Brownsville

Brownsville, Texas Overview

Brownsville faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (40.9/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in Texas. Even so, the city scores 86/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 5/100.

Income & Employment in Brownsville

Brownsville’s median income of $49,920 is 32% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.7% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%.

Safety in Brownsville

Brownsville reports 401.4 violent crimes per 100,000, roughly in line with the statewide rate of 401 per 100,000. The property crime rate is 2067.8 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Brownsville

With a cost of living index of 85.2, Brownsville is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $122,400. Median monthly rent is $906. Renters spend 21.8% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Brownsville

The adult obesity rate in Brownsville is 40.8%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 18.7%. Residents report an average of 16.7 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Texas ranks #41 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Brownsville

The student-teacher ratio is 15.6:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,638. The city has 72 public schools serving 50,142 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Brownsville

Summers in Brownsville are hot, averaging 85.5°F. Summers average 85.5°F. Winters average 64.8°F. Annual precipitation is 42.4 inches.

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