TexasPop. 189,177Mid-size cities
Is Brownsville a Good Place to Live? Brownsville, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Brownsville ranks #1243 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #240 of 256 mid-size cities and #72 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($923/mo, #2 of 256) and low living costs (86, #4 of 256), and trails on high unemployment (7.8%, #238 of 241) and low household income ($52,130, #241 of 256).
Brownsville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Brownsville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Brownsville?
Brownsville's cost of living index is 86, 14% below the US level of 100 and #67 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $923/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $199,327, 33% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Brownsville | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 86#67 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $199,327#112 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,583/mo#402 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $139,900#66 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $923/mo#121 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.2%#586 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Brownsville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Brownsville is in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Brownsville safe?
Brownsville recorded 405 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 17% above Texas's 345. That ranks #725 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #141 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brownsville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,528 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Brownsville | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 405#725 of 1,085 | 345 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,528#490 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Brownsville?
The median household in Brownsville earns $52,130, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 7.8% (US 4.3%). 23.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Brownsville | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $52,130#1200 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 7.8%#1038 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 23.7%#1210 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Brownsville?
The median resident of Brownsville is 31.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Brownsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 24.5%#992 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 61.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Brownsville's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Brownsville; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $13,638 per pupil. 40.8% of adults are obese and 18.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Brownsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,638#753 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40.8%#1155 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 18.7%#1291 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 36.5%#1310 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 50,142 students are enrolled in Brownsville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Brownsville?
The average commute in Brownsville is 21.4 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.7% of workers take transit and 8.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Brownsville scores 7.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 86.3°F and winters 64.6°F, with 26.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Brownsville | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.4 min#459 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.9% | 71.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.4% | 12.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.2#1216 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 72.6 | 53.1 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 76.2 | 56.9 | 1 |
| Mar | 80.6 | 62 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 85.7 | 67.7 | 1.5 |
| May | 90.3 | 73.7 | 2.2 |
| Jun | 94 | 77.2 | 2.9 |
| Jul | 95 | 77.8 | 2 |
| Aug | 96.3 | 77.8 | 2.2 |
| Sep | 92.2 | 74.7 | 5.7 |
| Oct | 87.3 | 68.6 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 80.3 | 60.8 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 74.2 | 54.7 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Brownsville.
| Measure | Brownsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 76.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 86.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 64.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 26.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Brownsville.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Brownsville?
Cameron County's air had a median air quality index of 57, and 30% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cameron County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Brownsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 57#995 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.2%#948 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cameron County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cameron County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.12% | 91% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 66% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0034% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0014% | 19% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.05% | 11% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Brownsville compare with similar-size cities?
Brownsville is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #240 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 189,177.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brownsville, TXPop. 189,177 | #1243 | 42.7 | $52,130 | $923/mo | 405 | 21.4 min |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #617 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 | 25 min |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | #900 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 | 27.1 min |
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #1246 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 | 22.2 min |
| Tempe, AZPop. 188,065 | #538 | 57.4 | $79,663 | $1,743/mo | 418 | 20.9 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #949 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 | 18.5 min |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #931 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 | 26.1 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Brownsville compare with the rest of Texas?
Brownsville ranks #72 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 42.7 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 35% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | … #68 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #69 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 |
| Houston, TXPop. 2,328,253 | #70 | 44.3 | $64,813 | $1,361/mo | 884 |
| Baytown, TXPop. 85,205 | #71 | 43.5 | $59,910 | $1,307/mo | 399 |
| Brownsville, TXPop. 189,177 | #72 | 42.7 | $52,130 | $923/mo | 405 |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #73 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 |
| Port Arthur, TXPop. 55,828 | #74 | 36.6 | $46,354 | $1,021/mo | 596 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Brownsville among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Brownsville's score calculated?
Brownsville scores 42.7 out of 100, #1243 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Brownsville. Similar-size median 52.9.
20.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Brownsville's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
70.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Brownsville. Similar-size median 53.8.
31.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Brownsville's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
47.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Brownsville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
88.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Brownsville. Similar-size median 51.2.
19.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Brownsville. Similar-size median 42.1.
30.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Brownsville. Similar-size median 50.1.
46.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Brownsville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
32.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
26.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Brownsville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Brownsville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Brownsville
Is Brownsville, TX a good place to live?
Brownsville ranks #1243 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #240 of 256 mid-size cities and #72 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($923/mo, #2 of 256) and low living costs (86, #4 of 256), and trails on high unemployment (7.8%, #238 of 241) and low household income ($52,130, #241 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Brownsville?
Brownsville's cost of living index is 86, 14% below the US level of 100 and #67 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $923/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $199,327, 33% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Brownsville?
Brownsville recorded 405 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 17% above Texas's 345. That ranks #725 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #141 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brownsville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,528 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Brownsville?
The median household in Brownsville earns $52,130, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 7.8% (US 4.3%). 23.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Brownsville?
Median rent in Brownsville is $923/mo (Census), #121 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,583/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Brownsville?
The typical home value in Brownsville is $199,327, up 1.6% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $139,900.
How are the public schools in Brownsville?
There is no city graduation rate for Brownsville; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $13,638 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Brownsville?
The average commute is 21.4 minutes, #459 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Brownsville?
Brownsville averages 76.2°F over the year, 86.3°F in summer and 64.6°F in winter, with 26.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Brownsville walkable?
Brownsville scores 7.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Brownsville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cameron County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Brownsville?
Cameron County's air had a median air quality index of 57, and 30% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Brownsville?
Brownsville has 189,177 residents. The median resident of Brownsville is 31.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Brownsville compare with the rest of Texas?
Brownsville ranks #72 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 42.7 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 35% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Brownsville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Brownsville's population of 189,177 are Providence, RI (#617 overall), Glendale, CA (#900 overall), Akron, OH (#1246 overall), Tempe, AZ (#538 overall), and Paradise, NV (#1205 overall). Brownsville is #1243.