Town in Zapata County
Living in Siesta Shores, TX
524th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 30 of 100
Siesta Shores gets an overall grade of D+ and ranks 524th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on health and education levels.
- Affordable
- Jobs and income scores low (3 of 100)
- Education levels scores low (0 of 100)
- Population
- 1,640
- Median rent
- $75846% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $66,40077% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $35,352Median
- Average commute
- 28 minOne way
- Violent crime
- No dataNo full-year report
What it's like to live in Siesta Shores
Siesta Shores is a town in Zapata County. About 1,640 people live here. It is suburban.
The median age is 27.6, 35% of households have children, 67% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $35,352 a year (55% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Siesta Shores
- Lower rent. Median rent is $758, 46% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.9 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
Cons of living in Siesta Shores
- Higher unemployment. 8.2% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
- Higher poverty. 49% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Many adults uninsured. 49% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 172 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Siesta Shores suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 42% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 55% lower than the Texas median, with 0 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 24% for young professionals.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 84% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $758 is 46% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 41% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $758 is 46% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 75% for people on a budget.
Siesta Shores report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Siesta Shores 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 A-
Median rent $758, homes cost 1.9x income.
86 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade F
Median household income $35,352, 8.2% unemployed.
3 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade B-
Not enough data.
59 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: no grade
No full year of crime data from local police.
No score vs TX townsErrands and things to do: no grade
1 grocery store, 0 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.
No score vs TX townsGetting around: grade C+
Average commute 28 min, 13% work from home.
50 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade F
1.9% have a bachelor’s degree.
0 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade F
49% of adults uninsured.
0 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D-
67% of homes owner-occupied.
16 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D
84% of homes have broadband.
22 of 100 vs US towns
Where Siesta Shores stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Home value to income: 1.9x48% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Median rent: $75846% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 46%6 points lower than Texas (52%)
Worse than Texas
- People below the poverty line: 49%35 points higher than Texas (14%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 1.9%32 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 49%29 points higher than Texas (20%)
Cost of living in Siesta Shores
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Siesta Shores is $758 a month, 46% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $30,000 a year. Right now 46% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $775 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,208 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 $66,400, 77% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $363 before tax, or $412 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 Siesta Shores pays $580 a year, 86% 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
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent46% lower than Texas | $758 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value77% lower than Texas | $66,400 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income48% lower than Texas | 1.9x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent6 points lower than Texas | 46% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year86% lower than Texas | $580 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them4 points higher than Texas | 67% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1988 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $363
- Property tax
- $48
- Median rent, for comparison
- $758
Based on a $66,400 home in Siesta Shores, 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.
Daily life in Siesta Shores
Everyday places mapped inside Siesta Shores, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Siesta Shores Park.
The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, 5% longer than the Texas average. 13% of workers work from home. 3.8% walk, bike or take transit to work.
Downtown Zapata is about 3 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Siesta Shores work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $35,352, income per person is $12,784, unemployment is 8.2% and 2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income55% lower than Texas | $35,352 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person69% lower than Texas | $12,784 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate3 points higher than Texas | 8.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line35 points higher than Texas | 49% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher32 points lower than Texas | 1.9% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher30 points lower than Texas | 56% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance29 points higher than Texas | 49% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet7 points lower than Texas | 84% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute5% higher than Texas | 28 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home1 points lower than Texas | 13% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Siesta Shores
Median age 27.6 years. 35% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Siesta Shores
Siesta Shores has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 98°F and January lows about 47°F. There are about 172 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 20 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Zapata 1 S, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
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 Siesta Shores
Nearby, Falcon Lake Estates gets a C-, Zapata gets a B- and Medina 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.
Living in Siesta Shores: common questions
Is Siesta Shores, TX a good place to live?
Siesta Shores gets an overall grade of D+ and ranks 524th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on health and education levels.
How much does it cost to live in Siesta Shores?
Median rent in Siesta Shores is $758 a month, 46% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $66,400, 77% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.9x 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 $412, including property tax.
What is the weather like in Siesta Shores?
Summers in Siesta Shores peak at about 98°F in July, and January nights fall to about 47°F. Expect around 172 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 20 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Siesta Shores?
The average one-way commute is 28 min, 5% higher than the Texas average. About 13% of workers work from home. It is about 3 miles from downtown Zapata.
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.