What to know when moving to El Paso, NM
TL;DR: El Paso at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 54% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and just 11.7% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $89,364, offering a solid financial backdrop for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.5% using public transit, it is a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,193/month in rent to find a comfortable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In El Paso, the population stands at 7,162, with a median household income of $89,364. The area has a low poverty rate of 6.7%, and a significant 54% of the residents have attained a bachelor's degree or higher. The renter share is notably low at 11.7%, indicating a strong ownership culture. With just 0.5% of the population utilizing public transit, a personal vehicle is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a vibrant public transit system or are looking for a high percentage of renters.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,193, making it relatively affordable compared to many urban markets.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $297,300, which may appeal to buyers looking for a good investment.
- The education level is high, with 54% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a community focused on education.
- The poverty rate is low at 6.7%, suggesting a generally stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, the overall crime trends show a decrease in both violent and property crime over recent years. Property crime has a state annual rate of 1,797.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 16.2% higher than the national average of 1,546.9. Violent crime, on the other hand, is lower at a rate of 345.5 per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 325.3 but showing a significant decline of 21.8% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, with a 21.8% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, with a 23.1% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 35.1% since 2022, with a rate of 4.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
El Paso has access to multiple educational institutions, enhancing opportunities for residents. Here are some notable schools:
- Pipo Academy of Hair Design
- Southwest University at El Paso
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso
- The University of Texas at El Paso
- Western Technical College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
El Paso features several parks and outdoor spots ideal for recreation. Check out these well-rated places:
- Museum of Revolution in the Borderland - 4.6 stars (3,953 reviews)
- Southwest University Park - 4.7 stars (3,287 reviews)
- Franklin Mountains State Park - 4.7 stars (2,894 reviews)
- Memorial Park - 4.7 stars (2,767 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).