What to know when moving to El Paso, TX
El Paso at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 92.3% of residents rent and the median household income is $13,984.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable housing with a median gross rent of $517 per month.
- The Reality Check:
- High poverty rate at 54.9% indicates economic challenges.
- Commute:
- 11.1% of residents use public transit for their daily commute.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $93,100 if considering buying.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
El Paso is characterized by a high percentage of renters, with 92.3% of the population renting their homes. The community faces economic challenges, reflected in a poverty rate of 54.9% and a median household income of just $13,984. With only 11.1% of residents utilizing public transportation, it suggests a reliance on personal vehicles for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high-income area or a strong public transit system.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $517, making it an affordable option for renters.
- Median home value is $93,100, which is significantly lower than many urban areas.
- 54.9% poverty rate suggests a need for careful budgeting.
- Renter percentage is high at 92.3%, indicating a rental market that's competitive.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data reflects statewide statistics for Texas, showcasing both challenges and improvements.
- Violent crime rate in Texas is 345.5 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime rate is 1,797.7 per 100,000, which is 16.2% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 35.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
El Paso has a total of 11 postsecondary institutions, providing various options for higher education.
- CET-El Paso
- El Paso Community College
- Milan Institute of Cosmetology-El Paso
- Pima Medical Institute-El Paso
- 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
- Tri-State Cosmetology Institute
- Western Technical College
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
El Paso offers several parks and outdoor spaces that are ideal for enjoying the outdoors.
- Museum of Revolution in the Borderland - Rating: 4.6 (3,953 reviews)
- Southwest University Park - Rating: 4.7 (3,287 reviews)
- Franklin Mountains State Park - Rating: 4.7 (2,894 reviews)
- Memorial Park - Rating: 4.7 (2,767 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.