Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Marfa, TX
Thinking of moving to Marfa, TX? This unique artsy West Texas town has a friendly population of about 1,750 and offers affordable living with median home prices around $180,000 and average rents at $780. Marfa boasts low crime rates, short 8.5-minute commutes, and over 80% sunny days each year. While the public schools are small, class sizes are favorable, and the town is known for its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful desert climate. Explore housing, local amenities, and Marfa's distinctive lifestyle as you plan your move.
Demographics - Marfa, TX
Marfa is a small and diverse West Texas town with approximately 1,750 residents and a median age of 42.6 years, reflecting a mature, tight-knit community. The population is predominantly White, and nearly 38% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the town's multicultural character.
Population:
1,750
Density:
430 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
13.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Marfa, TX?
Marfa offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $180,000 and average rent at $780, making it an affordable choice for homebuyers and renters alike. Utility and transportation costs are moderate, and Texas’s 0% state income tax further enhances affordability.
Median House Value:
$180,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$365
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.1
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
72.8
Utilities:
104.1
Transportation:
96.7
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Marfa, TX a safe place to live?
Marfa enjoys notably low crime rates, with only 120 violent crimes and 840 property crimes per 100,000 residents, offering a strong sense of safety. Residents have a lower-than-average chance of experiencing either violent or property crime compared to many other Texas communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
840
Crime Index:
960
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 119
Weather
What is the weather like in Marfa, TX year-round?
Marfa boasts a pleasant high-desert climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and mild winters that rarely drop below 28°F. The area receives about 16.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 80% of the year, making outdoor activities accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
80%
Neighbors
Residents of Marfa experience a relaxed pace of life, with median household income at $46,700 and a short average commute of just 8.5 minutes. The community values education, with over 85% having at least a high school diploma, and a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.8%.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$46,700
Family Income:
$54,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
38%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
8.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.2%
Bachelors or More:
24.7%
Education
How are the schools in Marfa, TX?
Marfa offers small class sizes in its public schools, fostering personalized learning environments, with Marfa Elementary and Junior/Senior High serving local students. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, just 26 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Marfa Elementary School
Street:
400 West Columbia St
Phone:
432-729-4252
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Marfa Junior/Senior High School
Street:
400 West Columbia St
Phone:
432-729-5500
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.8
Colleges
Name:
Sul Ross State University
City:
Alpine
State:
TX
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Healthcare needs in Marfa are served by Big Bend Regional Medical Center located nearby in Alpine, along with a modest 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. About 80% of locals have health insurance coverage, providing basic access to medical services in the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Big Bend Regional Medical Center
Address:
2600 N State Hwy 118, Alpine, TX 79830
Phone:
(432) 837-3447
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
79.5%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Marfa, TX?
Marfa’s housing market is affordable and stable, featuring a median home price of $180,000 and owner occupancy rate of 70%. Home values are appreciating at a steady annual rate of 4.7%, and rental options are available with a vacancy rate of just over 10%.
Median Home Price:
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle licensing and registration in Marfa are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Austin and comprehensive services accessible online or by phone. Texas residents benefit from straightforward DMV services and no state vehicle tax.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4000 Jackson Ave, Austin, TX 78731
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.