Small city in Hidalgo County, part of the McAllen metro
Living in La Homa, TX
177th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 8 of 100
44th of 46 in the McAllen area
La Homa gets an overall grade of D- and ranks 177th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and home ownership, and trails on health and jobs and income.
- Jobs and income scores low (0 of 100)
- Education levels scores low (0 of 100)
- Population
- 11,285
- Median rent
- $74047% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $109,20062% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $36,895Median
- Average commute
- 24 minOne way
- Violent crime
- No dataNo full-year report
What it's like to live in La Homa
La Homa sits about 8 miles from downtown McAllen, in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro. About 11,285 people live here. It is spread out.
The median age is 27.3, 51% of households have children, 79% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $36,895 a year (53% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in La Homa
- Lower rent. Median rent is $740, 47% lower than the Texas median.
Cons of living in La Homa
- Weaker school ratings. Only 60% of the 5 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Higher unemployment. 14% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
- Higher poverty. 37% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% 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 hurricanes, heat waves and hail as very high here.
Who La Homa suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 60% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 29% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 53% lower than the Texas median, with 56 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 4% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 47% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 13% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $740 is 47% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $740 is 47% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 53% for people on a budget.
La Homa report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare La Homa with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Cost of living: grade B+
Median rent $740, homes cost 3.0x income.
73 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade F
Median household income $36,895, 14% unemployed.
0 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade D+
5 rated campuses, 60% rated A or B.
29 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: no grade
No full year of crime data from local police.
No score vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade D+
5 grocery stores, 56 restaurants, 0 parks mapped in town.
26 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade D+
Average commute 24 min, 2.5% work from home.
26 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade F
7.9% have a bachelor’s degree.
1 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade F
47% of adults uninsured.
0 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade B-
79% of homes owner-occupied.
58 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade D
89% of homes have broadband.
22 of 100 vs US cities
Where La Homa stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $74047% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 79%16 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Home value to income: 3.0x18% lower than Texas (3.6x)
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: 7.9%26 points lower than Texas (34%)
- People below the poverty line: 37%24 points higher than Texas (14%)
Cost of living in La Homa
La Homa renters pay a median of $740 a month, 47% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $30,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 59% 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 $109,200, 62% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $598 before tax, or $749 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 La Homa pays $1,818 a year, 57% 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 La Homa
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent47% lower than Texas | $740 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value62% lower than Texas | $109,200 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income18% lower than Texas | 3.0x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent7 points higher than Texas | 59% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year57% lower than Texas | $1,818 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them16 points higher than Texas | 79% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1999 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $598
- Property tax
- $152
- Median rent, for comparison
- $740
Based on a $109,200 home in La Homa, 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 La Homa
La Homa has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 60% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by La Joya 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
- BDiaz-Villarreal ElementaryElementary, La Joya ISD87 of 100
- BLa Joya Palmview High SchoolHigh, La Joya ISD80 of 100
- BLloyd M Bentsen ElementaryElementary, La Joya ISD80 of 100
- DJuan De Dios Salinas MiddleMiddle, La Joya ISD69 of 100
- DDr Americo Paredes ElementaryElementary, La Joya ISD67 of 100
Best neighborhoods in La Homa
We grade 4 areas inside La Homa. The top three are Hilda Colonia Number 2 (B-), Regal Estates Colonia (D) and Central La Homa (D-). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.
All 4 La Homa neighborhoods, A to Z
Daily life in La Homa
Everyday places mapped inside La Homa, from Overture Maps.
The average one-way commute is 24 minutes, 10% 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.
Downtown McAllen is about 8 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in La Homa work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $36,895, income per person is $14,820, unemployment is 14% and 8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income53% lower than Texas | $36,895 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person64% lower than Texas | $14,820 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate9 points higher than Texas | 14% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line24 points higher than Texas | 37% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher26 points lower than Texas | 7.9% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher34 points lower than Texas | 52% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance27 points higher than Texas | 47% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas | 89% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute10% lower than Texas | 24 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home12 points lower than Texas | 2.5% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in La Homa
Median age 27.3 years. 51% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in La Homa
La Homa has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 47°F. There are about 183 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 20 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from La Joya, 4 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 wavesVery high
- 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 La Homa
Nearby, West Sharyland gets a C+, Doffing gets an F and Palmview 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.
- C+West SharylandTown, 1,664 people1 mi
- FDoffingTown, 5,004 people2 mi
- CPalmviewSmall city, 15,921 people4 mi
- B-PerezvilleTown, 2,237 people4 mi
- FCitrus CityTown, 2,395 people4 mi
- D+AltonSmall city, 20,214 people4 mi
La Homa in the McAllen area
How it ranks among 46 places in the metro.
- 1A-Palmhurst2,601 people4 mito downtown
- 2B+McAllen145,385 people0 mito downtown
- 3B+Hidalgo14,498 people8 mito downtown
- 41D-San Carlos3,678 people12 mito downtown
- 42D-Donna16,833 people14 mito downtown
- 43D-Edcouch2,739 people18 mito downtown
- 44D-La Homa11,285 people8 mito downtown
- 45FDoffing5,004 people9 mito downtown
- 46FCitrus City2,395 people11 mito downtown
Living in La Homa: common questions
Is La Homa, TX a good place to live?
La Homa gets an overall grade of D- and ranks 177th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and home ownership, and trails on health and jobs and income.
How much does it cost to live in La Homa?
Renters in La Homa pay a median of $740 a month, 47% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $109,200, 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 $749, including property tax.
Are the schools good in La Homa?
We found 5 rated public school campuses inside La Homa. 60% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 29 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
What are the best neighborhoods in La Homa?
Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in La Homa are Hilda Colonia Number 2, Regal Estates Colonia and Central La Homa. We score 4 areas in the city.
Does La Homa flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in La Homa 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 La Homa?
Summers in La Homa peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 47°F. Expect around 183 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 20 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in La Homa?
The average one-way commute is 24 min, 10% lower than the Texas average. About 2.5% of workers work from home. It is about 8 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.