Town in Presidio County

Living in Marfa, TX

C+

335th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 55 of 100

Marfa gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 335th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on schools and internet access. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Errands close by
  • Low crime
  • Short commutes
  • Schools scores low (2 of 100)
  • Internet access scores low (8 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Marfa isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthMarfa
Where Marfa is in Texas.
Population
1,574-12.0% since 2020
Median rent
$47466% lower than Texas
Median home value
$251,40011% lower than Texas
Household income
$44,306Median
Average commute
6 minOne way
Violent crime
62Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Marfa

Marfa is a town in Presidio County. 1,574 people lived here in 2025, down 12.0% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1949).

Local spots people know include Coffield Park and Marfa Public Library.

The median age is 47.7, 13% of households have children, 75% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $44,306 a year (44% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Marfa

  • Low violent crime. 62 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 84% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $474, 66% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 6 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 4 grocery stores, 24 restaurants and 6 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Marfa

  • Homes are pricey for local incomes. The median home costs 5.7 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Higher poverty. 27% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of wildfires and winter storms as very high here.
  • Spotty home internet. Only 78% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who Marfa suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 84% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 41% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 44% lower than the Texas median, with 24 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 93% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 25% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 84% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 78% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $474 is 66% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $474 is 66% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for people on a budget.

Marfa report card

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

    Median rent $474, homes cost 5.7x income.

    33 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C-

    Median household income $44,306, 0% unemployed.

    34 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade F

    1 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.

    2 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade A-

    62 violent crimes per 100k, 0 property crimes per 100k.

    84 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A

    4 grocery stores, 24 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.

    94 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A+

    Average commute 6 min, 14% work from home.

    100 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade C

    38% have a bachelor’s degree.

    42 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D

    25% of adults uninsured.

    22 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    75% of homes owner-occupied.

    27 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D-

    78% of homes have broadband.

    9 of 100 vs US towns

Where Marfa stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 6 min78% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Median rent: $47466% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 28%26 points higher than Texas (2.6%)

Worse than Texas

  • Home value to income: 5.7x57% higher than Texas (3.6x)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 72%21 points higher than Texas (52%)
  • Median household income: $44,30644% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Marfa

Marfa renters pay a median of $474 a month, 66% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $19,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 72% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $858 for a one-bedroom, $1,078 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 $251,400, 11% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,376 before tax, or $1,531 with property tax. That is $1,057 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 it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Marfa pays $1,863 a year, 56% 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 MarfaStudio$8191 bedroom$8582 bedrooms$1,0783 bedrooms$1,3934 bedrooms$1,553
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Presidio County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent66% lower than Texas$474$1,403$1,413
Median home value11% lower than Texas$251,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income57% higher than Texas5.7x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent21 points higher than Texas72%52%51%
Median property tax per year56% lower than Texas$1,863$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them13 points higher than Texas75%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas194919921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,531
Mortgage payment
$1,376
Property tax
$155
Median rent, for comparison
$474

Based on a $251,400 home in Marfa, 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 Marfa safe?

In 2025, Marfa Police Department reported 1 violent crimes and 0 property crimes. That works out to 62 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 84% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 0 property crimes per 100,000, 100% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 52% 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 Marfa by yearTexas6220212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
62
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
0
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Marfa by yearTexas020212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Marfa

Marfa has 1 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 Marfa 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
2
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
61
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

  • DMarfa SchoolsOther, Marfa ISD61 of 100

Daily life in Marfa

Everyday places mapped inside Marfa, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Coffield Park, Marfa Public Library.

The average one-way commute is 6 minutes, 78% shorter than the Texas average. 14% of workers work from home. 28% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $44,306, income per person is $33,472, unemployment is 0% and 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
4
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
24
Cafes
2
Bars
6
Parks
6
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income44% lower than Texas$44,306$78,476$80,734
Income per person18% lower than Texas$33,472$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas0%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line13 points higher than Texas27%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher4 points higher than Texas38%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher8 points lower than Texas78%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance5 points higher than Texas25%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet13 points lower than Texas78%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute78% lower than Texas6 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from homeAbout the same as Texas14%14%15%
Workers who work from home14%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk17%
Workers who bike11%

Who lives in Marfa

Under 1817%
18 to 3417%
35 to 6438%
65 and over28%

Median age 47.7 years. 13% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White40%
Hispanic or Latino55%
Black0%
Asian0.0%
Other or more than one race4.6%

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

Weather in Marfa

Marfa has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 90°F and January lows about 35°F. There are about 77 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 16 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Marfa30°50°70°90°59J64F71M79A84M92J90J89A83S78O67N60DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Alpine 7nw, 15 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is moderate and hail risk is high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingHigh
  • HurricanesLow
  • TornadoesModerate
  • HailHigh
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsVery high
  • Strong windHigh

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 Marfa

Nearby, Alpine gets an A-, Presidio gets a D and Van Horn 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.

  1. A-AlpineTown, 6,014 people22 mi
  2. DPresidioTown, 3,163 people55 mi
  3. BVan HornTown, 1,908 people70 mi
  4. B-Fort StocktonTown, 8,278 people79 mi
  5. CTown of PecosSmall city, 10,926 people81 mi
  6. B-MonahansTown, 7,452 people108 mi

Living in Marfa: common questions

Is Marfa, TX a good place to live?

Marfa gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 335th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on schools and internet access. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

How much does it cost to live in Marfa?

Renters in Marfa pay a median of $474 a month, 66% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $251,400, 11% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 5.7x 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 $1,531, including property tax.

Is Marfa safe?

In 2025, Marfa Police Department reported 62 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 84% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 0 per 100,000, 100% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Marfa?

We found 1 rated public school campuses inside Marfa. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 2 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Marfa flood?

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

What is the weather like in Marfa?

Summers in Marfa peak at about 90°F in July, and January nights fall to about 35°F. Expect around 77 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 16 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Marfa?

The average one-way commute is 6 min, 78% lower than the Texas average. About 14% 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.