TexasPop. 145,385Mid-size cities
Is McAllen a Good Place to Live? McAllen, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
McAllen ranks #840 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #147 of 256 mid-size cities and #43 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #2 of 256) and low rents ($1,049/mo, #22 of 256), and trails on high poverty (20%, #212 of 256) and low household income ($61,579, #207 of 256).
McAllen by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with McAllen'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 McAllen?
McAllen's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,049/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $229,066, 23% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | McAllen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $229,066#199 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,283/mo#152 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $190,400#196 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,049/mo#264 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.4%#500 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.
McAllen 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. McAllen is in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is McAllen safe?
McAllen recorded 126 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% below the US rate of 373 and 69% below Texas's 401. That ranks #192 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by McAllen Police Department. Property crime runs 1,422 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | McAllen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 126#192 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,422#431 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
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 McAllen?
The median household in McAllen earns $61,579, 20% below the US figure of $76,827 and 16% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.2%). 20% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | McAllen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $61,579#1011 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 20%#1110 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +1.3%#186 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
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 McAllen?
The median resident of McAllen is 33.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #703 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | McAllen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 32.5%#703 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 59.5% | 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 McAllen's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for McAllen; its public schools have 14.6 students per teacher and spend $12,937 per pupil. 41.8% of adults are obese and 16.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | McAllen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.6#390 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,937#838 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 41.8%#1202 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.5%#1246 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 30.3%#1300 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. 25,910 students are enrolled in McAllen's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in McAllen?
The average commute in McAllen is 21.9 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.6% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index McAllen scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 88.5°F and winters 64.7°F, with 22.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | McAllen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.9 min#492 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.9% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.1% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.6#912 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 | 72.8 | 52.7 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 77.4 | 56.9 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 83.2 | 62.7 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 88.4 | 68.4 | 1.4 |
| May | 93.1 | 74.1 | 2 |
| Jun | 97.4 | 78 | 3.1 |
| Jul | 98.5 | 78.8 | 2 |
| Aug | 99.6 | 78.9 | 1.8 |
| Sep | 94.3 | 75.6 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 89.3 | 68.7 | 2.1 |
| Nov | 80.2 | 60.1 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 73.8 | 54.1 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mcallen Miller International Airport.
| Measure | McAllen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 77.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 88.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 64.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 22.2 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 Mcallen Miller International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in McAllen?
Hidalgo County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 44% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hidalgo County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 64% of US counties.
| Measure | McAllen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.18%#823 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 Hidalgo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hidalgo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.098% | 90% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0081% | 81% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 67% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0015% | 19% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.045% | 7% 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 McAllen compare with similar-size cities?
McAllen is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #147 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 145,385.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #840 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 | 21.9 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 min |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #473 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 | 30.4 min |
| Visalia, CAPop. 143,939 | #972 | 50.5 | $81,989 | $1,490/mo | 415 | 22.9 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 McAllen compare with the rest of Texas?
McAllen ranks #43 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 16% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% 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 |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | … #39 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #40 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 |
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | #41 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #42 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #43 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #44 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #45 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #46 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #47 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of McAllen among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is McAllen's score calculated?
McAllen scores 52.6 out of 100, #840 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 McAllen. Similar-size median 52.9.
42.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by McAllen's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
88.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in McAllen. Similar-size median 53.8.
35.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in McAllen's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
49.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
McAllen's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
85.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in McAllen. Similar-size median 51.2.
30.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in McAllen. Similar-size median 42.1.
51.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in McAllen. Similar-size median 50.1.
49.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across McAllen's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
36.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: McAllen'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 McAllen 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 McAllen
Is McAllen, TX a good place to live?
McAllen ranks #840 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #147 of 256 mid-size cities and #43 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #2 of 256) and low rents ($1,049/mo, #22 of 256), and trails on high poverty (20%, #212 of 256) and low household income ($61,579, #207 of 256).
What is the cost of living in McAllen?
McAllen's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,049/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $229,066, 23% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in McAllen?
McAllen recorded 126 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% below the US rate of 373 and 69% below Texas's 401. That ranks #192 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by McAllen Police Department. Property crime runs 1,422 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in McAllen?
The median household in McAllen earns $61,579, 20% below the US figure of $76,827 and 16% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.2%). 20% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in McAllen?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,049/mo (Census), #264 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,283/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in McAllen?
Zillow's typical home value in McAllen is $229,066, up 0.5% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $190,400.
How are the public schools in McAllen?
There is no city graduation rate for McAllen; its public schools have 14.6 students per teacher and spend $12,937 per pupil.
How long is the commute in McAllen?
The average commute is 21.9 minutes, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in McAllen?
McAllen averages 77.4°F over the year, 88.5°F in summer and 64.7°F in winter, with 22.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is McAllen walkable?
McAllen scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 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 McAllen at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hidalgo County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 64% of US counties.
How is the air quality in McAllen?
Hidalgo County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 44% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in McAllen?
McAllen has 145,385 residents. The median resident of McAllen is 33.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #703 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does McAllen compare with the rest of Texas?
McAllen ranks #43 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 16% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to McAllen?
The tracked cities in other states closest to McAllen's population of 145,385 are Savannah, GA (#891 overall), Rockford, IL (#1248 overall), Jackson, MS (#1189 overall), Syracuse, NY (#1012 overall), and Gainesville, FL (#1062 overall). McAllen is #840.