Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Refugio, TX
Thinking of moving to Refugio, TX? With a friendly small-town atmosphere and a population of 2,734, Refugio offers affordable living—median home prices are just $92,000 and average rent is $790. Residents enjoy a short 21-minute average commute, warm South Texas weather, and a close-knit community. While the cost of living is low, the area features basic healthcare and schools, making it an inviting option for those seeking value and community in a relaxed rural setting.
Demographics - Refugio, TX
Demographics - Refugio, TX
Refugio, TX is a small town of 2,734 residents, with a median age of 40.2 and a diverse population that is nearly 60% Hispanic. The community has a balanced gender ratio and a moderate density, making it both close-knit and welcoming for newcomers. Around 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the town's cultural variety.
Population:
2,734
Density:
1,020 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
32.0%
Black:
6.5%
Others:
1.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Refugio, TX?
Refugio boasts a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $92,000 and average rent of $790. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making daily expenses and housing accessible for most budgets. Residents also benefit from low state taxes and reasonable utility costs.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,470
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,015
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$375
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
86.1
Housing:
52.8
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
85.4
Health Care:
96.5
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Refugio, TX a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Refugio are moderate for a small town, with a chance of experiencing property crime at 1 in 57 and violent crime at 1 in 313. While these risks exist, they are generally in line with similar-sized communities in Texas. Residents value the sense of security that comes with small-town living.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,740
Crime Index:
2,060
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Refugio, TX year-round?
Refugio enjoys warm, mild weather typical of South Texas, with summer highs reaching 94°F and winters staying comfortable with lows around 45°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 62% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Residents experience all four seasons without extreme temperature swings.

Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
94°F

Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community features modest incomes, with a median household income of $46,200 and a per capita income of $21,100. About 20% of residents live below the poverty line, but most enjoy a 21-minute commute and a strong sense of local connection. The majority of adults have at least a high school education, and public transportation use is low.
Median Income:
$35,900
Household Income:
$46,200
Family Income:
$51,600
Per Capita Income:
$21,100
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$28,800
Poverty Rate:
20.2%
Non English Speakers:
18.1%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.3%
Bachelors or More:
13.9%
Education
How are the schools in Refugio, TX?
Refugio offers public education through its local elementary and high schools, which have small class sizes and a supportive learning environment. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, just 44 miles away. The schools are well-regarded for their community focus and student-teacher attention.

Public Schools
Name:
Refugio High School
Street:
212 West Vance St
Phone:
361-526-2344
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8
Name:
Refugio Elementary School
Street:
605 West Vance St
Phone:
361-526-4455
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Colleges
Name:
Del Mar College
City:
Corpus Christi
State:
TX
Distance:
44 miles
Students:
10,400
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served locally by Refugio County Memorial Hospital, providing general and emergency services. About 86% of residents have health insurance coverage, and there is approximately one physician per 1,000 residents. While options are basic, essential medical care is accessible within the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Refugio County Memorial Hospital
Address:
107 Swift St, Refugio, TX 78377
Phone:
(361) 526-2321
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.5%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Refugio, TX?
Housing in Refugio is highly affordable, with a median home price of $92,000 and a strong 62% owner-occupancy rate. The local market has seen modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it a stable environment for buyers. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $790 and a healthy vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents in Refugio handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Services are administered statewide, with resources available online and by phone for convenience. The nearest main office is located in Austin, but most transactions can be completed locally or online.
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.