Median Income
$76,406
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$124,600
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,120
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How Vega Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population946
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density706/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans13.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,406
Per Capita$39,017
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$404M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,600
Rent$1,120
Ownership76.9%
Zillow$318,067
Housing Units439
Rent Burden36.8%
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured15.9%
Smoking15.0%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain17.7 in/yr
Elevation4,029 ft (1,228 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+81.8%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 92% / D 8%
Commute33 min
Broadband85.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Vega a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vega receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Vega offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vega is $76,406, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vega is $124,600, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,120 per month. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Vega enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.7 inches, including 11.7 inches of snow.
Vega has a population of 946 with a density of 706 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (79.2%), with 33.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.1% of residents, while 20.9% speak Spanish. 13.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
946
Total Population
2023 Census
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.1%
5% above US avg
Spanish
20.9%
56% above US avg
The median household income in Vega is $76,406, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,017. The average weekly wage is $948, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 94 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,406 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,017 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $948 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,261 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 94 |
| County GDP | $404M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,250 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Vega is $124,600, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $318,067, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $170,000 with homes selling in an average of 13 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,120 (4% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 439 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $5,250 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,600 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $318,067 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $170,000 |
| Median List Price | $99,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $170,000 |
| Median List Price | $99,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $119 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 13 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,120 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.1% |
| Housing Units | 439 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,250 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.21% |
In Vega, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 15.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 56.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vega vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.1% |
| Uninsured | 15.9% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:357 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 53.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,694/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Vega enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 4,029 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,029 ft (1,228 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 706/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2453°N, 102.4292°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Oldham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rick Husband Amarillo International (AMA)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.7"
53% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.49"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on May 21, 2025.
| Apr 14, 2021 |
34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas |
M4.3 |
145 km |
| Dec 16, 2000 |
19 km N of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Aug 17, 2000 |
18 km N of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.9 |
58 km |
| Mar 17, 2022 |
13 km SSW of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
25 km WSW of Channing, Texas |
M3.5 |
43 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 |
17 km WNW of Fritch, Texas |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| Aug 14, 2023 |
15 km NE of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.4 |
67 km |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
8 km S of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Sep 29, 1993 |
30 km NNE of Nara Visa, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Nov 30, 1993 |
29 km NNE of Nara Visa, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
23 km N of Adrian, Texas |
M3.3 |
32 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
31 km E of Logan, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
59 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
Texas Panhandle region |
M3.3 |
58 km |
| Sep 24, 2003 |
10 km NE of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.3 |
63 km |
| Aug 12, 2012 |
13 km NNE of Bishop Hills, Texas |
M3.3 |
50 km |
| May 10, 2021 |
13 km W of Channing, Texas |
M3.2 |
48 km |
| Apr 27, 1998 |
14 km SW of Boys Ranch, Texas |
M3.2 |
24 km |
| Feb 2, 2015 |
15 km ENE of Amarillo, Texas |
M3.1 |
67 km |
| Feb 12, 1997 |
1 km N of Clarendon, Texas |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jul 14, 1998 |
6 km WSW of Logan, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
500 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 133 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 2017 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2001 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1982 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1980 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1980 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1971 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 1960 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2021 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2007 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2007 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2007 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2002 |
EF2 |
78 km |
2 |
| May 5, 2002 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1995 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WINDY DEUCE (145,907 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WINDY DEUCE |
145,907 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
CRAWFORD RANCH |
27,493 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
DUMAS COMPLEX |
26,155 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE HIGHLINE |
24,152 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
WILLOW CREEK SOUTH COMPLEX |
23,204 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
FAIN PLANT FIRE |
22,485 |
63 km |
| 2006 |
CANADIAN |
17,710 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
CANYON |
17,425 |
72 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
16,755 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
OLDHAM BOYS RANCH |
14,332 |
53 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY LINE |
14,126 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
LIT RANCH |
13,721 |
44 km |
| 2006 |
VAN MEYER FIRE |
13,011 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
PALO DURO EAST FIRE |
11,434 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
OLD MUDDY RD |
11,146 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
PARKER CREEK |
10,933 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
10,795 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
8,298 |
79 km |
| 1990 |
CHUCKWAGON FIRE |
8,287 |
53 km |
| 2011 |
MOORE COUNTY |
7,928 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Vega has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 36°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Vega. 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 | $637 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $559 |
| Preschool | $550 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vega
What is the population of Vega?
Vega has a population of 946 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 706 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Vega expensive to live in?
Vega 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 $76,406, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,600 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,120 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Vega?
Vega enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 17.7 inches, with 11.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Vega?
The job market in Vega is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $948. There are 94 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vega?
The median home value in Vega is $124,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $318,067. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $170,000, with homes typically selling within 13 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,120. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,250.
How are the schools in Vega?
Schools in Vega score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.4% of adults in Vega hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vega?
The obesity rate in Vega is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 15.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Vega?
The average commute in Vega is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vega?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vega is 79.2% White, 1% Black or African American, 33.6% Hispanic or Latino. 82.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.9% speak Spanish. 13.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability. 84.1% have health insurance coverage.