Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Benito, TX
Considering a move to San Benito, TX? With a population of 24,243, this friendly city offers affordable living—median home prices are just $99,400 and average rents around $810. Commute times are quick at 19 minutes, and you’ll enjoy a sunny, warm climate with 70% sunny days each year. While the cost of living is low, prospective residents should note higher property crime rates and modest education attainment. Families appreciate local schools and easy access to major hospitals in nearby Harlingen.
Demographics - San Benito, TX
Demographics - San Benito, TX
San Benito is home to around 24,243 residents, featuring a young median age of 32.5 and a vibrant cultural mix, with nearly 90% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The city has a high percentage of non-English speakers at 68%, creating a diverse and bilingual community. Population density is moderate, offering a balance between urban and small-town living.
Population:
24,243
Density:
1,630 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
68.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
9.7%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
89.4% (mostly Hispanic/Latino)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Benito, TX?
San Benito boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of $99,400 and average rent at $810, making it highly affordable for families and retirees. The cost of living index sits at 79.3, well below the national average, with especially low housing and grocery costs. Residents also benefit from no state income tax and reasonable utility expenses.
Median House Value:
$99,400
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,175
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.3
Grocery:
85.4
Housing:
55.2
Utilities:
93.1
Transportation:
82.7
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
80.9
Crime
Is San Benito, TX a safe place to live?
San Benito experiences a property crime rate higher than the national average, with a chance of 1 in 45 for property crimes and 1 in 349 for violent crimes. While the overall crime index is elevated, most incidents are non-violent. Residents should take standard precautions and stay informed about neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
286
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,217
Crime Index:
2,503
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 349
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in San Benito, TX year-round?
San Benito offers warm, subtropical weather year-round, with mild winters averaging 51–71°F and hot summers reaching up to 95°F. The area enjoys about 70% sunny days annually and experiences moderate rainfall, totaling around 27 inches per year. This climate supports an outdoor lifestyle and lush local landscapes.
Winter
Min:
51°F
Max:
71°F
Spring
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
95°F
Fall
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Local neighborhoods in San Benito tend to have modest household incomes, with a median around $38,200, and a notable poverty rate of 27%. Commute times are short at about 19 minutes, while public transportation use is minimal. The area is predominantly Spanish-speaking, reflecting the city’s strong Hispanic heritage and close-knit community.
Median Income:
$19,300
Household Income:
$38,200
Family Income:
$42,600
Per Capita Income:
$16,400
Income Male:
$28,800
Income Female:
$21,900
Poverty Rate:
27.1%
Non English Speakers:
68.0%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
8.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
19.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
63.2%
Bachelors or More:
9.4%
Education
How are the schools in San Benito, TX?
San Benito offers a selection of local public and private schools, including San Benito High School and St. Theresa Catholic School, with student-teacher ratios that support personalized learning. Higher education opportunities are accessible nearby, with Texas Southmost College and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley just 23 miles away. Educational attainment in the area is modest, with just over 9% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
San Benito High School
Street:
450 S Williams Rd
Phone:
956-361-6500
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
Berta Cabaza Middle School
Street:
1701 W Hwy 77
Phone:
956-361-6600
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Theresa Catholic School
Street:
1300 Combes St
Phone:
956-399-5616
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Texas Southmost College
City:
Brownsville
State:
TX
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
7,300
Name:
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
City:
Brownsville
State:
TX
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
32,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals just minutes away in Harlingen, such as Valley Baptist Medical Center and Harlingen Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The city has 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 70% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are accessible, supporting the needs of families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Valley Baptist Medical Center - Harlingen
Address:
2101 Pease St, Harlingen, TX 78550
Phone:
(956) 389-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Harlingen Medical Center
Address:
5501 S Expressway 77, Harlingen, TX 78550
Phone:
(956) 365-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
69.4%
Health Care Index:
61.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Benito, TX?
San Benito’s housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices at $99,400 and average two-bedroom rents at $810. A majority of residents own their homes, and the area has seen a 7.4% appreciation rate over the past year. Rental vacancies are slightly above average, offering a range of options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$99,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
San Benito residents are served by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles located conveniently on Expressway 83. The local DMV office provides essential services such as vehicle registration and licensing. For more information, residents can visit the official website or call the statewide helpline.
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.