Town in Zavala County
Living in Crystal City, TX
448th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 40 of 100
Crystal City earns a grade of C- on our index, 448th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.
- Good for people on a budget
- Affordable
- Short commutes
- Jobs and income scores low (16 of 100)
- Schools scores low (16 of 100)
- Population
- 5,871-7.7% since 2020
- Median rent
- $51863% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $109,10062% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $36,328Median
- Average commute
- 17 minOne way
- Violent crime
- No dataNo full-year report
What it's like to live in Crystal City
Crystal City is a town in Zavala County. 5,871 people lived here in 2025, down 7.7% from 2020. It is spread out.
Places locals use include Juan Garcia Park, Maverick Park and Crystal City Memorial Library.
The median age is 31.3, 47% of households have children, 63% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $36,328 a year (54% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Crystal City
- Lower rent. Median rent is $518, 63% lower than the Texas median.
- Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 17 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
Cons of living in Crystal City
- Weaker school ratings. None of the 5 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Higher poverty. 38% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Many adults uninsured. 42% 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 154 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Crystal City suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 0% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 54% lower than the Texas median, with 22 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 71% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 42% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 57% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 87% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $518 is 63% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 68% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $518 is 63% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 81% for people on a budget.
Crystal City report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Crystal City 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 $518, homes cost 3.0x income.
89 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D-
Median household income $36,328, 3.1% unemployed.
16 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D
5 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.
16 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: grade B-
3 grocery stores, 22 restaurants, 4 parks mapped in town.
60 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade A-
Average commute 17 min, 4.5% work from home.
82 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade F
10% have a bachelor’s degree.
4 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade F
42% of adults uninsured.
5 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D
63% of homes owner-occupied.
20 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade C-
87% of homes have broadband.
34 of 100 vs US towns
Where Crystal City stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $51863% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 32%20 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Average commute: 17 min36% lower than Texas (27 min)
Worse than Texas
- People below the poverty line: 38%24 points higher than Texas (14%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 10%24 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 42%22 points higher than Texas (20%)
Cost of living in Crystal City
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Crystal City is $518 a month, 63% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $21,000 a year. Right now 32% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $807 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,310 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 $109,100, 62% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $597 before tax, or $739 with property tax. That is $221 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 Crystal City pays $1,701 a year, 60% 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 rent63% lower than Texas | $518 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value62% lower than Texas | $109,100 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income17% lower than Texas | 3.0x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent20 points lower than Texas | 32% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year60% lower than Texas | $1,701 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in themAbout the same as Texas | 63% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1973 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $597
- Property tax
- $142
- Median rent, for comparison
- $518
Based on a $109,100 home in Crystal City, 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 Crystal City
Crystal City has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 0% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Crystal City 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
- CDr Tomas Rivera ElementaryOther, Crystal City ISD79 of 100
- CZavala ElementaryElementary, Crystal City ISD79 of 100
- CSterling H Fly Jr High SchoolMiddle, Crystal City ISD74 of 100
- CCrystal City High SchoolHigh, Crystal City ISD73 of 100
- FBenito Juarez ElementaryElementary, Crystal City ISD59 of 100
Daily life in Crystal City
Everyday places mapped inside Crystal City, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Juan Garcia Park, Maverick Park, Crystal City Memorial Library.
The average one-way commute is 17 minutes, 36% shorter than the Texas average. 4% 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 $36,328, income per person is $20,288, unemployment is 3.1% and 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income54% lower than Texas | $36,328 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person50% lower than Texas | $20,288 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas | 3.1% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line24 points higher than Texas | 38% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher24 points lower than Texas | 10% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher15 points lower than Texas | 71% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance22 points higher than Texas | 42% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet4 points lower than Texas | 87% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute36% lower than Texas | 17 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home10 points lower than Texas | 4.5% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Crystal City
Median age 31.3 years. 47% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Crystal City
Crystal City has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 44°F. There are about 154 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 19 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Crystal City, 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 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
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsHigh
- 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 Crystal City
Nearby, Carrizo Springs gets a C+, Carrizo Hill gets an F and La Pryor 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.
- C+Carrizo SpringsTown, 4,723 people11 mi
- FCarrizo HillTown, 1,198 people13 mi
- FLa PryorTown, 1,236 people18 mi
- DUvalde EstatesTown, 1,908 people33 mi
- C-UvaldeSmall city, 15,417 people36 mi
- D-Chula VistaTown, 4,746 people36 mi
Living in Crystal City: common questions
Is Crystal City, TX a good place to live?
Crystal City earns a grade of C- on our index, 448th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Crystal City?
Median rent in Crystal City is $518 a month, 63% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $109,100, 62% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.0x 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 $739, including property tax.
Is Crystal City safe?
In 2025, Crystal City Police Department reported 203 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 48% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 219 per 100,000, 89% lower than the Texas rate. This agency reported only part of the year, so the rate is shown but not scored.
Are the schools good in Crystal City?
We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Crystal City. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 16 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Crystal City flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Crystal City as very high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires and winter storms. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Crystal City?
Summers in Crystal City peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 44°F. Expect around 154 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 19 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Crystal City?
The average one-way commute is 17 min, 36% lower than the Texas average. About 4.5% 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.