City in Nueces County, the center of the Corpus Christi metro

Living in Corpus Christi, TX

D+

55th of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 31 of 100
7th of 15 in the Corpus Christi area

Corpus Christi gets an overall grade of D+ and ranks 55th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on safety and health.

  • Affordable
  • Safety scores low (5 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (19 of 100)
Skyline of Corpus Christi, Texas
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
317,247-0.3% since 2020
Median rent
$1,2928% lower than Texas
Median home value
$210,40026% lower than Texas
Household income
$67,394Median
Average commute
21 minOne way
Violent crime
799Per 100k, 2025

About Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi wraps around Corpus Christi Bay and Nueces Bay on the Texas Gulf Coast, with Padre Island and Mustang Island just to the east. It is the seat of Nueces County, about 130 miles southeast of San Antonio. Henry Lawrence Kinney started it as a trading post in 1839, and its Latin name means Body of Christ.

I-37 is the main highway in and out, linking the city to San Antonio, while SH 358, US 181 and SH 44 handle much of the local and regional driving. The Harbor Bridge and the JFK Memorial Causeway are the main crossings. Jobs center on the Port of Corpus Christi and its refineries, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, the Corpus Christi Army Depot, Christus Spohn Health System and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Out on North Beach you will find the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum, and the downtown seawall is a favorite place to walk along the bay.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What it's like to live in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is the anchor city of the Corpus Christi metro area. 317,247 people lived here in 2025, down 0.3% from 2020.

Local spots people know include Bill Witt Dog Park, Oso Creek and Oso Bay Nature Trails.

The median age is 36.9, 32% of households have children, 58% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $67,394 a year (14% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Corpus Christi

  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Corpus Christi

  • Higher violent crime. 799 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 106% higher than the Texas rate.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes and heat waves as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 113 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Corpus Christi suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 69% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 106% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 25% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 14% lower than the Texas median, with 1,197 restaurants and 80 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 24% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 106% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 14% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 90% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,292 is 8% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,292 is 8% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 75% for people on a budget.

Corpus Christi report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Corpus Christi with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade B+

    Median rent $1,292, homes cost 3.1x income.

    80 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D+

    Median household income $67,394, 5.1% unemployed.

    30 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C+

    78 rated campuses, 69% rated A or B.

    53 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade F

    799 violent crimes per 100k, 2,786 property crimes per 100k.

    5 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade C-

    69 grocery stores, 1,197 restaurants, 282 parks mapped in town.

    37 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B-

    Average commute 21 min, 5.3% work from home.

    62 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D

    24% have a bachelor’s degree.

    19 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D

    24% of adults uninsured.

    18 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D

    58% of homes owner-occupied.

    24 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D

    90% of homes have broadband.

    22 of 100 vs US cities

Where Corpus Christi stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 21 min20% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 3.1x14% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $1,2928% lower than Texas ($1,403)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 24%9 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $67,39414% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 58%5 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi renters pay a median of $1,292 a month, 8% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $52,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 52% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,176 for a one-bedroom, $1,421 for a two-bedroom and $1,855 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 $210,400, 26% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,152 before tax, or $1,434 with property tax. That is $142 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Corpus Christi pays $3,387 a year, 20% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Corpus Christi

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Corpus ChristiStudio$1,0661 bedroom$1,1762 bedrooms$1,4213 bedrooms$1,8554 bedrooms$2,087
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Corpus Christi, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent8% lower than Texas$1,292$1,403$1,413
Median home value26% lower than Texas$210,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income14% lower than Texas3.1x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas52%52%51%
Median property tax per year20% lower than Texas$3,387$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them5 points lower than Texas58%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198219921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,434
Mortgage payment
$1,152
Property tax
$282
Median rent, for comparison
$1,292

Based on a $210,400 home in Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi safe?

In 2025, Corpus Christi Police Department reported 2,533 violent crimes and 8,834 property crimes. That works out to 799 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 106% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,786 property crimes per 100,000, 34% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.

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 Corpus Christi by yearTexas79920212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
799
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,786
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Corpus Christi by yearTexas2,78620212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi has 78 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 69% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Corpus Christi ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Collegiate High School, Harold T Branch Academy for Career & Technical Ed and Windsor Park G/T. The average rating score across all campuses is 83 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

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
53
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
83
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

  • ACollegiate High SchoolHigh, Corpus Christi ISD97 of 100
  • AHarold T Branch Academy for Career & Technical EdHigh, Corpus Christi ISD97 of 100
  • AWindsor Park G/TElementary, Corpus Christi ISD97 of 100
  • ACreekside ElementaryElementary, Corpus Christi ISD93 of 100
  • AFaye Webb ElementaryElementary, Corpus Christi ISD92 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Corpus Christi

We grade 13 areas inside Corpus Christi. The top three are Mustang-Padre Island (B+), East Corpus Christi (B+) and South Side (B-). If price matters most, Coopers Alley L-Head has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,070 a month. Mustang-Padre Island is the priciest, at $2,000. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Corpus Christi neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    13 Corpus Christi neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1B+East Corpus Christi8,750 people, median rent $1,170, home $332,000100fit
    2. 2B+Mustang-Padre Island9,966 people, median rent $2,000, home $476,00092fit
    3. 3B-South Side122,507 people, median rent $1,420, home $243,00083fit
    4. 4B-Southeast Corpus Christi28,244 people, median rent $1,590, home $276,00075fit
    5. 5B-Flour Bluff26,425 people, median rent $1,210, home $254,00067fit
    6. 6C+Downtown12,912 people, median rent $1,120, home $218,00058fit
    7. 7CCalallen11,314 people, median rent $1,280, home $213,00050fit
    8. 8CNorthwest14,835 people, median rent $1,220, home $231,00042fit
    9. 9CCoopers Alley L-Head2,975 people, median rent $1,070, home $156,00033fit
    10. 10D+South Corpus Christi3,797 people, median rent $1,400, home $140,00025fit
    11. 11DMarina Arts District3,099 people, median rent $1,210, home $233,00017fit
    12. 12DCentral City58,755 people, median rent $1,010, home $102,0008fit
    13. 13D-Southwest Corpus Christi1,142 people, median rent $1,510, home $128,0000fit
    All 13 Corpus Christi neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Corpus Christi

    Everyday places mapped inside Corpus Christi, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Bill Witt Dog Park, Oso Creek, Oso Bay Nature Trails.

    The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 20% shorter than the Texas average. 5% 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 $67,394, income per person is $34,788, unemployment is 5.1% and 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    69
    Pharmacies
    45
    Restaurants
    1,197
    Cafes
    80
    Bars
    174
    Parks
    282
    Gyms
    127
    Hospitals and urgent care
    70
    Childcare
    66
    Libraries
    15

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income14% lower than Texas$67,394$78,476$80,734
    Income per person15% lower than Texas$34,788$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.1%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line3 points higher than Texas17%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher9 points lower than Texas24%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higherAbout the same as Texas86%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance5 points higher than Texas24%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet2 points lower than Texas90%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute20% lower than Texas21 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas5.3%14%15%
    Workers who work from home5.3%
    Workers who take transit1.2%
    Workers who walk1.3%
    Workers who bike0.2%

    Who lives in Corpus Christi

    Under 1823%
    18 to 3424%
    35 to 6437%
    65 and over16%

    Median age 36.9 years. 32% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White29%
    Hispanic or Latino62%
    Black3.8%
    Asian2.5%
    Other or more than one race2.5%

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

    Weather in Corpus Christi

    Corpus Christi has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 92°F and January lows about 47°F. There are about 113 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 31 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Corpus Christi40°60°80°100°66J70F74M80A86M90J92J93A89S84O75N68DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Corpus Christi Nws, 4 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, coastal flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is high and hail risk is high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingModerate
    • Coastal floodingModerate
    • HurricanesVery high
    • TornadoesHigh
    • HailHigh
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresLow
    • Winter stormsModerate
    • 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 Corpus Christi

    Nearby, Portland gets an A-, Robstown gets an F and Taft Southwest gets an F. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. A-PortlandSmall city, 20,543 people12 mi
    2. FRobstownSmall city, 10,236 people13 mi
    3. FTaft SouthwestTown, 1,635 people15 mi
    4. D+GregoryTown, 2,003 people15 mi
    5. BOdemTown, 2,102 people15 mi
    6. FTaftTown, 2,871 people15 mi

    Corpus Christi in the Corpus Christi area

    How it ranks among 15 places in the metro.

    1. 1A-Portland20,543 people12 mito downtown
    2. 2B+Lamar1,202 people37 mito downtown
    3. 3BOdem2,102 people20 mito downtown
    4. 4BPort Aransas3,268 people18 mito downtown
    5. 5C+Bishop3,103 people28 mito downtown
    6. 6C-Mathis4,308 people37 mito downtown
    7. 7D+Corpus Christi317,419 people0 mito downtown
    8. 8D+Ingleside9,997 people14 mito downtown
    9. 9D+Gregory2,003 people14 mito downtown
    10. 10DRockport10,683 people28 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of corpus christi

    Living in Corpus Christi: common questions

    Is Corpus Christi, TX a good place to live?

    Corpus Christi gets an overall grade of D+ and ranks 55th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on safety and health.

    How much does it cost to live in Corpus Christi?

    Renters in Corpus Christi pay a median of $1,292 a month, 8% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $210,400, 26% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.1x 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 $1,434, including property tax.

    Is Corpus Christi safe?

    In 2025, Corpus Christi Police Department reported 799 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 106% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,786 per 100,000, 34% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Corpus Christi?

    We found 78 rated public school campuses inside Corpus Christi. 69% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 53 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Corpus Christi?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Corpus Christi are Mustang-Padre Island, East Corpus Christi and South Side. We score 13 areas in the city.

    Does Corpus Christi flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Corpus Christi as moderate, and coastal flooding as moderate. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, hail and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Corpus Christi?

    Summers in Corpus Christi peak at about 92°F in July, and January nights fall to about 47°F. Expect around 113 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 31 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Corpus Christi?

    The average one-way commute is 21 min, 20% lower than the Texas average. About 5.3% 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.