Town in Hidalgo County, part of the McAllen metro

Living in Elsa, TX

C-

481st of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 35 of 100
25th of 46 in the McAllen area

We give Elsa a C-. It ranks 481st of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and schools. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Short commutes
  • Schools scores low (13 of 100)
  • Safety scores low (17 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Elsa isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthElsa
Where Elsa is in Texas.
Population
5,820+2.5% since 2020
Median rent
$76745% lower than Texas
Median home value
$81,60071% lower than Texas
Household income
$42,439Median
Average commute
13 minOne way
Violent crime
312Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Elsa

Elsa sits about 17 miles from downtown McAllen, in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro. 5,820 people lived here in 2025, up 2.5% from 2020. It is suburban.

Local spots people know include Mario Leal City Park, Elsa Public Library and Veterans Memorial Park Elsa Tx.

The median age is 34.0, 32% of households have children, 71% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $42,439 a year (46% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Elsa

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $767, 45% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.9 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 13 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 4 grocery stores, 50 restaurants and 6 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Elsa

  • Weaker school ratings. None of the 4 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Higher poverty. 32% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Many adults uninsured. 33% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes and hail as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 166 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Elsa suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 0% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 19% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 24% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 46% lower than the Texas median, with 50 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 81% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 33% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 19% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 50% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 84% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $767 is 45% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 59% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $767 is 45% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 56% for people on a budget.

Elsa report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Elsa 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 B-

    Median rent $767, homes cost 1.9x income.

    62 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D+

    Median household income $42,439, 0.5% unemployed.

    30 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade D-

    4 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.

    13 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade D

    312 violent crimes per 100k, 1,664 property crimes per 100k.

    17 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A+

    4 grocery stores, 50 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.

    98 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade B-

    Average commute 13 min, 5.0% work from home.

    59 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade F

    7.8% have a bachelor’s degree.

    4 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D

    33% of adults uninsured.

    20 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade C

    71% of homes owner-occupied.

    48 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D

    84% of homes have broadband.

    24 of 100 vs US towns

Where Elsa stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 13 min53% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 1.9x47% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $76745% lower than Texas ($1,403)

Worse than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 82%30 points higher than Texas (52%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 7.8%26 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $42,43946% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Elsa

Elsa renters pay a median of $767 a month, 45% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $31,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 82% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $806 for a one-bedroom, $1,017 for a two-bedroom and $1,305 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 $81,600, 71% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $447 before tax, or $578 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 Elsa pays $1,582 a year, 63% 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 ElsaStudio$8011 bedroom$8062 bedrooms$1,0173 bedrooms$1,3054 bedrooms$1,439
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent45% lower than Texas$767$1,403$1,413
Median home value71% lower than Texas$81,600$283,800$332,700
Home value to income47% lower than Texas1.9x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent30 points higher than Texas82%52%51%
Median property tax per year63% lower than Texas$1,582$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them9 points higher than Texas71%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199119921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$578
Mortgage payment
$447
Property tax
$132
Median rent, for comparison
$767

Based on a $81,600 home in Elsa, 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 Elsa safe?

In 2025, Elsa Police Department reported 18 violent crimes and 96 property crimes. That works out to 312 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 19% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,664 property crimes per 100,000, 20% lower 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 Elsa by yearTexas31220212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
312
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,664
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Elsa by yearTexas1,66420212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Elsa

Elsa has 4 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 Edcouch-Elsa 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
13
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
72
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

  • CEdcouch-Elsa High SchoolHigh, Edcouch-Elsa ISD73 of 100
  • CLyndon B Johnson ElementaryElementary, Edcouch-Elsa ISD73 of 100
  • CCarlos F Truan Junior HighMiddle, Edcouch-Elsa ISD72 of 100
  • DJohn F Kennedy ElementaryElementary, Edcouch-Elsa ISD69 of 100

Daily life in Elsa

Everyday places mapped inside Elsa, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Mario Leal City Park, Elsa Public Library, Veterans Memorial Park Elsa Tx.

The average one-way commute is 13 minutes, 53% 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.

Downtown McAllen is about 17 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Elsa work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $42,439, income per person is $21,504, unemployment is 0.5% and 8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
4
Pharmacies
4
Restaurants
50
Cafes
4
Bars
0
Parks
6
Gyms
5
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
3
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income46% lower than Texas$42,439$78,476$80,734
Income per person47% lower than Texas$21,504$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas0.5%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line18 points higher than Texas32%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher26 points lower than Texas7.8%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher8 points lower than Texas78%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance13 points higher than Texas33%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet7 points lower than Texas84%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute53% lower than Texas13 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas5.0%14%15%
Workers who work from home5.0%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Elsa

Under 1830%
18 to 3422%
35 to 6435%
65 and over13%

Median age 34.0 years. 32% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White1.7%
Hispanic or Latino98%
Black0%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race0%

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

Weather in Elsa

Elsa has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 49°F. There are about 166 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 25 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Elsa40°60°80°100°71J76F81M86A91M95J96J97A93S88O80N73DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Santa Rosa 3 Wnw, 8 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

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

  • River floodingLow
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesModerate
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresHigh
  • Winter stormsModerate
  • Strong windLow

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 Elsa

Nearby, Edcouch gets a D-, La Blanca gets a D and La Villa 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. D-EdcouchTown, 2,739 people2 mi
  2. DLa BlancaTown, 2,998 people2 mi
  3. DLa VillaTown, 3,005 people4 mi
  4. D-San CarlosTown, 3,678 people4 mi
  5. DOlivarezTown, 6,326 people5 mi
  6. DMonte AltoTown, 2,350 people5 mi

Elsa in the McAllen area

How it ranks among 46 places in the metro.

  1. 1A-Palmhurst2,601 people4 mito downtown
  2. 2B+McAllen145,385 people0 mito downtown
  3. 3B+Hidalgo14,498 people8 mito downtown
  4. 22C-Lopezville2,227 people6 mito downtown
  5. 23C-Heidelberg2,215 people23 mito downtown
  6. 24C-Mila Doce7,731 people18 mito downtown
  7. 25C-Elsa5,697 people17 mito downtown
  8. 26C-Abram1,741 people11 mito downtown
  9. 27D+Sullivan City3,902 people20 mito downtown
  10. 28D+Scissors4,267 people14 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of mcallen

Living in Elsa: common questions

Is Elsa, TX a good place to live?

We give Elsa a C-. It ranks 481st of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and schools. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

How much does it cost to live in Elsa?

Renters in Elsa pay a median of $767 a month, 45% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $81,600, 71% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.9x 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 $578, including property tax.

Is Elsa safe?

In 2025, Elsa Police Department reported 312 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 19% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,664 per 100,000, 20% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Elsa?

We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Elsa. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 13 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Elsa flood?

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

What is the weather like in Elsa?

Summers in Elsa peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 49°F. Expect around 166 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 25 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Elsa?

The average one-way commute is 13 min, 53% lower than the Texas average. About 5.0% of workers work from home. It is about 17 miles from downtown McAllen.

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.