Median Income
$56,587
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,500
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
106/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.7%
75% higher than US avg
How Tornillo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,381
Median Age41.5 yrs
Density398/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 31%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$56,587
Per Capita$20,372
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty21.7%
County GDP$53,333M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,500
Ownership95.6%
Zillow$176,188
Housing Units463
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent106/100K
Property106/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured43.6%
Smoking17.4%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain8.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,585 ft (1,093 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+50.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.24
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 57%
Commute24 min
Broadband76.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries18
Is Tornillo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tornillo receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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. Tornillo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tornillo is $56,587, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 21.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tornillo is $78,500, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Tornillo 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
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Tornillo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°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.
Tornillo has a population of 1,381 with a density of 398 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 41.5 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (30.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 3.3% of residents, while 96.7% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 58.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.5yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
3.3%
96% below US avg
Spanish
96.7%
622% above US avg
The median household income in Tornillo is $56,587, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,372 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 16,825 business establishments, including 1,853 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,587 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,372 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,831 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.7% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 16,825 |
| County GDP | $53,333M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,853 |
| Healthcare | 1,904 |
| Retail | 2,227 |
| Manufacturing | 517 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,241 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Tornillo is $78,500, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,188, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 463 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $8,241 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,500 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,188 |
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 | 95.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.4% |
| Housing Units | 463 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,241 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 10.50% |
In Tornillo, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 36.6% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 44.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.9% report depression. 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 43.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,014. The dentist ratio is 1:2,064. 85.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tornillo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.6% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 4.1% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 44.9% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 19.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 58.7% |
| Uninsured | 43.6% |
| 407% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,014 |
| Dentists | 1:2,064 |
| Mental Health | 1:715 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 41.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,160/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,904 |
Tornillo 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 83 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tornillo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tornillo 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) | 83 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tornillo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°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). The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3,585 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.7°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,585 ft (1,093 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 398/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.4367°N, 106.1032°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | El Paso County County |
| Nearest Airport | El Paso International (ELP)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
8.3"
78% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
1.97"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0458 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 23.7 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.58 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
153 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on May 10, 2025.
| Apr 30, 2011 |
54 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.6 |
83 km |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
57 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.4 |
86 km |
| May 2, 2011 |
58 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.2 |
86 km |
| May 2, 2011 |
57 km SSW of Sierra Blanca, Texas |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| May 17, 2011 |
56 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| May 7, 2011 |
68 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.1 |
96 km |
| Mar 24, 2022 |
65 km NNE of Van Horn, Texas |
M4.0 |
147 km |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
56 km S of Porvenir, Mexico |
M4.0 |
83 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| May 9, 2011 |
55 km SW of Sierra Blanca, Texas |
M3.9 |
85 km |
| Aug 7, 2022 |
53 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| May 14, 2011 |
48 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| May 3, 2011 |
65 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M3.8 |
93 km |
| May 27, 2010 |
22 km WSW of Sierra Blanca, Texas |
M3.7 |
61 km |
| May 4, 2011 |
59 km S of Porvenir, Mexico |
M3.7 |
86 km |
| May 27, 2011 |
50 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M3.6 |
78 km |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
62 km S of Porvenir, Mexico |
M3.6 |
90 km |
| May 5, 2011 |
51 km SSE of Porvenir, Mexico |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Apr 28, 2021 |
53 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Feb 23, 1992 |
60 km SSW of Sierra Blanca, Texas |
M3.4 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
20 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1997 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1974 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1959 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2011 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2007 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2005 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1997 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1988 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1988 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1972 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ESCONDIDO (25,700 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
ESCONDIDO |
25,700 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
OROGRANDE |
14,853 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
HAT |
14,842 |
68 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
6,605 |
86 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,482 |
65 km |
| 1993 |
MARTIN |
5,290 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,579 |
57 km |
| 1990 |
SOLADA |
3,419 |
100 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
3,153 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
ALAMO |
2,178 |
67 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,144 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
FT BLISS 2 |
2,070 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
LOMA DESERT |
2,028 |
48 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,827 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
MIXEN |
1,557 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,158 |
51 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,079 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
53°F (11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Tornillo has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 45°F in December to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 8.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.0") and April the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Tornillo. 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 Tornillo
What is the population of Tornillo?
Tornillo has a population of 1,381 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 398 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Tornillo expensive to live in?
Tornillo 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 $56,587, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,500 (72% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tornillo safe?
Tornillo 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, Tornillo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tornillo?
Tornillo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.3 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Tornillo?
The job market in Tornillo is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 16,825 business establishments in the area, including 1,853 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tornillo?
The median home value in Tornillo is $78,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,188. The homeownership rate is 95.6%. The average annual property tax is $8,241.
How are the schools in Tornillo?
Schools in Tornillo score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Tornillo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tornillo?
The obesity rate in Tornillo is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 44.9% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 43.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 85.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,014.
What is transportation like in Tornillo?
The average commute in Tornillo is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tornillo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tornillo is 30.9% White. 3.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 96.7% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 58.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
