Small city in Hidalgo County, part of the McAllen metro
Living in San Juan, TX
103rd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 47 of 100
16th of 46 in the McAllen area
We give San Juan a C. It ranks 103rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on education levels and health.
- Affordable
- Jobs and income scores low (9 of 100)
- Education levels scores low (3 of 100)
- Population
- 37,868+7.2% since 2020
- Median rent
- $96132% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $126,70055% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $56,562Median
- Average commute
- 25 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 166Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in San Juan
San Juan sits about 6 miles from downtown McAllen, in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro. 37,868 people lived here in 2025, up 7.2% from 2020. It is suburban.
Local spots people know include San Juan Municipal Park, North San Juan Park and Mayfield Park.
The median age is 30.7, 48% of households have children, 80% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $56,562 a year (28% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in San Juan
- Strong public schools. 71% of the 14 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
- Low violent crime. 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 57% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $961, 32% 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 Juan
- Higher unemployment. 7.4% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
- Higher poverty. 22% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Many adults uninsured. 40% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes and hail as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 170 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who San Juan suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 71% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 57% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 73% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 28% lower than the Texas median, with 145 restaurants and 9 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 40% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 57% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 53% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 90% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $961 is 32% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 51% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $961 is 32% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 67% for people on a budget.
San Juan report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare San Juan 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 $961, homes cost 2.2x income.
78 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade D-
Median household income $56,562, 7.4% unemployed.
9 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade B+
14 rated campuses, 71% rated A or B.
73 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade B-
166 violent crimes per 100k, 1,110 property crimes per 100k.
58 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade C+
3 grocery stores, 145 restaurants, 10 parks mapped in town.
55 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade D
Average commute 25 min, 6.3% work from home.
20 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade F
15% have a bachelor’s degree.
3 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade F
40% of adults uninsured.
3 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade B-
80% of homes owner-occupied.
58 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade C-
90% of homes have broadband.
33 of 100 vs US cities
Where San Juan stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 80%17 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Home value to income: 2.2x38% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Median rent: $96132% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 40%20 points higher than Texas (20%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 15%19 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median household income: $56,56228% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in San Juan
San Juan renters pay a median of $961 a month, 32% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $38,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 56% 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 $126,700, 55% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $694 before tax, or $899 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 Juan pays $2,464 a year, 42% 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 Juan
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent32% lower than Texas | $961 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value55% lower than Texas | $126,700 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income38% lower than Texas | 2.2x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points higher than Texas | 56% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year42% lower than Texas | $2,464 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them17 points higher than Texas | 80% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1999 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $694
- Property tax
- $205
- Median rent, for comparison
- $961
Based on a $126,700 home in San Juan, 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 San Juan safe?
In 2025, San Juan Police Department reported 63 violent crimes and 420 property crimes. That works out to 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,110 property crimes per 100,000, 47% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 22% 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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, San Juan Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in San Juan
San Juan has 14 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 71% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD and Idea Public Schools.
Top-rated campuses include Psja Collegiate School of Health Professions, Austin Middle and Psja Early College High School. 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.
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
- APsja Collegiate School of Health ProfessionsHigh, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD97 of 100
- AAustin MiddleMiddle, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD91 of 100
- APsja Early College High SchoolHigh, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD91 of 100
- AIdea College Preparatory San JuanOther, Idea Public Schools90 of 100
- BAlfred Sorensen ElementaryElementary, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD89 of 100
Daily life in San Juan
Everyday places mapped inside San Juan, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include San Juan Municipal Park, North San Juan Park, Mayfield Park.
The average one-way commute is 25 minutes, 8% 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.
Downtown McAllen is about 6 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in San Juan work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $56,562, income per person is $20,047, unemployment is 7.4% and 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income28% lower than Texas | $56,562 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person51% lower than Texas | $20,047 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas | 7.4% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line9 points higher than Texas | 22% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher19 points lower than Texas | 15% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher22 points lower than Texas | 64% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance20 points higher than Texas | 40% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas | 90% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute8% lower than Texas | 25 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home8 points lower than Texas | 6.3% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in San Juan
Median age 30.7 years. 48% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in San Juan
San Juan has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 98°F and January lows about 49°F. There are about 170 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 19 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Mcallen, 6 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 wavesHigh
- WildfiresModerate
- 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 San Juan
Nearby, Pharr gets a B-, Alamo gets a C- and South Alamo 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.
- B-PharrCity, 80,333 people2 mi
- C-AlamoSmall city, 20,255 people2 mi
- C+South AlamoTown, 3,309 people3 mi
- C+North AlamoTown, 4,819 people4 mi
- C-LopezvilleTown, 2,227 people5 mi
- D-DonnaSmall city, 16,833 people7 mi
San Juan 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
- 13C+Edinburg104,550 people9 mito downtown
- 14CWeslaco42,229 people17 mito downtown
- 15CLa Joya4,763 people14 mito downtown
- 16CSan Juan36,149 people6 mito downtown
- 17CMidway North3,594 people14 mito downtown
- 18CPalmview15,921 people8 mito downtown
- 19CMuniz1,601 people10 mito downtown
Living in San Juan: common questions
Is San Juan, TX a good place to live?
We give San Juan a C. It ranks 103rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on education levels and health.
How much does it cost to live in San Juan?
Renters in San Juan pay a median of $961 a month, 32% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $126,700, 55% 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 $899, including property tax.
Is San Juan safe?
In 2025, San Juan Police Department reported 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,110 per 100,000, 47% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in San Juan?
We found 14 rated public school campuses inside San Juan. 71% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 73 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does San Juan flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in San Juan as low, 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 San Juan?
Summers in San Juan peak at about 98°F in July, and January nights fall to about 49°F. Expect around 170 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 19 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in San Juan?
The average one-way commute is 25 min, 8% lower than the Texas average. About 6.3% of workers work from home. It is about 6 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.