Small city in El Paso County, part of the El Paso metro

Living in San Elizario, TX

D-

163rd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 15 of 100
13th of 16 in the El Paso area

San Elizario gets an overall grade of D- and ranks 163rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and home ownership, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Schools scores low (12 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (1 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where San Elizario isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthSan Elizario
Where San Elizario is in Texas.
Population
10,138+0.1% since 2020
Median rent
$91735% lower than Texas
Median home value
$110,40061% lower than Texas
Household income
$49,977Median
Average commute
34 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in San Elizario

San Elizario sits about 21 miles from downtown El Paso, in the El Paso metro. 10,138 people lived here in 2025, up 0.1% from 2020. It is spread out, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2001).

Places locals use include Alejandra Flores Park and Ted Richardson Park.

The median age is 31.1, 56% of households have children, 68% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $49,977 a year (36% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in San Elizario

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $917, 35% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.2 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.

Cons of living in San Elizario

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 17% of the 6 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Higher poverty. 26% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 34 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
  • Many adults uninsured. 41% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.

Who San Elizario suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 17% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 15% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 36% lower than the Texas median, with 22 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 16% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 41% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 32% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $917 is 35% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 43% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $917 is 35% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 97% for people on a budget.

San Elizario report card

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

    Median rent $917, homes cost 2.2x income.

    99 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D+

    Median household income $49,977, 3.4% unemployed.

    25 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade D-

    6 rated campuses, 17% rated A or B.

    13 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D

    9 grocery stores, 22 restaurants, 4 parks mapped in town.

    21 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade D+

    Average commute 34 min, 7.3% work from home.

    27 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade F

    5.7% have a bachelor’s degree.

    1 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    41% of adults uninsured.

    1 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade C-

    68% of homes owner-occupied.

    36 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D+

    89% of homes have broadband.

    25 of 100 vs US cities

Where San Elizario stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 31%21 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Home value to income: 2.2x39% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $91735% lower than Texas ($1,403)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 5.7%28 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 41%21 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Median household income: $49,97736% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in San Elizario

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in San Elizario is $917 a month, 35% 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 31% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $969 for a one-bedroom, $1,146 for a two-bedroom and $1,559 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 $110,400, 61% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $604 before tax, or $752 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 San Elizario pays $1,769 a year, 58% 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 San Elizario

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in San ElizarioStudio$7981 bedroom$9692 bedrooms$1,1463 bedrooms$1,5594 bedrooms$1,915
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, El Paso, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent35% lower than Texas$917$1,403$1,413
Median home value61% lower than Texas$110,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income39% lower than Texas2.2x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent21 points lower than Texas31%52%51%
Median property tax per year58% lower than Texas$1,769$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them5 points higher than Texas68%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas200119921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$752
Mortgage payment
$604
Property tax
$147
Median rent, for comparison
$917

Based on a $110,400 home in San Elizario, 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 San Elizario

San Elizario has 6 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 17% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by San Elizario 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 cities
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

  • BAnn M Garcia-Enriquez MiddleMiddle, San Elizario ISD85 of 100
  • CAlfonso Borrego Sr ElementaryElementary, San Elizario ISD74 of 100
  • DJosefa L Sambrano ElementaryElementary, San Elizario ISD69 of 100
  • DLorenzo Loya PriOther, San Elizario ISD69 of 100
  • DSan Elizario High SchoolHigh, San Elizario ISD69 of 100

Best neighborhoods in San Elizario

We grade 3 areas inside San Elizario. The top three are Central San Elizario (D), North San Elizario (D) and Southeast San Elizario (D-). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 3 San Elizario neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in San Elizario

    Everyday places mapped inside San Elizario, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Alejandra Flores Park, Ted Richardson Park.

    The average one-way commute is 34 minutes, 29% longer than the Texas average. 7% of workers work from home. 4.1% walk, bike or take transit to work.

    Downtown El Paso is about 21 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in San Elizario work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $49,977, income per person is $16,764, unemployment is 3.4% and 6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    9
    Pharmacies
    0
    Restaurants
    22
    Cafes
    1
    Bars
    0
    Parks
    4
    Gyms
    2
    Hospitals and urgent care
    1
    Childcare
    1
    Libraries
    0

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income36% lower than Texas$49,977$78,476$80,734
    Income per person59% lower than Texas$16,764$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.4%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line12 points higher than Texas26%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher28 points lower than Texas5.7%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher24 points lower than Texas62%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance21 points higher than Texas41%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet2 points lower than Texas89%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute29% higher than Texas34 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas7.3%14%15%
    Workers who work from home7.3%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk4.0%
    Workers who bike0.1%

    Who lives in San Elizario

    Under 1830%
    18 to 3426%
    35 to 6433%
    65 and over12%

    Median age 31.1 years. 56% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White2.3%
    Hispanic or Latino98%
    Black0.1%
    Asian0%
    Other or more than one race0%

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

    Weather in San Elizario

    San Elizario has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 29°F. There are about 110 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 8 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in San Elizario20°40°60°80°100°61J67F75M82A91M98J95J94A89S81O70N60DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Tornillo 2 Sse, 17 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

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

    • River floodingVery low
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesVery low
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresModerate
    • Winter stormsVery high
    • 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 San Elizario

    Nearby, Clint gets a D+, Socorro gets a C- and Sparks 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+ClintTown, 1,258 people3 mi
    2. C-SocorroSmall city, 37,123 people4 mi
    3. D+SparksTown, 4,134 people7 mi
    4. C+Horizon CitySmall city, 23,668 people8 mi
    5. C-FabensTown, 4,818 people8 mi
    6. D+Agua DulceTown, 2,697 people9 mi

    San Elizario in the El Paso area

    How it ranks among 16 places in the metro.

    1. 1BVinton2,585 people12 mito downtown
    2. 2C+El Paso680,130 people0 mito downtown
    3. 3C+Horizon City23,668 people18 mito downtown
    4. 10D+Clint1,258 people21 mito downtown
    5. 11D+Sparks4,134 people16 mito downtown
    6. 12DFort Hancock1,345 people52 mito downtown
    7. 13D-San Elizario10,116 people21 mito downtown
    8. 14D-Homestead Meadows South6,660 people16 mito downtown
    9. 15D-Homestead Meadows North5,795 people15 mito downtown
    10. 16FTornillo1,341 people34 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of el paso

    Living in San Elizario: common questions

    Is San Elizario, TX a good place to live?

    San Elizario gets an overall grade of D- and ranks 163rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and home ownership, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in San Elizario?

    Median rent in San Elizario is $917 a month, 35% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $110,400, 61% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.2x 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 $752, including property tax.

    Is San Elizario safe?

    In 2024, San Elizario Police Department reported 10 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 97% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 88 per 100,000, 96% lower than the Texas rate. This agency reported only part of the year, so the rate is shown but not scored.

    Are the schools good in San Elizario?

    We found 6 rated public school campuses inside San Elizario. 17% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 13 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in San Elizario?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in San Elizario are Central San Elizario, North San Elizario and Southeast San Elizario. We score 3 areas in the city.

    Does San Elizario flood?

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

    What is the weather like in San Elizario?

    Summers in San Elizario peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 29°F. Expect around 110 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 8 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in San Elizario?

    The average one-way commute is 34 min, 29% higher than the Texas average. About 7.3% of workers work from home. It is about 21 miles from downtown El Paso.

    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.