Small city in Bexar County, part of the San Antonio metro
Living in Universal City, TX
70th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 64 of 100
25th of 54 in the San Antonio area
Universal City gets an overall grade of B and ranks 70th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and internet access, and trails on schools and getting around. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees and remote workers.
- Good for young professionals
- Good for retirees
- Good for remote workers
- Schools scores low (15 of 100)
- Getting around scores low (15 of 100)
- Population
- 20,399+3.5% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,3156% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $269,6005% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $74,811Median
- Average commute
- 26 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 167Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Universal City
Universal City sits about 14 miles from downtown San Antonio, in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro. 20,399 people lived here in 2025, up 3.5% from 2020. It is suburban.
Local spots people know include Veterans park, Universal City Park and Red Horse Park.
The median age is 37.1, 29% of households have children, 57% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $74,811 a year (5% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Universal City
- Low violent crime. 167 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 57% lower than the Texas rate.
- Plenty close to home. 5 grocery stores, 86 restaurants and 14 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in Universal City
- Weaker school ratings. None of the 4 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, tornadoes and heat waves as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 122 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Universal City suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 0% 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 52% for families.
- Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 5% lower than the Texas median, with 86 restaurants and 12 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 87% for young professionals.
- RetireesA strong fit: 16% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 57% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for retirees.
- Remote workersA strong fit: 96% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,315 is 6% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 97% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,315 is 6% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 73% for people on a budget.
Universal City report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Universal City 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 $1,315, homes cost 3.6x income.
74 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade C
Median household income $74,811, 5.3% unemployed.
43 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade D-
4 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.
15 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade C
167 violent crimes per 100k, 2,039 property crimes per 100k.
46 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade A
5 grocery stores, 86 restaurants, 14 parks mapped in town.
93 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade D-
Average commute 26 min, 9.9% work from home.
15 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade B-
34% have a bachelor’s degree.
62 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade D+
16% of adults uninsured.
32 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade B-
57% of homes owner-occupied.
56 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade A-
96% of homes have broadband.
83 of 100 vs US cities
Where Universal City stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 39%13 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Vacant homes: 3.1%6 points lower than Texas (9.4%)
- People below the poverty line: 8.8%5 points lower than Texas (14%)
Worse than Texas
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 57%5 points lower than Texas (63%)
- Median household income: $74,8115% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 0.8%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)
Cost of living in Universal City
Universal City renters pay a median of $1,315 a month, 6% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $53,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 39% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,196 for a one-bedroom, $1,441 for a two-bedroom and $1,864 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 $269,600, 5% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,476 before tax, or $1,905 with property tax. That is $590 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 property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Universal City pays $5,147 a year, 22% higher 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 Universal City
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent6% lower than Texas | $1,315 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value5% lower than Texas | $269,600 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas | 3.6x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent13 points lower than Texas | 39% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year22% higher than Texas | $5,147 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them5 points lower than Texas | 57% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1984 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,476
- Property tax
- $429
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,315
Based on a $269,600 home in Universal City, 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 Universal City safe?
In 2025, Universal City Police Department reported 34 violent crimes and 416 property crimes. That works out to 167 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,039 property crimes per 100,000, about the same as the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 36% 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, Universal City Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Universal City
Universal City has 4 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 Judson 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.
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
- CFine Arts Academy of OlympiaElementary, Judson ISD79 of 100
- CKitty Hawk MiddleMiddle, Judson ISD76 of 100
- CRicardo Salinas ElementaryElementary, Judson ISD71 of 100
- DCoronado Village ElementaryElementary, Judson ISD64 of 100
Daily life in Universal City
Everyday places mapped inside Universal City, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Veterans park, Universal City Park, Red Horse Park.
The average one-way commute is 26 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 10% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown San Antonio is about 14 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Universal City work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $74,811, income per person is $40,600, unemployment is 5.3% and 34% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income5% lower than Texas | $74,811 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per personAbout the same as Texas | $40,600 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 5.3% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line5 points lower than Texas | 8.8% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higherAbout the same as Texas | 34% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher9 points higher than Texas | 95% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance4 points lower than Texas | 16% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet5 points higher than Texas | 96% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteAbout the same as Texas | 26 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas | 9.9% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Universal City
Median age 37.1 years. 29% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Universal City
Universal City has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 41°F. There are about 122 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 32 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from San Antonio Intl Ap, 11 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very 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 floodingVery high
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsLow
- 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 Universal City
Nearby, Live Oak gets an A-, Schertz gets a B and Selma 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.
Universal City in the San Antonio area
How it ranks among 54 places in the metro.
- 1A+Cross Mountain3,752 people16 mito downtown
- 2A+Shavano Park3,670 people9 mito downtown
- 3A+Hollywood Park3,143 people10 mito downtown
- 22B+Cibolo35,109 people20 mito downtown
- 23BSchertz44,050 people18 mito downtown
- 24BChina Grove1,215 people12 mito downtown
- 25BUniversal City20,189 people14 mito downtown
- 26BWindcrest5,820 people9 mito downtown
- 27B-Somerset2,005 people18 mito downtown
- 28B-LaCoste1,365 people20 mito downtown
Living in Universal City: common questions
Is Universal City, TX a good place to live?
Universal City gets an overall grade of B and ranks 70th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and internet access, and trails on schools and getting around. It is a strong pick for young professionals, retirees and remote workers.
How much does it cost to live in Universal City?
Renters in Universal City pay a median of $1,315 a month, 6% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $269,600, 5% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.6x 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 $1,905, including property tax.
Is Universal City safe?
In 2025, Universal City Police Department reported 167 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,039 per 100,000, about the same as the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Universal City?
We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Universal City. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 15 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does Universal City flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Universal City as very high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Universal City?
Summers in Universal City peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 41°F. Expect around 122 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 32 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Universal City?
The average one-way commute is 26 min, about the same as the Texas average. About 9.9% of workers work from home. It is about 14 miles from downtown San Antonio.
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.