Town in La Salle County

Living in Cotulla, TX

B-

290th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 61 of 100

Cotulla gets an overall grade of B- and ranks 290th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and errands and things to do, and trails on health and education levels. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Education levels scores low (12 of 100)
  • Health scores low (11 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Cotulla isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthCotulla
Where Cotulla is in Texas.
Population
3,583-3.8% since 2020
Median rent
$82141% lower than Texas
Median home value
$93,10067% lower than Texas
Household income
$70,067Median
Average commute
17 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Cotulla

Cotulla is a town in La Salle County. 3,583 people lived here in 2025, down 3.8% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Veterans Park, Plaza Florita and Alexander Memorial Library/La Salle County Library.

The median age is 33.6, 40% of households have children, 72% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $70,067 a year (11% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Cotulla

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $821, 41% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.3 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 17 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 2 grocery stores, 39 restaurants and 2 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Cotulla

  • Higher poverty. 27% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Many adults uninsured. 39% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, heat waves and hail as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 166 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Cotulla suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 50% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 11% lower than the Texas median, with 39 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 83% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 39% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 84% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $821 is 41% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 69% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $821 is 41% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 91% for people on a budget.

Cotulla report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Cotulla 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 $821, homes cost 1.3x income.

    94 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C-

    Median household income $70,067, 3.0% unemployed.

    37 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade C-

    2 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.

    38 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A-

    2 grocery stores, 39 restaurants, 2 parks mapped in town.

    81 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade C+

    Average commute 17 min, 2.5% work from home.

    50 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D-

    16% have a bachelor’s degree.

    12 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    39% of adults uninsured.

    11 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D

    72% of homes owner-occupied.

    18 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D

    84% of homes have broadband.

    21 of 100 vs US towns

Where Cotulla stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 1.3x63% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 34%18 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Median rent: $82141% lower than Texas ($1,403)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 39%19 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 16%18 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Vacant homes: 26%17 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Cotulla

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Cotulla is $821 a month, 41% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $33,000 a year. Right now 34% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $854 for a one-bedroom, $1,073 for a two-bedroom and $1,278 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 $93,100, 67% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $510 before tax, or $614 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 Cotulla pays $1,250 a year, 70% 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 CotullaStudio$8161 bedroom$8542 bedrooms$1,0733 bedrooms$1,2784 bedrooms$1,546
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, La Salle County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent41% lower than Texas$821$1,403$1,413
Median home value67% lower than Texas$93,100$283,800$332,700
Home value to income63% lower than Texas1.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent18 points lower than Texas34%52%51%
Median property tax per year70% lower than Texas$1,250$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them9 points higher than Texas72%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198219921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$614
Mortgage payment
$510
Property tax
$104
Median rent, for comparison
$821

Based on a $93,100 home in Cotulla, 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 Cotulla

Cotulla 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 Cotulla 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
38
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
78
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

  • BFrank Newman MiddleMiddle, Cotulla ISD82 of 100
  • CRamirez-Burks ElementaryElementary, Cotulla ISD74 of 100

Daily life in Cotulla

Everyday places mapped inside Cotulla, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Veterans Park, Plaza Florita, Alexander Memorial Library/La Salle County Library.

The average one-way commute is 17 minutes, 36% shorter than the Texas average. 3% 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 $70,067, income per person is $22,112, unemployment is 3.0% and 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
2
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
39
Cafes
1
Bars
4
Parks
2
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income11% lower than Texas$70,067$78,476$80,734
Income per person46% lower than Texas$22,112$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.0%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line13 points higher than Texas27%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher18 points lower than Texas16%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher10 points lower than Texas76%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance19 points higher than Texas39%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet8 points lower than Texas84%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute36% lower than Texas17 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home12 points lower than Texas2.5%14%15%
Workers who work from home2.5%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Cotulla

Under 1830%
18 to 3421%
35 to 6433%
65 and over16%

Median age 33.6 years. 40% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White18%
Hispanic or Latino77%
Black0.4%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race4.8%

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

Weather in Cotulla

Cotulla has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 99°F and January lows about 44°F. There are about 166 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 22 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Cotulla40°60°80°100°67J74F80M86A93M98J99J100A94S87O76N69DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Cotulla La Salle Co Ap, 2 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 high, tornado risk is high 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
  • HurricanesHigh
  • TornadoesHigh
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesVery high
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsModerate
  • Strong windModerate

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 Cotulla

Nearby, Dilley gets a B-, Encinal gets an A- and Pearsall 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. B-DilleyTown, 3,769 people17 mi
  2. A-EncinalTown, 1,298 people28 mi
  3. D+PearsallTown, 9,045 people33 mi
  4. FCarrizo HillTown, 1,198 people36 mi
  5. C+Carrizo SpringsTown, 4,723 people38 mi
  6. C-Crystal CityTown, 6,159 people40 mi

Living in Cotulla: common questions

Is Cotulla, TX a good place to live?

Cotulla gets an overall grade of B- and ranks 290th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and errands and things to do, and trails on health and education levels. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Cotulla?

Median rent in Cotulla is $821 a month, 41% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $93,100, 67% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.3x 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 $614, including property tax.

Are the schools good in Cotulla?

We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Cotulla. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 38 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Cotulla flood?

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

What is the weather like in Cotulla?

Summers in Cotulla peak at about 99°F in July, and January nights fall to about 44°F. Expect around 166 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 22 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Cotulla?

The average one-way commute is 17 min, 36% lower than the Texas average. About 2.5% 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.