Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mcallen, TX
Thinking about moving to McAllen, TX? With a population of 143,920 and a cost of living index well below the national average, McAllen offers affordable housing with median home prices at $181,000 and average rents around $920. Commute times are short at just 19.5 minutes, while residents enjoy a sunny, subtropical climate with 85% sunny days annually. The city features low violent crime rates, vibrant Hispanic culture, and access to reputable schools and healthcare facilities—making it a welcoming and budget-friendly choice for movers.
Demographics - Mcallen, TX
Demographics - Mcallen, TX
McAllen, TX is home to nearly 144,000 residents and features a youthful median age of 32.2, with a vibrant and predominantly Hispanic/Latino community. The city is known for its cultural diversity, where over 70% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a rich multicultural environment.
Population:
143,920
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
72.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
12.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
85.5% (primarily Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mcallen, TX?
Living in McAllen is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 80.4 and median home values around $181,000. Residents benefit from no state income tax and lower-than-average housing and utility costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$181,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
80.4
Grocery:
85.1
Housing:
62.3
Utilities:
95.7
Transportation:
82.8
Health Care:
91.5
Miscellaneous:
84.2
Crime
Is Mcallen, TX a safe place to live?
McAllen boasts a relatively low violent crime rate of 157 incidents per 100,000 people, making it safer than many cities of comparable size. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 52 chance, but overall, the city is considered safe and family-friendly.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
157
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,912
Crime Index:
2,069
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 637
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Mcallen, TX year-round?
Residents of McAllen enjoy a sunny, subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers, and about 85% of days are sunny each year. Annual rainfall is modest at just under 22 inches, making outdoor activities accessible throughout most of the year.

Winter
Min:
49°F
Max:
72°F

Spring
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F

Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
98°F

Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
87°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Local neighborhoods in McAllen are characterized by close-knit communities with a median household income of $54,500 and a poverty rate of 23%. Despite a higher percentage of non-English speakers, residents experience short average commutes and benefit from affordable rent, fostering a friendly and connected atmosphere.
Median Income:
$27,900
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$59,100
Per Capita Income:
$22,700
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$22,800
Poverty Rate:
23.0%
Non English Speakers:
72.5%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
72.0%
Bachelors or More:
20.4%
Education
How are the schools in Mcallen, TX?
McAllen is served by reputable public and private schools, including high schools with student-teacher ratios around 17:1 and several private education options. Higher education is readily available through South Texas College in the city and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley nearby, offering a variety of academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
James 'Nikki' Rowe High School
Street:
2101 N Ware Rd
Phone:
956-632-5100
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4
Name:
McAllen High School
Street:
2021 La Vista Ave
Phone:
956-632-3100
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Sorrows School
Street:
1100 Gumwood Ave
Phone:
956-686-3651
Students:
450

Colleges
Name:
South Texas College
City:
McAllen
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
28,000
Name:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
City:
Edinburg
State:
TX
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
32,000
Healthcare
McAllen offers solid healthcare access with two major hospitals and a physician rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents. About 74% of residents have health insurance, ensuring most receive necessary care within a city well-served by general and emergency medical facilities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
South Texas Health System McAllen
Address:
301 W Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503
Phone:
(956) 632-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Rio Grande Regional Hospital
Address:
101 E Ridge Rd, McAllen, TX 78503
Phone:
(956) 632-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
73.5%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mcallen, TX?
The housing market in McAllen remains accessible, with a median home price of $181,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $950. Homeownership is common at nearly 63%, and property values have seen steady appreciation, reflecting a healthy and stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$181,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in McAllen is managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with accessible resources and support available through their website and statewide offices. Residents benefit from efficient DMV services typical of Texas, ensuring smooth vehicle-related transactions.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2203 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78756
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.