Median Income
$23,682
68% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,400
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
2,772/100K
629% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$657
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.8%
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment
9.6%
167% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
40.8%
229% higher than US avg
How Vega Alta zona urbana Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,681
Median Age46.0 yrs
Density4,593/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 24%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
F
Median Income$23,682
Per Capita$14,476
Unemployment9.6%
Poverty40.8%
Commute30 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$125,400
Rent$657
Ownership60.9%
Zillow$1,052,735
Housing Units4,202
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent2,772/100K
Property9,039/100K
Health
Obesity25.8%
UninsuredN/A
Climate
Avg Temp78°F (25°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain49.3 in/yr
Sunny Days354/yr
Elevation121 ft (37 m)
Education
Bachelor's+N/A
High School+N/A
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.70
Community
Commute30 min
Broadband79.6%
Is Vega Alta zona urbana a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vega Alta zona urbana receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Vega Alta zona urbana faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vega Alta zona urbana is $23,682, 68% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.6%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 40.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vega Alta zona urbana is $125,400, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $657 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.3x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 2,772 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 9,039 per 100,000, 361% above the national average.
Education
Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Vega Alta zona urbana has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 78°F. Winters average 73°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 354 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Vega Alta zona urbana has a population of 8,681 with a density of 4,593 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 46.0 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (23.7%), with 3.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 5.8% of residents, while 93.6% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.0yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Vega Alta zona urbana vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
5.8%
93% below US avg
Spanish
93.6%
599% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Vega Alta zona urbana vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Vega Alta zona urbana is $23,682, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,476 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $578, 60% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 40.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 352 business establishments. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Vega Alta zona urbana vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $23,682 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,476 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $578 |
| Gini Index | 0.549 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.6% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 40.8% |
| 229% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 352 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Vega Alta zona urbana is $125,400, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,052,735, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $657 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $496 for a one-bedroom to $574 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,202 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.3x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,400 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,052,735 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $657 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $486 |
| 1 Bedroom | $496 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $574 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $753 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $864 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.1% |
| Housing Units | 4,202 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In Vega Alta zona urbana, 25.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%.
Health Metrics: Vega Alta zona urbana vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.8% |
| 20% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Vega Alta zona urbana has a violent crime rate of 2,772 per 100,000 residents, 629% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 9,039 per 100,000, 361% above the U.S. average. Overall, Vega Alta zona urbana receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vega Alta zona urbana vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,771.8/100K |
| 629% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 9,039.3/100K |
| 361% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vega Alta zona urbana has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 78°F (25°C). Winters average 73°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 354 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 49.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 121 feet.
Temperature
73°F Jan (23°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 77.8°F |
| 44% above US avg |
| January Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 354 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 121 ft (37 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,593/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 18.4152°N, 66.3212°W |
| Timezone | America/Puerto_Rico |
| County | Vega Alta Municipio County |
| Nearest Airport | Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.3"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
8.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
22,567 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.4. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jan 7, 2020 |
4 km SSE of Indios, Puerto Rico |
M6.4 |
73 km |
| Jan 13, 2014 |
61 km N of Hatillo, Puerto Rico |
M6.4 |
87 km |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
67 km NNW of San Antonio, Puerto Rico |
M6.0 |
124 km |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
5 km SE of Maria Antonia, Puerto Rico |
M5.9 |
76 km |
| May 16, 2010 |
4 km E of Moca, Puerto Rico |
M5.8 |
79 km |
| Jan 6, 2020 |
14 km S of Indios, Puerto Rico |
M5.8 |
81 km |
| May 15, 2024 |
92 km NNW of San Antonio, Puerto Rico |
M5.6 |
150 km |
| Jan 7, 2020 |
0 km NW of Magas Arriba, Puerto Rico |
M5.6 |
65 km |
| Jan 7, 2020 |
11 km S of Tallaboa, Puerto Rico |
M5.6 |
72 km |
| Feb 4, 2008 |
Puerto Rico region |
M5.5 |
92 km |
| Dec 11, 2000 |
65 km N of Isabela, Puerto Rico |
M5.5 |
111 km |
| May 2, 2020 |
6 km S of Tallaboa, Puerto Rico |
M5.4 |
68 km |
| Jul 3, 2020 |
9 km SSE of La Parguera, Puerto Rico |
M5.3 |
92 km |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
28 km NNW of San Antonio, Puerto Rico |
M5.3 |
96 km |
| Aug 1, 1993 |
68 km SSE of Emajagua, Puerto Rico |
M5.3 |
130 km |
| Jan 15, 2020 |
Puerto Rico region |
M5.2 |
92 km |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
19 km S of Indios, Puerto Rico |
M5.2 |
83 km |
| Jan 10, 2020 |
4 km S of Maria Antonia, Puerto Rico |
M5.2 |
80 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
92 km N of Suárez, Puerto Rico |
M5.1 |
113 km |
| Mar 12, 2009 |
66 km N of Brenas, Puerto Rico |
M5.1 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Erin (2025, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2025 |
Erin |
Category 4 |
217 km |
| 2024 |
Ernesto |
Category 1 |
189 km |
| 2022 |
Fiona |
Category 1 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 1 |
102 km |
| 2017 |
Maria |
Category 5 |
27 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 5 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
Gonzalo |
Category 3 |
230 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
22 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 4 |
170 km |
| 2008 |
Omar |
Category 4 |
214 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 4 |
230 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 1 |
178 km |
| 2000 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
69 km |
| 1999 |
Lenny |
Category 4 |
195 km |
| 1999 |
Jose |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 3 |
24 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 3 |
108 km |
| 1996 |
Hortense |
Category 1 |
77 km |
| 1995 |
Luis |
Category 4 |
231 km |
| 1995 |
Marilyn |
Category 3 |
85 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
30 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2022 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1974 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1969 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1962 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2023 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 2023 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2017 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 2016 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 2013 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2012 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2011 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2009 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2007 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2006 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2005 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 2004 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 15.2 m (50 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1867 |
VIRGIN ISLANDS |
Earthquake |
15.2 m |
24 |
142 km |
| 1918 |
PUERTO RICO: MONA PASSAGE |
Eruption + Earthquake |
6.1 m |
144 |
97 km |
| 1868 |
VIRGIN ISLANDS |
Earthquake |
1.5 m |
— |
134 km |
| 2020 |
PUERTO RICO |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
4 |
73 km |
| 1918 |
PUERTO RICO |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
94 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CAMPAMENTO SANTIAGO (3,927 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
CAMPAMENTO SANTIAGO |
3,927 |
44 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,896 |
43 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,888 |
47 km |
| 2005 |
PISTA DE SALINAS CARR 3 |
1,137 |
45 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
725 |
55 km |
| 2007 |
CARR 304 |
606 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
73°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
8.0 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
8.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| October |
80°F (27°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| November |
78°F (26°C) |
7.6 in |
|
| December |
76°F (24°C) |
6.6 in |
|
Vega Alta zona urbana has a seasonal temperature swing of 9°F / from 73°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 71.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.0") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Vega Alta zona urbana. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Vega Alta zona urbana
What is the population of Vega Alta zona urbana?
Vega Alta zona urbana has a population of 8,681 residents and is located in Puerto Rico. The population density is 4,593 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Vega Alta zona urbana expensive to live in?
Vega Alta zona urbana has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $23,682, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,400 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $657 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Vega Alta zona urbana safe?
Public safety is a concern in Vega Alta zona urbana, with a violent crime rate of 2,772 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 9,039 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Vega Alta zona urbana receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vega Alta zona urbana?
Vega Alta zona urbana has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 78°F (25°C). Winter temperatures average 73°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 354 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Vega Alta zona urbana?
The job market in Vega Alta zona urbana faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $578. There are 352 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vega Alta zona urbana?
The median home value in Vega Alta zona urbana is $125,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,052,735. For renters, the median monthly rent is $657. Fair market rent is $496 for a 1-bedroom and $574 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.9%.
How are the schools in Vega Alta zona urbana?
Schools in Vega Alta zona urbana score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vega Alta zona urbana?
The obesity rate in Vega Alta zona urbana is 25.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%).
What is transportation like in Vega Alta zona urbana?
The average commute in Vega Alta zona urbana is 30 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vega Alta zona urbana?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vega Alta zona urbana is 23.7% White, 3.8% Black or African American. 5.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 93.6% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.