City in Webb County

Living in Laredo, TX

B-

31st of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 63 of 100

Laredo gets an overall grade of B- and ranks 31st of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on schools and cost of living, and trails on education levels and health.

  • Top-rated schools
  • Affordable
  • Education levels scores low (6 of 100)
  • Health scores low (7 of 100)
Downtown Laredo at the intersection of Covent and Iturbide Streets.
Photo: Not home at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
269,515+5.6% since 2020
Median rent
$1,03027% lower than Texas
Median home value
$193,50032% lower than Texas
Household income
$63,915Median
Average commute
22 minOne way
Violent crime
316Per 100k, 2025

About Laredo

On the north bank of the Rio Grande, facing Nuevo Laredo in Mexico, Laredo is the seat of Webb County, about 154 miles south of San Antonio on I-35. Tomas Sanchez founded it in 1755 as Villa de San Agustin de Laredo. In 1840 it briefly served as capital of the short lived Republic of the Rio Grande.

Trade is the heart of the economy. Laredo is the largest inland port of entry in the country, and trucks, trains and cargo flights move goods to and from Mexico across four international road bridges and two rail bridges. I-35 carries much of that freight north, with Loop 20, US 59 and US 83 serving the rest of the city. Big employers include United and Laredo school districts, local government, the Border Patrol, H-E-B, Laredo Medical Center and Texas A&M International University. The Washington's Birthday Celebration each winter is the city's best known event.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, tamiu.edu

What it's like to live in Laredo

Laredo is the anchor city of the Laredo metro area. 269,515 people lived here in 2025, up 5.6% from 2020.

Local spots people know include Lake Casa Blanca State Park, North Central Park and Father Charles M. McNaboe Park.

The median age is 29.9, 48% of households have children, 64% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $63,915 a year (19% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Laredo

  • Strong public schools. 95% of the 76 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,030, 27% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 22 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Laredo

  • Higher poverty. 21% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Many adults uninsured. 36% 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 Laredo suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 95% 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 69% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 19% lower than the Texas median, with 1,075 restaurants and 51 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 43% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 36% 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 workersNot the best fit: 87% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,030 is 27% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 29% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,030 is 27% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 74% for people on a budget.

Laredo report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Laredo 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 $1,030, homes cost 3.0x income.

    81 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D

    Median household income $63,915, 5.4% unemployed.

    21 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade A-

    76 rated campuses, 95% rated A or B.

    87 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C+

    316 violent crimes per 100k, 1,157 property crimes per 100k.

    50 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade B

    64 grocery stores, 1,075 restaurants, 154 parks mapped in town.

    66 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade C

    Average commute 22 min, 5.9% work from home.

    48 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade F

    22% have a bachelor’s degree.

    6 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    36% of adults uninsured.

    7 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade C+

    64% of homes owner-occupied.

    53 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D-

    87% of homes have broadband.

    10 of 100 vs US cities

Where Laredo stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,03027% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 22 min19% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 3.0x16% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 36%16 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 22%12 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $63,91519% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Laredo

Laredo renters pay a median of $1,030 a month, 27% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $41,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 55% 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 $193,500, 32% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,059 before tax, or $1,353 with property tax. That is $323 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 property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Laredo pays $3,531 a year, 17% 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 Laredo

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in LaredoStudio$9491 bedroom$9552 bedrooms$1,1573 bedrooms$1,5124 bedrooms$1,558
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Laredo, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent27% lower than Texas$1,030$1,403$1,413
Median home value32% lower than Texas$193,500$283,800$332,700
Home value to income16% lower than Texas3.0x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent3 points higher than Texas55%52%51%
Median property tax per year17% lower than Texas$3,531$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them1 points higher than Texas64%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199719921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,353
Mortgage payment
$1,059
Property tax
$294
Median rent, for comparison
$1,030

Based on a $193,500 home in Laredo, 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 Laredo safe?

In 2025, Laredo Police Department reported 829 violent crimes and 3,040 property crimes. That works out to 316 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 19% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,157 property crimes per 100,000, 45% 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 Laredo by yearTexas31620212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
316
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,157
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Laredo by yearTexas1,15720212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Laredo

Laredo has 76 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 95% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Laredo ISD and United ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Hector J Garcia Early College High School, Daiches Elementary and United High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 88 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
87
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
88
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

  • AHector J Garcia Early College High SchoolHigh, Laredo ISD99 of 100
  • ADaiches ElementaryElementary, Laredo ISD97 of 100
  • AUnited High SchoolHigh, United ISD97 of 100
  • AHeights ElementaryElementary, Laredo ISD96 of 100
  • AJ Kawas ElementaryElementary, Laredo ISD96 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Laredo

We grade 61 areas inside Laredo. The top three are Lakeside (A+), Alexander (A+) and East Laredo (A+). If price matters most, Central Business District has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $540 a month. Winfield is the priciest, at $2,140. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Laredo 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.

    61 Laredo neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1A+Lakeside1,946 people, median rent $980, home $340,000100fit
    2. 2A+Alexander6,358 people, median rent $1,070, home $382,00098fit
    3. 3A+East Laredo1,839 people, median rent $980, home $445,00097fit
    4. 4ANorthwest Laredo3,599 people, home $204,00095fit
    5. 5A-Sierra Vista3,805 people, home $106,00093fit
    6. 6A-Plantation12,704 people, median rent $1,600, home $308,00092fit
    7. 7A-Winfield10,104 people, median rent $2,140, home $287,00090fit
    8. 8B+San Isidro Ranch4,924 people, median rent $1,510, home $265,00088fit
    9. 9B+Del Mar18,490 people, median rent $1,220, home $270,00087fit
    10. 10B+Mines17,965 people, median rent $1,200, home $207,00085fit
    11. 11B+Nye7,449 people, median rent $1,190, home $230,00083fit
    12. 12B+Heights2,716 people, median rent $820, home $247,00082fit
    13. 13BCentury City1,288 people, home $158,00080fit
    14. 14BConcord Hills5,077 people, median rent $1,170, home $161,00078fit
    15. 15BLas Crueces4,314 people, median rent $1,020, home $131,00077fit
    All 61 Laredo neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Laredo

    Everyday places mapped inside Laredo, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lake Casa Blanca State Park - Laredo Tx, North Central Park, Father Charles M. McNaboe Park.

    The average one-way commute is 22 minutes, 19% shorter than the Texas average. 6% 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 $63,915, income per person is $25,161, unemployment is 5.4% and 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    64
    Pharmacies
    33
    Restaurants
    1,075
    Cafes
    51
    Bars
    97
    Parks
    154
    Gyms
    100
    Hospitals and urgent care
    52
    Childcare
    61
    Libraries
    10

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income19% lower than Texas$63,915$78,476$80,734
    Income per person38% lower than Texas$25,161$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.4%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line7 points higher than Texas21%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher12 points lower than Texas22%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher14 points lower than Texas72%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance16 points higher than Texas36%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet4 points lower than Texas87%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute19% lower than Texas22 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas5.9%14%15%
    Workers who work from home5.9%
    Workers who take transit0.7%
    Workers who walk1.2%
    Workers who bike0.1%

    Who lives in Laredo

    Under 1831%
    18 to 3426%
    35 to 6433%
    65 and over10%

    Median age 29.9 years. 48% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White3.5%
    Hispanic or Latino95%
    Black0.5%
    Asian0.5%
    Other or more than one race0.5%

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

    Weather in Laredo

    Laredo 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 monthly high and low temperatures in Laredo40°60°80°100°68J74F81M88A93M99J100J101A94S87O77N69DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Laredo Afb, 2 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is 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 floodingModerate
    • HurricanesHigh
    • TornadoesModerate
    • HailHigh
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresLow
    • 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 Laredo

    Nearby, Los Altos gets an F, Rio Bravo gets a D+ and El Cenizo 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. FLos AltosTown, 1,082 people7 mi
    2. D+Rio BravoTown, 4,491 people13 mi
    3. CEl CenizoTown, 2,122 people16 mi
    4. A-EncinalTown, 1,298 people34 mi
    5. D-MedinaTown, 4,226 people45 mi
    6. B-ZapataTown, 4,897 people47 mi

    Living in Laredo: common questions

    Is Laredo, TX a good place to live?

    Laredo gets an overall grade of B- and ranks 31st of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on schools and cost of living, and trails on education levels and health.

    How much does it cost to live in Laredo?

    Renters in Laredo pay a median of $1,030 a month, 27% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $193,500, 32% 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 $1,353, including property tax.

    Is Laredo safe?

    In 2025, Laredo Police Department reported 316 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 19% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,157 per 100,000, 45% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Laredo?

    We found 76 rated public school campuses inside Laredo. 95% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 87 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Laredo?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Laredo are Lakeside, Alexander and East Laredo. We score 61 areas in the city.

    Does Laredo flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Laredo as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. 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 Laredo?

    Summers in Laredo 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 Laredo?

    The average one-way commute is 22 min, 19% lower than the Texas average. About 5.9% 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.