Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Brownsville, TX
Considering a move to Brownsville, TX? With a population of 186,738, this warm, sunny border city offers affordable living—median home prices are about $144,000 and rents around $900. Residents enjoy short commute times (21.4 minutes), a low cost of living index (78.2), and a vibrant Hispanic culture. While the city boasts a subtropical climate with 73% sunny days, property crime rates are higher than average. Brownsville features local colleges, community-focused schools, and access to healthcare, making it a welcoming choice for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Brownsville, TX
Demographics - Brownsville, TX
Brownsville, Texas is home to nearly 187,000 residents, with a young median age of 30.9 and a predominantly Hispanic/Latino community making up over 90% of the population. The city is characterized by a high density and a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, with a significant portion of households speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
186,738
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.9
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
86.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
91.3% (Hispanic/Latino of any race)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Brownsville, TX?
Brownsville offers one of the most affordable lifestyles in Texas, with a cost of living index of 78.2 and median home values around $144,000. Residents benefit from low housing and utility costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$144,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.2
Grocery:
86.1
Housing:
65.4
Utilities:
92.3
Transportation:
82.5
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Brownsville, TX a safe place to live?
The city experiences a moderate rate of violent crime, with about 1 in 346 residents affected, while property crime is more common at 1 in 48. Although property crime rates are higher than the national average, Brownsville's overall crime index reflects similar trends seen in many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
289
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,072
Crime Index:
2,361
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 346
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Brownsville, TX year-round?
Brownsville enjoys a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers, where winter lows average 53°F and summer highs reach 94°F. The city receives about 27.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine nearly 73% of the year, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
53°F
Max:
72°F
Spring
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
94°F
Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Households in Brownsville typically have a median income of $44,000, with a slightly higher family income of $49,000, though nearly 30% of residents live below the poverty line. Most neighbors speak Spanish or another language at home, commute an average of 21 minutes, and tend to have strong community ties.
Median Income:
$25,000
Household Income:
$44,000
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,100
Income Male:
$27,500
Income Female:
$20,200
Poverty Rate:
29.5%
Non English Speakers:
86.2%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
6.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
64.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.7%
Education
How are the schools in Brownsville, TX?
Brownsville offers a diverse range of educational opportunities, including public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and reputable private schools. The city is also home to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Texas Southmost College, making higher education accessible to local students.
Public Schools
Name:
Brownsville Early College High School
Street:
343 Ringgold Rd
Phone:
956-548-7800
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Pace Early College High School
Street:
314 W Los Ebanos Blvd
Phone:
956-548-7600
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Academy
Street:
101 St Joseph Dr
Phone:
956-542-3581
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Brownsville
City:
Brownsville
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Texas Southmost College
City:
Brownsville
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Brownsville provides access to quality healthcare through major facilities like Valley Baptist Medical Center and Valley Regional Medical Center. The city has a moderate ratio of physicians per capita and over 70% of residents have health insurance coverage, supporting the community’s well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Valley Baptist Medical Center
Address:
1040 W Jefferson St, Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone:
(956) 698-5400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Valley Regional Medical Center
Address:
100A E Alton Gloor Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526
Phone:
(956) 350-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
70.5%
Health Care Index:
62.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Brownsville, TX?
The housing market in Brownsville is highly affordable, with a median home price of $144,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $900. The city has a strong owner-occupied rate and steady appreciation, making it a practical choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$144,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Brownsville residents are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in San Benito. The DMV provides convenient access to licensing, registration, and other essential driving services.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
600 W Expressway 83, San Benito, TX 78586
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.