Town in Webb County
Living in El Cenizo, TX
423rd of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 43 of 100
We give El Cenizo a C. It ranks 423rd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on health and education levels. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.
- Good for people on a budget
- Affordable
- Jobs and income scores low (11 of 100)
- Getting around scores low (2 of 100)
- Population
- 2,457-3.2% since 2020
- Median rent
- $62855% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $69,80075% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $48,897Median
- Average commute
- 36 minOne way
- Violent crime
- No dataNo full-year report
What it's like to live in El Cenizo
El Cenizo sits about 16 miles from downtown Laredo, in the Laredo metro. 2,457 people lived here in 2025, down 3.2% from 2020. It is densely built.
The median age is 28.6, 49% of households have children, 78% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $48,897 a year (38% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in El Cenizo
- Lower rent. Median rent is $628, 55% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.4 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
Cons of living in El Cenizo
- Higher poverty. 33% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 36 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Many adults uninsured. 47% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of heat waves as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 184 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who El Cenizo suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 74% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 38% lower than the Texas median, with 4 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 13% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 47% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 46% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 91% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $628 is 55% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 79% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $628 is 55% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for people on a budget.
El Cenizo report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare El Cenizo 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 $628, homes cost 1.4x income.
99 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D-
Median household income $48,897, 5.9% unemployed.
11 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade B+
Not enough data.
74 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 C-
1 grocery store, 4 restaurants, 2 parks mapped in town.
37 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade F
Average commute 36 min, 1.1% work from home.
2 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade F
7.0% have a bachelor’s degree.
1 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade F
47% of adults uninsured.
1 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade C+
78% of homes owner-occupied.
50 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade C+
91% of homes have broadband.
53 of 100 vs US towns
Where El Cenizo stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 26%26 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Home value to income: 1.4x61% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Median rent: $62855% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 47%27 points higher than Texas (20%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 7.0%27 points lower than Texas (34%)
- People below the poverty line: 33%19 points higher than Texas (14%)
Cost of living in El Cenizo
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in El Cenizo is $628 a month, 55% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $25,000 a year. Right now 26% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $955 for a one-bedroom, $1,157 for a two-bedroom and $1,512 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 $69,800, 75% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $382 before tax, or $480 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 El Cenizo pays $1,178 a year, 72% 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 rent55% lower than Texas | $628 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value75% lower than Texas | $69,800 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income61% lower than Texas | 1.4x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent26 points lower than Texas | 26% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year72% lower than Texas | $1,178 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them16 points higher than Texas | 78% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1994 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $382
- Property tax
- $98
- Median rent, for comparison
- $628
Based on a $69,800 home in El Cenizo, 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.
Daily life in El Cenizo
Everyday places mapped inside El Cenizo, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Gael Juarez Memorial Park.
The average one-way commute is 36 minutes, 34% longer than the Texas average. 1% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Laredo is about 16 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in El Cenizo work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $48,897, income per person is $16,115, unemployment is 5.9% and 7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income38% lower than Texas | $48,897 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person60% lower than Texas | $16,115 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 5.9% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line19 points higher than Texas | 33% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher27 points lower than Texas | 7.0% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher36 points lower than Texas | 50% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance27 points higher than Texas | 47% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas | 91% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute34% higher than Texas | 36 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home13 points lower than Texas | 1.1% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in El Cenizo
Median age 28.6 years. 49% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in El Cenizo
El Cenizo has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 100°F and January lows about 47°F. There are about 184 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 21 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Laredo Afb, 14 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very low, hurricane risk is high, tornado risk is low and hail risk is moderate. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.
- River floodingVery low
- HurricanesHigh
- TornadoesLow
- HailModerate
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsModerate
- Strong windVery low
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 El Cenizo
Nearby, Rio Bravo gets a D+, Los Altos gets an F and Laredo 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 El Cenizo: common questions
Is El Cenizo, TX a good place to live?
We give El Cenizo a C. It ranks 423rd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on health and education levels. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in El Cenizo?
Median rent in El Cenizo is $628 a month, 55% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $69,800, 75% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.4x 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 $480, including property tax.
Does El Cenizo flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in El Cenizo as very low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, heat waves and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in El Cenizo?
Summers in El Cenizo peak at about 100°F in July, and January nights fall to about 47°F. Expect around 184 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 21 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in El Cenizo?
The average one-way commute is 36 min, 34% higher than the Texas average. About 1.1% of workers work from home. It is about 16 miles from downtown Laredo.
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.