Town in Duval County
Living in Benavides, TX
385th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 48 of 100
Benavides earns a grade of C on our index, 385th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.
- Good for people on a budget
- Affordable
- Education levels scores low (7 of 100)
- Home ownership scores low (2 of 100)
- Population
- 1,099-7.4% since 2020
- Median rent
- $86738% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $70,60075% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $45,216Median
- Average commute
- 25 minOne way
- Violent crime
- No dataNo full-year report
What it's like to live in Benavides
Benavides is a town in Duval County. 1,099 people lived here in 2025, down 7.4% from 2020. It is spread out.
The median age is 51.1, 24% of households have children, 55% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $45,216 a year (42% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Benavides
- Lower rent. Median rent is $867, 38% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.6 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
Cons of living in Benavides
- Higher poverty. 22% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Many adults uninsured. 36% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 158 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
- Spotty home internet. Only 62% of homes have a broadband plan.
Who Benavides suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 45% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 42% lower than the Texas median, with 4 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 53% for young professionals.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 62% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $867 is 38% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 28% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $867 is 38% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 92% for people on a budget.
Benavides report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Benavides 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 A
Median rent $867, homes cost 1.6x income.
94 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C-
Median household income $45,216, 0% unemployed.
38 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade C+
2 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.
54 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: no grade
No full year of crime data from local police.
No score vs TX townsErrands and things to do: no grade
0 grocery stores, 4 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.
No score vs TX townsGetting around: grade C
Average commute 25 min, 10% work from home.
42 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade F
10% have a bachelor’s degree.
7 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D
36% of adults uninsured.
21 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade F
55% of homes owner-occupied.
2 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade F
62% of homes have broadband.
1 of 100 vs US towns
Where Benavides stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 28%24 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Home value to income: 1.6x57% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Median rent: $86738% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Homes with broadband internet: 62%29 points lower than Texas (91%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 10%23 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Vacant homes: 29%19 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
Cost of living in Benavides
Benavides renters pay a median of $867 a month, 38% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $35,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 28% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $858 for a one-bedroom, $1,078 for a two-bedroom and $1,393 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 $70,600, 75% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $386 before tax, or $453 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.
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 Benavides pays $803 a year, 81% 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
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent38% lower than Texas | $867 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value75% lower than Texas | $70,600 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income57% lower than Texas | 1.6x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent24 points lower than Texas | 28% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year81% lower than Texas | $803 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them8 points lower than Texas | 55% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1974 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $386
- Property tax
- $67
- Median rent, for comparison
- $867
Based on a $70,600 home in Benavides, 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.
Schools in Benavides
Benavides has 2 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 50% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Benavides 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.
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
- BBenavides SecondaryOther, Benavides ISD83 of 100
- CBenavides ElementaryElementary, Benavides ISD79 of 100
Daily life in Benavides
Everyday places mapped inside Benavides, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Duval County-Benavides Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 25 minutes, 6% shorter than the Texas average. 10% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
The median household income is $45,216, income per person is $22,658, unemployment is 0% and 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income42% lower than Texas | $45,216 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person44% lower than Texas | $22,658 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas | 0% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line8 points higher than Texas | 22% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher23 points lower than Texas | 10% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher7 points lower than Texas | 79% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance16 points higher than Texas | 36% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet29 points lower than Texas | 62% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute6% lower than Texas | 25 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas | 10% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Benavides
Median age 51.1 years. 24% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Benavides
Benavides has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 43°F. There are about 158 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 25 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Freer, 23 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
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 Benavides
Nearby, San Diego gets a D+, Ben Bolt gets a C and Rancho Alegre gets a B-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
Living in Benavides: common questions
Is Benavides, TX a good place to live?
Benavides earns a grade of C on our index, 385th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on internet access and home ownership. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Benavides?
Renters in Benavides pay a median of $867 a month, 38% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $70,600, 75% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.6x 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 $453, including property tax.
Are the schools good in Benavides?
We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Benavides. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 54 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
What is the weather like in Benavides?
Summers in Benavides peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 43°F. Expect around 158 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 25 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Benavides?
The average one-way commute is 25 min, 6% lower than the Texas average. About 10% 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.