Town in Cameron County, part of the Brownsville metro

Living in Santa Rosa, TX

D-

628th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 16 of 100
18th of 21 in the Brownsville area

Santa Rosa gets an overall grade of D- and ranks 628th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on jobs and income and education levels.

  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (1 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (6 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Santa Rosa isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthSanta Rosa
Where Santa Rosa is in Texas.
Population
2,355-4.3% since 2020
Median rent
$91934% lower than Texas
Median home value
$67,40076% lower than Texas
Household income
$36,780Median
Average commute
20 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa sits about 29 miles from downtown Brownsville, in the Brownsville-Harlingen metro. 2,355 people lived here in 2025, down 4.3% from 2020. It is densely built.

The median age is 24.6, 46% of households have children, 51% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $36,780 a year (53% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Santa Rosa

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $919, 34% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.8 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 20 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Santa Rosa

  • Higher unemployment. 15% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Higher poverty. 39% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Many adults uninsured. 43% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes and heat waves as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 166 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Santa Rosa suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 33% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 53% lower than the Texas median, with 4 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 14% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 43% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 82% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $919 is 34% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 18% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $919 is 34% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 55% for people on a budget.

Santa Rosa report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Santa Rosa 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 B

    Median rent $919, homes cost 1.8x income.

    67 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade F

    Median household income $36,780, 15% unemployed.

    1 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B-

    3 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.

    60 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade C-

    0 grocery stores, 4 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.

    33 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade C

    Average commute 20 min, 8.3% work from home.

    40 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade F

    12% have a bachelor’s degree.

    6 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    43% of adults uninsured.

    8 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D-

    51% of homes owner-occupied.

    8 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D-

    82% of homes have broadband.

    16 of 100 vs US towns

Where Santa Rosa stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 1.8x49% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $91934% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 20 min25% lower than Texas (27 min)

Worse than Texas

  • People below the poverty line: 39%26 points higher than Texas (14%)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 43%23 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 12%22 points lower than Texas (34%)

Cost of living in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa renters pay a median of $919 a month, 34% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $37,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 54% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $884 for a one-bedroom, $1,042 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 $67,400, 76% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $369 before tax, or $436 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 Santa Rosa pays $806 a year, 81% 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 Santa RosaStudio$8271 bedroom$8842 bedrooms$1,0423 bedrooms$1,3934 bedrooms$1,496
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent34% lower than Texas$919$1,403$1,413
Median home value76% lower than Texas$67,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income49% lower than Texas1.8x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent2 points higher than Texas54%52%51%
Median property tax per year81% lower than Texas$806$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them12 points lower than Texas51%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199119921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$436
Mortgage payment
$369
Property tax
$67
Median rent, for comparison
$919

Based on a $67,400 home in Santa Rosa, 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 Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Santa Rosa 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
60
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
82
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

  • BElma E Barrera ElementaryElementary, Santa Rosa ISD87 of 100
  • BJo Nelson MiddleMiddle, Santa Rosa ISD82 of 100
  • CSanta Rosa High SchoolHigh, Santa Rosa ISD77 of 100

Daily life in Santa Rosa

Everyday places mapped inside Santa Rosa, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Santa Rosa City Park.

The average one-way commute is 20 minutes, 25% shorter than the Texas average. 8% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Brownsville is about 29 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Santa Rosa work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $36,780, income per person is $13,635, unemployment is 15% and 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

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

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income53% lower than Texas$36,780$78,476$80,734
Income per person67% lower than Texas$13,635$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate10 points higher than Texas15%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line26 points higher than Texas39%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher22 points lower than Texas12%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher17 points lower than Texas69%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance23 points higher than Texas43%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet10 points lower than Texas82%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute25% lower than Texas20 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home6 points lower than Texas8.3%14%15%
Workers who work from home8.3%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Santa Rosa

Under 1833%
18 to 3433%
35 to 6429%
65 and over5.7%

Median age 24.6 years. 46% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White2.2%
Hispanic or Latino98%
Black0%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race0%

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

Weather in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 49°F. There are about 166 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 25 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Santa Rosa40°60°80°100°71J76F81M86A91M95J96J97A93S88O80N73DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Santa Rosa 3 Wnw, 3 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 very high, 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
  • Coastal floodingVery low
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesModerate
  • HailHigh
  • Heat wavesVery high
  • WildfiresModerate
  • Winter stormsModerate
  • 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 Santa Rosa

Nearby, Primera gets a B+, Palm Valley gets an A- and Combes 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. B+PrimeraTown, 5,344 people4 mi
  2. A-Palm ValleyTown, 2,155 people6 mi
  3. B-CombesTown, 3,178 people6 mi
  4. C-HeidelbergTown, 2,215 people6 mi
  5. FSebastianTown, 1,021 people6 mi
  6. DIndian HillsTown, 2,961 people7 mi

Santa Rosa in the Brownsville area

How it ranks among 21 places in the metro.

  1. 1A-South Point1,054 people10 mito downtown
  2. 2A-Palm Valley2,155 people23 mito downtown
  3. 3A-Rancho Viejo2,849 people7 mito downtown
  4. 15C-San Benito24,709 people15 mito downtown
  5. 16C-La Feria6,891 people25 mito downtown
  6. 17D+Port Isabel5,111 people14 mito downtown
  7. 18D-Santa Rosa3,215 people29 mito downtown
  8. 19D-Laureles4,224 people8 mito downtown
  9. 20D-Rio Hondo1,865 people18 mito downtown
  10. 21FPalmer1,435 people12 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of brownsville

Living in Santa Rosa: common questions

Is Santa Rosa, TX a good place to live?

Santa Rosa gets an overall grade of D- and ranks 628th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on jobs and income and education levels.

How much does it cost to live in Santa Rosa?

Renters in Santa Rosa pay a median of $919 a month, 34% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $67,400, 76% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.8x 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 $436, including property tax.

Are the schools good in Santa Rosa?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Santa Rosa. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 60 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Santa Rosa flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Santa Rosa as high, and coastal flooding as very low. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, hurricanes, heat waves and hail. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Santa Rosa?

Summers in Santa Rosa peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 49°F. Expect around 166 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 25 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Santa Rosa?

The average one-way commute is 20 min, 25% lower than the Texas average. About 8.3% of workers work from home. It is about 29 miles from downtown Brownsville.

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.