Town in Brewster County

Living in Alpine, TX

A-

114th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 84 of 100

We give Alpine an A-. It ranks 114th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and safety, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for young professionals and retirees.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Low crime
  • Short commutes
  • Internet access scores low (13 of 100)
  • River flooding risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Alpine isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthAlpine
Where Alpine is in Texas.
Population
5,989-0.4% since 2020
Median rent
$89136% lower than Texas
Median home value
$219,80023% lower than Texas
Household income
$60,139Median
Average commute
13 minOne way
Violent crime
66Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Alpine

Alpine is a town in Brewster County. 5,989 people lived here in 2025, down 0.4% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Kokernot Municipal Park, Baines Park and Shipman Park.

The median age is 39.5, 21% of households have children, 66% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $60,139 a year (23% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Alpine

  • Low violent crime. 66 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 83% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $891, 36% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 13 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Alpine

  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who Alpine suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 83% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 76% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 23% lower than the Texas median, with 42 restaurants and 5 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 94% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 83% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 92% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 81% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $891 is 36% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 29% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $891 is 36% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 43% for people on a budget.

Alpine report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Alpine with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade C

    Median rent $891, homes cost 3.7x income.

    48 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    Median household income $60,139, 4.1% unemployed.

    47 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade C+

    3 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.

    48 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade A-

    66 violent crimes per 100k, 50 property crimes per 100k.

    82 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B+

    1 grocery store, 42 restaurants, 12 parks mapped in town.

    72 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A

    Average commute 13 min, 6.6% work from home.

    92 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade B

    45% have a bachelor’s degree.

    66 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade C

    17% of adults uninsured.

    47 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    66% of homes owner-occupied.

    29 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D-

    81% of homes have broadband.

    13 of 100 vs US towns

Where Alpine stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 13 min50% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Median rent: $89136% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 45%11 points higher than Texas (34%)

Worse than Texas

  • Homes with broadband internet: 81%11 points lower than Texas (91%)
  • Median household income: $60,13923% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Vacant homes: 11%2 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Alpine

Alpine renters pay a median of $891 a month, 36% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $36,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 45% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $809 for a one-bedroom, $1,028 for a two-bedroom and $1,423 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $219,800, 23% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,203 before tax, or $1,418 with property tax. That is $527 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Alpine pays $2,573 a year, 39% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in AlpineStudio$7811 bedroom$8092 bedrooms$1,0283 bedrooms$1,4234 bedrooms$1,481
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Brewster County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent36% lower than Texas$891$1,403$1,413
Median home value23% lower than Texas$219,800$283,800$332,700
Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas3.7x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent6 points lower than Texas45%52%51%
Median property tax per year39% lower than Texas$2,573$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them3 points higher than Texas66%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,418
Mortgage payment
$1,203
Property tax
$214
Median rent, for comparison
$891

Based on a $219,800 home in Alpine, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Alpine safe?

In 2025, Alpine Police Department reported 4 violent crimes and 3 property crimes. That works out to 66 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 83% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 50 property crimes per 100,000, 98% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 33% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Alpine by yearTexas6620212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
66
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
50
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Alpine by yearTexas5020212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Alpine Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Alpine

Alpine has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Alpine ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
48
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
80
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BAlpine MiddleMiddle, Alpine ISD85 of 100
  • BAlpine High SchoolHigh, Alpine ISD81 of 100
  • CAlpine ElementaryElementary, Alpine ISD74 of 100

Daily life in Alpine

Everyday places mapped inside Alpine, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Kokernot Municipal Park, Baines Park, Shipman Park.

The average one-way commute is 13 minutes, 50% shorter than the Texas average. 7% of workers work from home. 4.1% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $60,139, income per person is $35,696, unemployment is 4.1% and 45% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
5
Restaurants
42
Cafes
5
Bars
6
Parks
12
Gyms
4
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
1
Libraries
3

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income23% lower than Texas$60,139$78,476$80,734
Income per person12% lower than Texas$35,696$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas4.1%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line5 points lower than Texas8.6%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher11 points higher than Texas45%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher5 points higher than Texas91%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points lower than Texas17%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet11 points lower than Texas81%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute50% lower than Texas13 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home8 points lower than Texas6.6%14%15%
Workers who work from home6.6%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk4.1%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Alpine

Under 1814%
18 to 3429%
35 to 6433%
65 and over25%

Median age 39.5 years. 21% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White41%
Hispanic or Latino50%
Black0.9%
Asian2.7%
Other or more than one race6.1%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Alpine

Alpine has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 91°F and January lows about 31°F. There are about 82 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 16 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Alpine30°50°70°90°61J66F72M80A87M92J91J90A84S79O69N61DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Alpine, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is moderate and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingVery high
  • HurricanesModerate
  • TornadoesModerate
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesVery high
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsVery high
  • Strong windHigh

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Alpine

Nearby, Marfa gets a C+, Fort Stockton gets a B- and Presidio gets a D. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. C+MarfaTown, 2,482 people22 mi
  2. B-Fort StocktonTown, 8,278 people59 mi
  3. DPresidioTown, 3,163 people70 mi
  4. CTown of PecosSmall city, 10,926 people72 mi
  5. BVan HornTown, 1,908 people83 mi
  6. C-Southwest SandhillTown, 1,143 people93 mi

Living in Alpine: common questions

Is Alpine, TX a good place to live?

We give Alpine an A-. It ranks 114th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and safety, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for young professionals and retirees.

How much does it cost to live in Alpine?

Renters in Alpine pay a median of $891 a month, 36% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $219,800, 23% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.7x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,418, including property tax.

Is Alpine safe?

In 2025, Alpine Police Department reported 66 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 83% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 50 per 100,000, 98% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Alpine?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Alpine. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 48 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Alpine flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Alpine as very high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, heat waves, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Alpine?

Summers in Alpine peak at about 91°F in July, and January nights fall to about 31°F. Expect around 82 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 16 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Alpine?

The average one-way commute is 13 min, 50% lower than the Texas average. About 6.6% of workers work from home.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.