Everything You Should Know Before Moving to El Paso, TX
Considering a move to El Paso, TX? With a population of over 678,000, El Paso offers affordable living with median home prices around $176,000 and average rents under $1,000. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging just 23 minutes, abundant sunshine (83% sunny days), and scenic desert weather. Crime rates are below national averages, and the city features diverse cultural amenities, a strong Hispanic heritage, and quality healthcare. Explore more about El Paso’s cost of living, schools, and community features below to plan your next move.
Demographics - El Paso, TX
Demographics - El Paso, TX
El Paso is a vibrant city of 678,415 people, known for its youthful median age of 33 and a strong Hispanic heritage, with over 80% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The city is characterized by a high percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting its rich multicultural atmosphere. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density make it an engaging place for families and individuals alike.
Population:
678,415
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.0
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
62.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
12.5%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
82.3% (includes 81% Hispanic/Latino of any race)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in El Paso, TX?
El Paso offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $176,000 and average rents near $980, making it attractive for both renters and homebuyers. Utility and transportation costs are generally lower than the national average, and Texas’s zero state income tax adds further financial appeal. The city’s cost of living index sits comfortably below the U.S. average, helping residents stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$176,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.1
Grocery:
84.7
Housing:
70.5
Utilities:
97.9
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
90.4
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is El Paso, TX a safe place to live?
El Paso maintains a reputation as one of the safer large cities in the U.S., with a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate lower than many comparably sized urban areas. The odds of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 313, contributing to a sense of security for families and newcomers. Residents benefit from a proactive community and effective local law enforcement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
319
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,045
Crime Index:
2,364
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in El Paso, TX year-round?
Residents of El Paso enjoy a sunny climate, with 83% of days bringing clear skies and just under 10 inches of rain annually. Summers are hot and dry, with highs near 97°F, while winters remain mild, rarely dropping below 33°F. The pleasant weather encourages an active outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
83%
Neighbors
El Paso neighborhoods are diverse and community-oriented, featuring a median household income of $54,900 and a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.8%. Most residents enjoy short commutes of about 23 minutes, and a significant portion of the community is bilingual, reflecting its cultural richness. While some areas have higher poverty rates, the city’s strong sense of community and affordable housing help balance local living conditions.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$54,900
Family Income:
$63,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,200
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
62.6%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.5%
Bachelors or More:
24.1%
Education
How are the schools in El Paso, TX?
El Paso boasts a robust education system, with numerous public and private schools and two major colleges: The University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College. Schools offer reasonable student-to-teacher ratios and serve a large, diverse student population. Higher education opportunities and a focus on bilingual learning make the city appealing to students and families alike.
Public Schools
Name:
El Paso High School
Street:
800 E Schuster Ave
Phone:
915-236-2500
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Coronado High School
Street:
100 Champions Pl
Phone:
915-236-2000
Students:
2,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Private Schools
Name:
Cathedral High School
Street:
1309 N Stanton St
Phone:
915-532-3238
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
The University of Texas at El Paso
City:
El Paso
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
24,000
Name:
El Paso Community College
City:
El Paso
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
28,000
Healthcare
El Paso provides access to several major hospitals, including University Medical Center and The Hospitals of Providence, offering comprehensive emergency and specialized care. With about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate above 74%, healthcare services are accessible for most. The city’s healthcare index suggests a satisfactory level of medical resources for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
University Medical Center of El Paso
Address:
4815 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
Phone:
(915) 544-1200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus
Address:
2001 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79902
Phone:
(915) 577-6011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
74.3%
Health Care Index:
63.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in El Paso, TX?
El Paso’s housing market is stable and affordable, with median home prices at $176,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $980. The majority of residents own their homes, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a healthy, competitive market. Recent appreciation rates signal steady growth for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$176,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
El Paso residents are served by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at a central downtown location. The DMV provides essential vehicle registration, licensing, and titling services, making it convenient for locals to manage their transportation needs. Assistance is readily available by phone or online through the official state DMV website.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
401 E. Franklin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone:
(915) 849-4000
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.