Living in South Padre Island, Texas
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of South Padre Island · Census data 2020–2024
South Padre Island has 2,891 residents with a median age of 60.8. The median household income is $70,472 (10% lower than the Texas median), the median home value is $516,900, the median rent is $1,521/month.
South Padre Island at a glance
- Population
- 2,891
- Median age
- 60.8State: 35.6
- Median household income
- $70,472State: $78,476
- Median home value
- $516,900State: $283,800
- Median rent
- $1,521/moState: $1,403
- Homeowners
- 69.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 52.7%
- Average commute
- 13 min
Is South Padre Island a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 13 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 10% lower than the Texas median; home values 82% higher than the state median; unemployment of 5.6%; a poverty rate of 16%.
The weather is best in February to April and November.
Cost of living in South Padre Island
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In South Padre Island the median home value is $516,900, 55% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,521 per month, which is 31% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,244 a month in housing costs.
South Padre Island median household income
The median household income in South Padre Island is $70,472 and the income per person is $77,304. 16% of residents live below the poverty line (Texas: 13.8%).
Housing in South Padre Island: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 5,534
- Owner-occupied
- 69.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 30.2%
- Vacant
- 71.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1984
- Average household size
- 1.79
71.1% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that South Padre Island has many vacation and second homes.
South Padre Island demographics
- Population
- 2,891
- Median age
- 60.8
- Under 18
- 9.5%
- 65 and older
- 40%
- Households
- 1,598
- Foreign-born
- 14.7%
- Veterans
- 12.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of South Padre Island ›
Education in South Padre Island
52.7% of adults 25 and older in South Padre Island have a bachelor's degree or higher (Texas: 33.8%), and 23% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in South Padre Island
- Unemployment rate
- 5.6%State: 5.3%
- Average commute
- 13 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 31.5%
- Drive alone
- 32.7%
- Public transit
- 2.9%
- Walk to work
- 25.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 84.1%
South Padre Island vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Padre Island | 2,891 | $70,472 | $516,900 | $1,521 |
| Laguna Vista | 3,673 | $63,632 | $255,900 | — |
| Port Isabel | 5,111 | $32,222 | $182,600 | $748 |
| Bayview | 887 | $135,685 | $313,100 | $2,250 |
| Chula Vista | 284 | $19,628 | — | — |
| Laureles | 4,224 | $34,771 | $152,400 | $873 |
| Los Fresnos | 8,291 | $61,938 | $152,200 | $989 |
| La Tina Ranch | 405 | $39,178 | $107,100 | — |
| Indian Lake | 962 | $25,982 | $65,400 | $1,036 |
More for people moving to South Padre Island
South Padre Island ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in South Padre Island: FAQ
What is the median household income in South Padre Island, TX?
The median household income in South Padre Island is $70,472, 10% lower than the Texas median of $78,476 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in South Padre Island?
The median home value in South Padre Island is $516,900, compared with $283,800 in Texas.
How much is rent in South Padre Island?
The median gross rent in South Padre Island is $1,521 per month, about 31% of household income.
Is South Padre Island, TX a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 13 minutes. Minuses: median household income 10% lower than the Texas median; home values 82% higher than the state median; unemployment of 5.6%; a poverty rate of 16%.
What is the median age in South Padre Island?
The median age in South Padre Island is 60.8 years (Texas: 35.6).
How long is the commute in South Padre Island?
The average commute to work in South Padre Island is 13 minutes; 31.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in South Padre Island?
The unemployment rate in South Padre Island is 5.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is South Padre Island?
52.7% of adults in South Padre Island have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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