 |
50 km NNW of Ojinaga, Mexico |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Aug 5, 2023 |
10 km E of Study Butte, Texas |
M3.7 |
17 km |
| Jun 11, 2018 |
Chihuahua, Mexico |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Nov 12, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
5 km WSW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Jun 18, 2019 |
13 km ESE of Redford, Texas |
M3.6 |
48 km |
| Jan 24, 2012 |
17 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Jun 1, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Apr 14, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Apr 11, 2021 |
50 km NE of Hércules, Mexico |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Jan 6, 2024 |
6 km NNE of Presidio, Texas |
M3.2 |
82 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
15 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
107 km SE of Study Butte, Texas |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Feb 13, 2025 |
19 km S of Marathon, Texas |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Apr 21, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Apr 14, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M2.9 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
7 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 9, 1962 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1958 |
EF1 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1987 |
EF0 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1979 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1975 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1967 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1954 |
EF0 |
4 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN (10,650 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN |
10,650 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
MIND |
8,020 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
6,684 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
SHAKELFORD |
5,586 |
63 km |
| 1994 |
ESTUFA |
4,353 |
43 km |
| 1993 |
MAYDAY |
3,469 |
13 km |
| 2011 |
SHIRLEY RANCH |
3,268 |
98 km |
| 1992 |
GAP |
2,992 |
32 km |
| 2011 |
SHACKELFORD |
2,892 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
BAR-LITE |
2,441 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
BURRO MESA |
1,934 |
19 km |
| 1989 |
MARGARET 4 |
1,361 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTH RIM 4 |
1,212 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
63°F (17°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
71°F (21°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
78°F (26°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| June |
84°F (29°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| July |
87°F (30°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Terlingua has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 52°F in January to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (2.3") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Terlingua. 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 Terlingua
What is the population of Terlingua?
Terlingua has a population of 138 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 13 people per square mile, spread across 11.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.1% female and 39.9% male.
Is Terlingua expensive to live in?
Terlingua 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 $45,969, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Terlingua safe?
Terlingua is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 276 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Terlingua receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Terlingua?
Terlingua has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 87°F in July. The area receives 319 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 Terlingua?
The job market in Terlingua is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $986. There are 456 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Terlingua?
The median home value in Terlingua is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,370. The homeownership rate is 89.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,557.
How are the schools in Terlingua?
Schools in Terlingua score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Terlingua hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Terlingua?
The obesity rate in Terlingua is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.5% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 12.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 75.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:787.
What is transportation like in Terlingua?
The average commute in Terlingua is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Terlingua?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Terlingua is 97.1% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 92.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
