Schertz vs Universal City: which is better to live in?
Schertz gets B overall and Universal City gets B. They finish close to even on our index.
Schertz wins on jobs and income, schools, safety, education levels, health and home ownership. Universal City wins on cost of living, errands and things to do, getting around and internet access.
Schertz suits families better, while Universal City suits young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget better.
Side by side
| Schertz | Universal City | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | B | B |
| Population | 45,978 | 20,399 |
| Growth since 2020 | +9.1% | +3.5% |
| Median rent | $1,659 | $1,315 |
| Median home value | $317,100 | $269,600 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,160 | $1,905 |
| Median household income | $99,948 | $74,811 |
| Property tax per year | $5,090 | $5,147 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 242 | 167 |
| Property crime per 100k | 840 | 2,039 |
| Schools rated A or B | 67% | 0% |
| Average commute | 32 min | 26 min |
| Work from home | 16% | 9.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 40% | 34% |
| Median age | 38.6 years | 37.1 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 117 | 122 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | High | Very high |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Schertz | Universal City | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B- (63) | B+ (74) |
| Jobs and income | B- (59) | C (43) |
| Schools | C+ (55) | D- (15) |
| Safety | C+ (52) | C (46) |
| Errands and things to do | D (24) | A (93) |
| Getting around | F (5) | D- (15) |
| Education levels | B (65) | B- (62) |
| Health | C (47) | D+ (32) |
| Home ownership | B+ (79) | B- (56) |
| Internet access | B+ (79) | A- (83) |
Cost of living
Universal City is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is higher in Schertz: a median of $1,659 a month, 26% higher than Universal City's $1,315.
The median home is worth $317,100 in Schertz and $269,600 in Universal City. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,160 a month against $1,905, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.2 times income in Schertz and 3.6 times in Universal City.
Commute and location
Commutes average 32 minutes in Schertz and 26 in Universal City.
The two are about 2 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Universal City has less violent crime. Schertz reported 242 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Universal City reported 167 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 67% of Schertz's 12 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 0% of Universal City's 4.
Common questions
Is Schertz or Universal City better to live in?
They grade about the same overall (B vs B). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Schertz cheaper than Universal City?
No. Universal City has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Schertz or Universal City?
Universal City, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.