Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Padre Island, TX
Thinking of moving to South Padre Island, TX? With a cozy population of around 2,000, this resort town offers a laid-back lifestyle with a median home price of $394,000 and average rents of $1,350. Enjoy sunny days year-round (74% sunshine!), short 15-minute commutes, and easy access to beautiful beaches. While property crime rates are higher due to tourism, the community offers solid educational options nearby and mild winters, making it a unique spot for year-round living or a beachside retreat.
Demographics - South Padre Island, TX
Demographics - South Padre Island, TX
South Padre Island is a small, close-knit community of about 2,066 residents, with a median age of 55, reflecting its appeal to retirees and seasonal visitors. The population is predominantly White, and nearly one in five speaks a language other than English at home, adding a touch of diversity to the town's coastal charm.
Population:
2,066
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.0
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
13.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Padre Island, TX?
Living in South Padre Island comes with a cost of living slightly above the national average, mainly due to higher housing expenses, with median home values around $394,000 and typical rents at $1,350 per month. Texas’s lack of state income tax helps offset some costs, making it attractive for homeowners and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$394,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,470
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,860
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.5
Grocery:
95.3
Housing:
120.2
Utilities:
103.8
Transportation:
97.6
Health Care:
97.1
Miscellaneous:
96.5
Crime
Is South Padre Island, TX a safe place to live?
South Padre Island has a relatively low rate of violent crime but experiences higher property crime, likely influenced by its tourist-driven economy. Residents face a 1 in 37 chance of property crime, so it’s wise to take standard precautions, especially in busy seasons.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,700
Crime Index:
3,050
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in South Padre Island, TX year-round?
The island enjoys a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters in the mid-50s to upper 60s, hot summers peaking in the low 90s, and about 74% sunny days annually. With an average annual rainfall of 27.5 inches, outdoor activities and beach life can be enjoyed nearly year-round.
Winter
Min:
54°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
66°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
77°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
66°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
South Padre Island residents typically enjoy a median household income of $54,350 and a relaxed pace of life with short 15-minute commutes. The community is well-educated, with over 94% holding a high school diploma and nearly 42% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$40,200
Household Income:
$54,350
Family Income:
$68,500
Per Capita Income:
$44,000
Income Male:
$45,500
Income Female:
$33,800
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
19.0%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
41.8%
Education
How are the schools in South Padre Island, TX?
Families have access to nearby public schools such as Port Isabel High School and Derry Elementary, both offering low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized learning. Private and Montessori options are available locally, and higher education opportunities are within a 30-mile drive at major institutions in Brownsville.
Public Schools
Name:
Port Isabel High School
Street:
101 Port Rd
Phone:
956-943-0040
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Derry Elementary School
Street:
1702 2nd St, Port Isabel
Phone:
956-943-0070
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Montessori Academy of South Padre Island
Street:
104 W Corral St
Phone:
956-761-6166
Students:
50
Colleges
Name:
Texas Southmost College
City:
Brownsville
State:
TX
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
7,400
Name:
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
City:
Brownsville
State:
TX
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
32,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is solid, with major hospitals like Valley Regional Medical Center and Harlingen Medical Center located nearby, and about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Most people have health insurance, and emergency services are readily available for peace of mind.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Valley Regional Medical Center
Address:
100 E Alton Gloor Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526
Phone:
(956) 350-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Harlingen Medical Center
Address:
5501 US-77, Harlingen, TX 78550
Phone:
(956) 365-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.7%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Padre Island, TX?
The housing market features a median home price of $394,000 and a strong rental sector, with only one-third of homes owner-occupied and a high rental vacancy rate of 18.3%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, reflecting steady demand for vacation and investment properties.
Median Home Price:
$394,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
33.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
18.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for South Padre Island residents are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive resources available online and at the main office in Austin. Texans benefit from streamlined DMV services and no state vehicle property 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.