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Is Harlingen a Good Place to Live? Harlingen, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Harlingen ranks #1115 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #462 of 524 smaller cities and #64 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86, #13 of 524) and low rents ($928/mo, #20 of 524), and trails on high poverty (25.1%, #498 of 524) and low household income ($53,645, #489 of 524).
Harlingen by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Harlingen'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 Harlingen?
Harlingen'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 $928/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $201,967, 33% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Harlingen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 86#67 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $201,967#117 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,158/mo#77 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $140,600#68 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $928/mo#130 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.8%#547 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Harlingen 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. Harlingen is in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Harlingen safe?
Harlingen recorded 231 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 373 and 42% below Texas's 401. That ranks #415 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #191 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Harlingen Police Department. Property crime runs 2,298 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Harlingen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 231#415 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,298#792 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Harlingen?
The median household in Harlingen earns $53,645, 30% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Harlingen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $53,645#1177 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 25.1%#1239 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Harlingen?
The median resident of Harlingen is 33.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1076 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Harlingen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.6%#1076 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 56.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Harlingen's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Harlingen; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $13,446 per pupil. 40.1% of adults are obese and 18.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Harlingen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,446#773 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.1%#1125 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 18.6%#1289 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 33.1%#1306 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 17,729 students are enrolled in Harlingen's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Harlingen?
The average commute in Harlingen is 17.9 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 10.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Harlingen scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 85.6°F and winters 62.7°F, with 24 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Harlingen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.9 min#186 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.1%#63 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.2% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.4% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.5#1166 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 71.7 | 49.8 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 75.9 | 53.9 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 81 | 59.4 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 86.5 | 65.2 | 1.5 |
| May | 91.4 | 71 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 95 | 74.6 | 2.3 |
| Jul | 96.2 | 75.3 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 97.2 | 75.3 | 1.9 |
| Sep | 92.2 | 72.5 | 5.3 |
| Oct | 87.6 | 65.6 | 2.7 |
| Nov | 79.3 | 57.4 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 73.2 | 51.6 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Harlingen Rio Grande Vly International.
| Measure | Harlingen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 75°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 85.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 62.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 24 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Harlingen Rio Grande Vly International.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Harlingen?
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 | Harlingen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 57#995 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.2%#948 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Harlingen compare with similar-size cities?
Harlingen is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #462 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 72,087.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #1115 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 | 17.9 min |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #226 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 | 24.5 min |
| Lake Elsinore, CAPop. 72,461 | #893 | 51.9 | $101,888 | $2,078/mo | 116 | 42.9 min |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #550 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 | 35 min |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #195 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 | 30.4 min |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #667 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 | 18.7 min |
| Casas Adobes, AZPop. 72,059 | #779 | 53.6 | $83,683 | $1,650/mo | no data | 25.6 min |
| Wilmington, DEPop. 71,727 | #1142 | 46.9 | $58,671 | $1,224/mo | 1,152 | 23.5 min |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #37 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data | 27.5 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 Harlingen compare with the rest of Texas?
Harlingen ranks #64 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 27% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 42% below 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 |
| San Antonio, TXPop. 1,479,835 | … #60 | 49.8 | $65,056 | $1,324/mo | 532 |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | #61 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #62 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #63 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #64 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 |
| Pasadena, TXPop. 149,433 | #65 | 46.9 | $64,927 | $1,213/mo | 436 |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #66 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #67 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #68 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Harlingen among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Harlingen's score calculated?
Harlingen scores 47.6 out of 100, #1115 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 Harlingen. Similar-size median 55.5.
36.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Harlingen's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
75.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Harlingen. Similar-size median 58.9.
33.2 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Harlingen's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Harlingen's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
88.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Harlingen. Similar-size median 56.1.
17.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Harlingen. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Harlingen. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Harlingen's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
26.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Harlingen's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Harlingen 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 Harlingen
Is Harlingen, TX a good place to live?
Harlingen ranks #1115 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #462 of 524 smaller cities and #64 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86, #13 of 524) and low rents ($928/mo, #20 of 524), and trails on high poverty (25.1%, #498 of 524) and low household income ($53,645, #489 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Harlingen?
Harlingen'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 $928/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $201,967, 33% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Harlingen?
Harlingen recorded 231 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 373 and 42% below Texas's 401. That ranks #415 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #191 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Harlingen Police Department. Property crime runs 2,298 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Harlingen?
The median household in Harlingen earns $53,645, 30% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Harlingen?
Median rent in Harlingen is $928/mo (Census), #130 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,158/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Harlingen?
Zillow's typical home value in Harlingen is $201,967, down 1.6% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $140,600.
How are the public schools in Harlingen?
There is no city graduation rate for Harlingen; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $13,446 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Harlingen?
The average commute is 17.9 minutes, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 2.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Harlingen?
Harlingen averages 75°F over the year, 85.6°F in summer and 62.7°F in winter, with 24 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Harlingen walkable?
Harlingen scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 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 Harlingen 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 Harlingen?
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 Harlingen?
Harlingen has 72,087 residents. The median resident of Harlingen is 33.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1076 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Harlingen compare with the rest of Texas?
Harlingen ranks #64 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 27% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 42% below the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Harlingen?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Harlingen's population of 72,087 are Blaine, MN (#226 overall), Lake Elsinore, CA (#893 overall), Mount Vernon, NY (#550 overall), Framingham, MA (#195 overall), and Johnson City, TN (#667 overall). Harlingen is #1115.