Small city in Hidalgo County, part of the McAllen metro

Living in Weslaco, TX

C

101st of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 48 of 100
14th of 46 in the McAllen area

Weslaco earns a grade of C on our index, 101st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and errands and things to do, and trails on home ownership and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Jobs and income scores low (10 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (14 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Weslaco isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthWeslaco
Where Weslaco is in Texas.
Population
44,203+10.0% since 2020
Median rent
$96731% lower than Texas
Median home value
$140,00051% lower than Texas
Household income
$59,551Median
Average commute
24 minOne way
Violent crime
331Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Weslaco

Weslaco sits about 17 miles from downtown McAllen, in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro. 44,203 people lived here in 2025, up 10.0% from 2020. It is suburban.

Places locals use include Harlon Block Park, Pablo pea Park In Weslaco and 18th & Westgate Park.

The median age is 31.1, 41% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $59,551 a year (24% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Weslaco

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $967, 31% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.4 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.

Cons of living in Weslaco

  • Higher poverty. 23% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Many adults uninsured. 35% 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 160 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Weslaco suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 80% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 15% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 46% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 24% lower than the Texas median, with 229 restaurants and 16 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 67% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 35% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 15% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 50% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $967 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 58% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $967 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 86% for people on a budget.

Weslaco report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Weslaco 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 $967, homes cost 2.4x income.

    90 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $59,551, 7.1% unemployed.

    11 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade B

    20 rated campuses, 80% rated A or B.

    67 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D

    331 violent crimes per 100k, 2,675 property crimes per 100k.

    21 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade B+

    14 grocery stores, 229 restaurants, 21 parks mapped in town.

    72 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B-

    Average commute 24 min, 7.3% work from home.

    57 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D-

    23% have a bachelor’s degree.

    14 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D-

    35% of adults uninsured.

    10 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade F

    56% of homes owner-occupied.

    8 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D

    89% of homes have broadband.

    23 of 100 vs US cities

Where Weslaco stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 2.4x35% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $96731% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 48%4 points lower than Texas (52%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 35%15 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 23%11 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $59,55124% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Weslaco

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Weslaco is $967 a month, 31% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $39,000 a year. Right now 48% 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 $140,000, 51% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $766 before tax, or $964 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 Weslaco pays $2,378 a year, 44% 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 Weslaco

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in WeslacoStudio$8011 bedroom$8062 bedrooms$1,0173 bedrooms$1,3054 bedrooms$1,439
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent31% lower than Texas$967$1,403$1,413
Median home value51% lower than Texas$140,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income35% lower than Texas2.4x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points lower than Texas48%52%51%
Median property tax per year44% lower than Texas$2,378$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them6 points lower than Texas56%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$964
Mortgage payment
$766
Property tax
$198
Median rent, for comparison
$967

Based on a $140,000 home in Weslaco, 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 Weslaco safe?

In 2025, Weslaco Police Department reported 148 violent crimes and 1,196 property crimes. That works out to 331 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 15% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,675 property crimes per 100,000, 28% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 27% 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 in Weslaco by yearTexas33120212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
331
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,675
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Weslaco by yearTexas2,67520212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Weslaco Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Weslaco

Weslaco has 20 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 80% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Weslaco ISD and Idea Public Schools.

Top-rated campuses include Weslaco High School, Central Middle and Idea College Prep Weslaco. The average rating score across all campuses is 84 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.

Schools grade
67
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
84
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

  • AWeslaco High SchoolHigh, Weslaco ISD92 of 100
  • ACentral MiddleMiddle, Weslaco ISD91 of 100
  • AIdea College Prep WeslacoOther, Idea Public Schools91 of 100
  • AIdea Weslaco Pike College PreparatoryOther, Idea Public Schools91 of 100
  • AMemorial ElementaryElementary, Weslaco ISD91 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Weslaco

We grade 6 areas inside Weslaco. The top three are Southwest Weslaco (B+), Sun Country Estates (B) and Central Weslaco (B). If price matters most, Roosevelt School Colonia has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $810 a month. Sun Country Estates is the priciest, at $1,050. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Weslaco neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    6 Weslaco neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1B+Southwest Weslaco2,650 people, median rent $860, home $203,000100fit
    2. 2BCentral Weslaco4,970 people, median rent $1,010, home $185,00080fit
    3. 3BSun Country Estates4,671 people, median rent $1,050, home $160,00060fit
    4. 4BOlivarez #5 Colonia8,348 people, median rent $1,010, home $101,00040fit
    5. 5B-Roosevelt School Colonia10,720 people, median rent $810, home $112,00020fit
    6. 6C-Northeast Weslaco6,417 people, median rent $1,040, home $95,0000fit
    All 6 Weslaco neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Weslaco

    Everyday places mapped inside Weslaco, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Harlon Block Park, Pablo pea Park In Weslaco, 18th & Westgate Park.

    The average one-way commute is 24 minutes, 10% shorter than the Texas average. 7% 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 17 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Weslaco work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $59,551, income per person is $25,807, unemployment is 7.1% and 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    14
    Pharmacies
    17
    Restaurants
    229
    Cafes
    16
    Bars
    15
    Parks
    21
    Gyms
    22
    Hospitals and urgent care
    12
    Childcare
    16
    Libraries
    4

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income24% lower than Texas$59,551$78,476$80,734
    Income per person37% lower than Texas$25,807$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas7.1%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line9 points higher than Texas23%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher11 points lower than Texas23%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher9 points lower than Texas77%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance15 points higher than Texas35%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas89%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute10% lower than Texas24 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas7.3%14%15%
    Workers who work from home7.3%
    Workers who take transit0.3%
    Workers who walk2.3%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Weslaco

    Under 1830%
    18 to 3424%
    35 to 6432%
    65 and over14%

    Median age 31.1 years. 41% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White11%
    Hispanic or Latino88%
    Black0.6%
    Asian0.2%
    Other or more than one race0.5%

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

    Weather in Weslaco

    Weslaco has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 50°F. There are about 160 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 26 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Weslaco50°70°90°71J75F81M86A90M95J96J97A92S87O80N72DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Weslaco, 2 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 Weslaco

    Nearby, Llano Grande gets a B-, Midway South gets a C and Midway North 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.

    1. B-Llano GrandeTown, 2,283 people2 mi
    2. CMidway SouthTown, 2,308 people2 mi
    3. CMidway NorthTown, 3,594 people3 mi
    4. D+ScissorsTown, 4,267 people4 mi
    5. DProgresoTown, 4,998 people4 mi
    6. D-DonnaSmall city, 16,833 people5 mi

    Weslaco in the McAllen area

    How it ranks among 46 places in the metro.

    1. 1A-Palmhurst2,601 people4 mito downtown
    2. 2B+McAllen145,385 people0 mito downtown
    3. 3B+Hidalgo14,498 people8 mito downtown
    4. 11C+West Sharyland1,664 people7 mito downtown
    5. 12C+North Alamo4,819 people8 mito downtown
    6. 13C+Edinburg104,550 people9 mito downtown
    7. 14CWeslaco42,229 people17 mito downtown
    8. 15CLa Joya4,763 people14 mito downtown
    9. 16CSan Juan36,149 people6 mito downtown
    10. 17CMidway North3,594 people14 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of mcallen

    Living in Weslaco: common questions

    Is Weslaco, TX a good place to live?

    Weslaco earns a grade of C on our index, 101st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and errands and things to do, and trails on home ownership and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Weslaco?

    Median rent in Weslaco is $967 a month, 31% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $140,000, 51% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.4x 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 $964, including property tax.

    Is Weslaco safe?

    In 2025, Weslaco Police Department reported 331 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 15% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,675 per 100,000, 28% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Weslaco?

    We found 20 rated public school campuses inside Weslaco. 80% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 67 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Weslaco?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Weslaco are Southwest Weslaco, Sun Country Estates and Central Weslaco. We score 6 areas in the city.

    Does Weslaco flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Weslaco 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 Weslaco?

    Summers in Weslaco peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 50°F. Expect around 160 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 26 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Weslaco?

    The average one-way commute is 24 min, 10% lower than the Texas average. About 7.3% of workers work from home. It is about 17 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.