Median Income
$37,653
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,300
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
214/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.7%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$482
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.5%
98% higher than US avg
How Zapata Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,879
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density639/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 41%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$37,653
Per Capita$21,153
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty24.5%
County GDP$668M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,300
Rent$482
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$126,365
Housing Units2,447
Rent Burden26.2%
Crime
F
Violent214/100K
Property1,346/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured37.8%
Smoking14.3%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (24°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain20.4 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation376 ft (115 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.7%
High School+73.5%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score4.23
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 39%
Commute18 min
Broadband70.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Zapata a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Zapata receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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. Zapata has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Zapata is $37,653, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 24.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Zapata is $104,300, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $482 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Zapata is below the national average at 214 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
17.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Zapata has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Zapata has a population of 4,879 with a density of 639 people per square mile, spread across 9.6 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (40.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 14.6% of residents, while 85.4% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 80.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
14.6%
81% below US avg
Spanish
85.4%
537% above US avg
The median household income in Zapata is $37,653, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,153 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $796, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 166 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,653 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,153 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $796 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $37,633 |
| Gini Index | 0.520 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.5% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 166 |
| County GDP | $668M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,533 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Zapata is $104,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,365, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $482 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,447 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $3,533. 26.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,365 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $482 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $747 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,167 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,432 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,447 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,533 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.39% |
In Zapata, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 15.4% report binge drinking. 41.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.8% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 37.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:6,924. 31.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Zapata vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 4.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.6% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 17.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.1% |
| Uninsured | 37.8% |
| 340% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:6,924 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 41.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,589/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Zapata has a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. Overall, Zapata receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Zapata vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 214.1/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,345.8/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Zapata has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. The area gets 312 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 20.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 376 feet.
Temperature
57°F Jan (14°C)
87°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 74.4°F |
| 38% above US avg |
| January Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (31°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 376 ft (115 m) |
| Area | 9.6 sq mi (25.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 639/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.9022°N, 99.2614°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Zapata County County |
| Nearest Airport | Laredo International (LRD)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.4"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 30, 2016.
| Jan 19, 2014 |
12 km SSW of China, Mexico |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| Mar 2, 2014 |
15 km SW of China, Mexico |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| Mar 24, 1997 |
4 km SSE of Alice, Texas |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Aug 30, 2016 |
11 km N of Los Ramones, Mexico |
M3.6 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Hanna (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
130 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
257 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
152 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
219 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
117 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 3 |
260 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 4 |
51 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 40 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1971 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1970 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1961 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2010 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1994 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1993 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1983 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2012 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2009 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2006 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2004 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SMAC (19,449 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
SMAC |
19,449 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
HOPPER |
7,150 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
BLANKET |
5,823 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH JONES |
3,541 |
86 km |
| 2023 |
JENNINGS |
3,494 |
25 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,389 |
59 km |
| 2008 |
DANA |
3,127 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
JONES RANCH |
2,998 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
2686 |
2,979 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
HOPPER |
2,929 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
285 FIRE |
2,820 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
GROOVE |
2,299 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
JONES |
2,178 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
ENCINITOS RANCH |
1,967 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
ENCINITOS |
1,748 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,633 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
FLORIDA |
1,514 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
SAN RAFAEL RANCH |
1,407 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
BORREGO |
1,392 |
59 km |
| 2004 |
ROMAN COMPLEX |
1,241 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
57°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
60°F (16°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
69°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| April |
75°F (24°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
81°F (27°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
86°F (30°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
87°F (31°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
87°F (31°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
84°F (29°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
76°F (24°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
67°F (19°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
60°F (15°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Zapata has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 57°F in January to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.6") and March the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Zapata. 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 | $546 |
| Toddler | $515 |
| Preschool | $507 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $498 |
| Toddler | $481 |
| Preschool | $476 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Zapata
What is the population of Zapata?
Zapata has a population of 4,879 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 639 people per square mile, spread across 9.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Zapata expensive to live in?
Zapata 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 $37,653, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,300 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $482 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Zapata safe?
Zapata is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Zapata receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Zapata?
Zapata has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 57°F in January, while summers reach an average of 87°F in July. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Zapata?
The job market in Zapata is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $796. There are 166 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Zapata?
The median home value in Zapata is $104,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,365. For renters, the median monthly rent is $482. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,533.
How are the schools in Zapata?
Schools in Zapata have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.7% of adults in Zapata hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.5% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Zapata?
The obesity rate in Zapata is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 41.6% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 37.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 31.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Zapata?
The average commute in Zapata is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Zapata?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Zapata is 40.6% White. 14.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 85.4% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 80.1% have health insurance coverage.
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