City in Cameron County, part of the Brownsville metro

Living in Harlingen, TX

C+

41st of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 51 of 100
11th of 21 in the Brownsville area

Harlingen gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 41st of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on internet access and education levels. 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)
  • Education levels scores low (11 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Harlingen isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthHarlingen
Where Harlingen is in Texas.
Population
72,467+0.8% since 2020
Median rent
$92834% lower than Texas
Median home value
$140,60050% lower than Texas
Household income
$53,645Median
Average commute
18 minOne way
Violent crime
231Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Harlingen

Harlingen sits about 20 miles from downtown Brownsville, in the Brownsville-Harlingen metro. 72,467 people lived here in 2025, up 0.8% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Arroyo Park, Pendleton Park and Fair Park.

The median age is 33.4, 34% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $53,645 a year (32% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Harlingen

  • Strong public schools. 81% of the 26 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 231 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 40% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $928, 34% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 18 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Harlingen

  • Higher poverty. 25% 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 as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 151 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Harlingen suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 81% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 40% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 53% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 32% lower than the Texas median, with 334 restaurants and 28 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 41% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 33% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 40% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 85% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $928 is 34% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $928 is 34% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 94% for people on a budget.

Harlingen report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Harlingen 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 A+

    Median rent $928, homes cost 2.6x income.

    97 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $53,645, 5.2% unemployed.

    16 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade B

    26 rated campuses, 81% rated A or B.

    70 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C-

    231 violent crimes per 100k, 2,298 property crimes per 100k.

    37 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade C

    17 grocery stores, 334 restaurants, 34 parks mapped in town.

    42 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B

    Average commute 18 min, 10% work from home.

    67 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D-

    23% have a bachelor’s degree.

    11 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D-

    33% of adults uninsured.

    15 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D

    56% of homes owner-occupied.

    21 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade F

    85% of homes have broadband.

    3 of 100 vs US cities

Where Harlingen stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $92834% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 18 min33% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 2.6x28% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 33%13 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Median household income: $53,64532% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • People below the poverty line: 25%11 points higher than Texas (14%)

Cost of living in Harlingen

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Harlingen is $928 a month, 34% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $37,000 a year. Right now 47% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $884 for a one-bedroom, $1,042 for a two-bedroom and $1,393 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 $140,600, 50% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $770 before tax, or $941 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 Harlingen pays $2,059 a year, 51% 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 Harlingen

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in HarlingenStudio$8271 bedroom$8842 bedrooms$1,0423 bedrooms$1,3934 bedrooms$1,496
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent34% lower than Texas$928$1,403$1,413
Median home value50% lower than Texas$140,600$283,800$332,700
Home value to income28% lower than Texas2.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent5 points lower than Texas47%52%51%
Median property tax per year51% lower than Texas$2,059$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them7 points lower than Texas56%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198819921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$941
Mortgage payment
$770
Property tax
$172
Median rent, for comparison
$928

Based on a $140,600 home in Harlingen, 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 Harlingen safe?

In 2025, Harlingen Police Department reported 167 violent crimes and 1,661 property crimes. That works out to 231 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 40% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,298 property crimes per 100,000, 10% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 44% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

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 Harlingen by yearTexas23120212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
231
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,298
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Harlingen by yearTexas2,29820212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Harlingen

Harlingen has 26 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 81% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Harlingen CISD and Jubilee Academies.

Top-rated campuses include Harlingen Collegiate High School, Harlingen School of Health Professions and Bowie Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 85 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
70
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
85
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

  • AHarlingen Collegiate High SchoolHigh, Harlingen CISD98 of 100
  • AHarlingen School of Health ProfessionsHigh, Harlingen CISD97 of 100
  • ABowie ElementaryElementary, Harlingen CISD92 of 100
  • ALee H Means ElementaryElementary, Harlingen CISD92 of 100
  • AJubilee HarlingenOther, Jubilee Academies91 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Harlingen

We grade 24 areas inside Harlingen. The top three are Country Estates (A-), Palm Vista Estates (A-) and Stone Pine (A-). If price matters most, Northwest Harlingen has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $680 a month. Estrellita Subdivision is the priciest, at $2,160. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Harlingen 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.

    24 Harlingen neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1A-Country Estates1,256 people, median rent $1,220, home $212,000100fit
    2. 2A-Palm Vista Estates1,185 people, median rent $1,150, home $244,00096fit
    3. 3A-Stone Pine2,137 people, median rent $1,110, home $262,00091fit
    4. 4B+Wildwood Subdivision1,122 people, median rent $1,000, home $234,00087fit
    5. 5B+Russell Estates670 people, median rent $1,090, home $76,00083fit
    6. 6B+Valor at Harlingen1,327 people, median rent $1,170, home $62,00078fit
    7. 7BFox Run Subdivision2,468 people, median rent $1,180, home $149,00074fit
    8. 8BSummerfield Estates9,201 people, median rent $860, home $170,00070fit
    9. 9B-Adam's Crossing2,583 people, median rent $940, home $232,00065fit
    10. 10B-Treasure Hills2,517 people, median rent $1,280, home $318,00061fit
    11. 11B-Vista Verde3,263 people, median rent $930, home $122,00057fit
    12. 12C+Weston Oaks1,790 people, median rent $1,030, home $190,00052fit
    13. 13B-Fountain View Village6,280 people, median rent $780, home $103,00048fit
    14. 14B-Northwest Harlingen1,589 people, median rent $680, home $75,00043fit
    15. 15C+Hampshire Park Townhomes4,635 people, median rent $950, home $93,00039fit
    All 24 Harlingen neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Harlingen

    Everyday places mapped inside Harlingen, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Arroyo Park, Pendleton Park, Fair Park.

    The average one-way commute is 18 minutes, 33% shorter than the Texas average. 10% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    Downtown Brownsville is about 20 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Harlingen work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $53,645, income per person is $26,512, unemployment is 5.2% and 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    17
    Pharmacies
    26
    Restaurants
    334
    Cafes
    28
    Bars
    38
    Parks
    34
    Gyms
    61
    Hospitals and urgent care
    36
    Childcare
    28
    Libraries
    4

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income32% lower than Texas$53,645$78,476$80,734
    Income per person35% lower than Texas$26,512$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.2%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line11 points higher than Texas25%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher11 points lower than Texas23%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher6 points lower than Texas80%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance13 points higher than Texas33%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet7 points lower than Texas85%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute33% lower than Texas18 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas10%14%15%
    Workers who work from home10%
    Workers who take transit0.3%
    Workers who walk1.5%
    Workers who bike0.2%

    Who lives in Harlingen

    Under 1829%
    18 to 3423%
    35 to 6431%
    65 and over16%

    Median age 33.4 years. 34% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White14%
    Hispanic or Latino82%
    Black1.5%
    Asian1.0%
    Other or more than one race1.3%

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

    Weather in Harlingen

    Harlingen has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 51°F. There are about 151 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 28 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Harlingen50°70°90°72J76F81M86A91M95J97J98A93S88O80N73DRain

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

    Natural hazard risk

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

    • River floodingLow
    • Coastal floodingLow
    • HurricanesVery high
    • TornadoesModerate
    • HailHigh
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresModerate
    • 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 Harlingen

    Nearby, Palm Valley gets an A-, Combes gets a B- and San Benito gets a C-. 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-Palm ValleyTown, 2,155 people5 mi
    2. B-CombesTown, 3,178 people6 mi
    3. C-San BenitoSmall city, 24,709 people6 mi
    4. B+PrimeraTown, 5,344 people7 mi
    5. FPalmerTown, 1,435 people8 mi
    6. D-Rio HondoTown, 1,865 people8 mi

    Harlingen in the Brownsville area

    How it ranks among 21 places in the metro.

    1. 1A-South Point1,054 people10 mito downtown
    2. 2A-Palm Valley2,155 people23 mito downtown
    3. 3A-Rancho Viejo2,849 people7 mito downtown
    4. 8B+Primera5,344 people24 mito downtown
    5. 9BLos Fresnos8,291 people6 mito downtown
    6. 10B-Combes3,178 people24 mito downtown
    7. 11C+Harlingen72,087 people20 mito downtown
    8. 12CBrownsville189,177 people0 mito downtown
    9. 13CSouth Padre Island2,891 people20 mito downtown
    10. 14CLa Paloma2,797 people13 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of brownsville

    Living in Harlingen: common questions

    Is Harlingen, TX a good place to live?

    Harlingen gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 41st of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on internet access and education levels. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Harlingen?

    Median rent in Harlingen is $928 a month, 34% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $140,600, 50% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.6x 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 $941, including property tax.

    Is Harlingen safe?

    In 2025, Harlingen Police Department reported 231 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 40% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,298 per 100,000, 10% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Harlingen?

    We found 26 rated public school campuses inside Harlingen. 81% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 70 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Harlingen?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Harlingen are Country Estates, Palm Vista Estates and Stone Pine. We score 24 areas in the city.

    Does Harlingen flood?

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

    What is the weather like in Harlingen?

    Summers in Harlingen peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 51°F. Expect around 151 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 28 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Harlingen?

    The average one-way commute is 18 min, 33% lower than the Texas average. About 10% of workers work from home. It is about 20 miles from downtown Brownsville.

    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.