TexasPop. 87,038Smaller cities
Is Mission a Good Place to Live? Mission, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Mission ranks #961 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #405 of 524 smaller cities and #55 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524) and low rents ($950/mo, #27 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.6%, #417 of 476) and high poverty (19.4%, #451 of 524).
Mission by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Mission'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 Mission?
Mission'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 $950/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,583, 27% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Mission | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $219,583#167 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 | $1,351/mo#209 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $175,700#160 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $950/mo#155 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.8%#317 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.
Mission 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. Mission is in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Mission safe?
Mission recorded 134 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 64% below the US rate of 373 and 66% below Texas's 401. That ranks #202 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #84 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mission Police Department. Property crime runs 1,164 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Mission | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 134#202 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,164#294 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 Mission?
The median household in Mission earns $60,767, 21% below the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.2%). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Mission | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $60,767#1029 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.6%#945 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 19.4%#1091 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.6%#343 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 Mission?
The median resident of Mission is 34.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #815 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Mission | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.4%#815 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 71.4% | 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 Mission's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Mission; its public schools have 15.5 students per teacher and spend $13,317 per pupil. 41.5% of adults are obese and 16% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Mission | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,317#791 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41.5%#1185 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16%#1217 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 31.8%#1303 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. 24,452 students are enrolled in Mission's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Mission?
The average commute in Mission is 20.5 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.1% of workers take transit and 10% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Mission scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 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 | Mission | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.5 min#383 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.2% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10% | 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 | 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 | Mission | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 77.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 88.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 64.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 22.2 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 Mcallen Miller International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Mission?
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 | Mission | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.18%#823 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 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 Mission compare with similar-size cities?
Mission is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #405 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 87,038.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | #961 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 | 20.5 min |
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #66 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 | 23.7 min |
| Ogden, UTPop. 87,413 | #785 | 53.5 | $72,575 | $1,216/mo | 445 | 22.5 min |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #441 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 | 29.9 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #67 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Citrus Heights, CAPop. 86,995 | #740 | 54.3 | $82,314 | $1,827/mo | 380 | 28 min |
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #864 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 | 22.8 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 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 Mission compare with the rest of Texas?
Mission ranks #55 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 17% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 66% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% 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 Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | … #51 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #52 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #53 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 |
| Dallas, TXPop. 1,307,930 | #54 | 50.7 | $70,518 | $1,472/mo | 577 |
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | #55 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 |
| Victoria, TXPop. 65,625 | #56 | 50.5 | $67,226 | $1,172/mo | 364 |
| Laredo, TXPop. 257,619 | #57 | 50.3 | $63,915 | $1,030/mo | 316 |
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #58 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 |
| Waco, TXPop. 143,570 | #59 | 50.2 | $54,365 | $1,165/mo | 414 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Mission among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Mission's score calculated?
Mission scores 50.7 out of 100, #961 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 Mission. Similar-size median 55.5.
37.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Mission's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
89.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Mission. Similar-size median 58.9.
36.7 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Mission's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
47.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Mission's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
87.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Mission. Similar-size median 56.1.
30.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Mission. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Mission. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Mission'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.
36.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Mission'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 Mission 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 Mission
Is Mission, TX a good place to live?
Mission ranks #961 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #405 of 524 smaller cities and #55 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524) and low rents ($950/mo, #27 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.6%, #417 of 476) and high poverty (19.4%, #451 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Mission?
Mission'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 $950/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,583, 27% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Mission?
Mission recorded 134 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 64% below the US rate of 373 and 66% below Texas's 401. That ranks #202 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #84 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mission Police Department. Property crime runs 1,164 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Mission?
The median household in Mission earns $60,767, 21% below the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.2%). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Mission?
Median rent in Mission is $950/mo (Census), #155 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,351/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Mission?
Zillow's typical home value in Mission is $219,583, down 0.9% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $175,700.
How are the public schools in Mission?
There is no city graduation rate for Mission; its public schools have 15.5 students per teacher and spend $13,317 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Mission?
The average commute is 20.5 minutes, #383 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Mission?
Mission 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 Mission walkable?
Mission 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 Mission 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 Mission?
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 Mission?
Mission has 87,038 residents. The median resident of Mission is 34.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #815 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Mission compare with the rest of Texas?
Mission ranks #55 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 17% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 66% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Mission?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Mission's population of 87,038 are Troy, MI (#66 overall), Ogden, UT (#785 overall), Danbury, CT (#441 overall), Franklin, TN (#67 overall), and Duluth, MN (#467 overall). Mission is #961.