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Is Pharr a Good Place to Live? Pharr, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pharr ranks #1197 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #488 of 524 smaller cities and #69 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524) and affordable homes ($121,900, #15 of 524), and trails on high poverty (27.6%, #513 of 524) and high unemployment (6.5%, #448 of 476).
Pharr by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pharr'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 Pharr?
Pharr'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 $1,037/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $165,451, 45% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Pharr | 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 | $165,451#62 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 | $1,124/mo#65 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $121,900#37 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,037/mo#250 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.3x#17 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.6%#845 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.
Pharr 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. Pharr is in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Pharr safe?
Pharr recorded 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 373 and 47% below Texas's 401. That ranks #375 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #170 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pharr Police Department. Property crime runs 1,086 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Pharr | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 214#375 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,086#257 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 Pharr?
The median household in Pharr earns $52,814, 31% below the US figure of $76,827 and 28% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 6.5% (US 4.2%). 27.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pharr | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $52,814#1186 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 6.5%#1005 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 27.6%#1276 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 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 Pharr?
The median resident of Pharr is 29.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1196 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pharr | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 29.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 18.8%#1196 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 59.1% | 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 Pharr's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Pharr; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $14,129 per pupil. 44.8% of adults are obese and 17.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Pharr | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,129#685 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 44.8%#1279 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 17.7%#1280 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 38.3%#1311 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. 22,672 students are enrolled in Pharr's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pharr?
The average commute in Pharr is 21.1 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.2% of workers take transit and 6.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pharr scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 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 | Pharr | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.1 min#430 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.5% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.5% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.3#982 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 | Pharr | 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 Pharr?
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 | Pharr | 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 Pharr compare with similar-size cities?
Pharr is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #488 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 80,333.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #1197 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 | 21.1 min |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #22 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 | 31 min |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #414 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 | 19.9 min |
| Perris, CAPop. 80,511 | #1053 | 48.8 | $88,911 | $1,876/mo | 271 | 37.1 min |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #1309 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 | 22.7 min |
| Jonesboro, ARPop. 80,137 | #1095 | 47.9 | $55,424 | $956/mo | 575 | 18 min |
| Pine Hills, FLPop. 80,105 | #1284 | 39.0 | $58,673 | $1,542/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #510 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 | 17.5 min |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #355 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 | 24.2 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 Pharr compare with the rest of Texas?
Pharr ranks #69 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 45.1 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 28% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 45% 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Pharr among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Pharr's score calculated?
Pharr scores 45.1 out of 100, #1197 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 Pharr. Similar-size median 55.5.
28.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pharr's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
85.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pharr. Similar-size median 58.9.
24.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pharr's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pharr's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
88.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pharr. Similar-size median 56.1.
12.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pharr. Similar-size median 42.4.
29.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pharr. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pharr's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.4 - 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: Pharr'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 Pharr 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 Pharr
Is Pharr, TX a good place to live?
Pharr ranks #1197 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #488 of 524 smaller cities and #69 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524) and affordable homes ($121,900, #15 of 524), and trails on high poverty (27.6%, #513 of 524) and high unemployment (6.5%, #448 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Pharr?
Pharr'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 $1,037/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $165,451, 45% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Pharr?
Pharr recorded 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 373 and 47% below Texas's 401. That ranks #375 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #170 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pharr Police Department. Property crime runs 1,086 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Pharr?
The median household in Pharr earns $52,814, 31% below the US figure of $76,827 and 28% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 6.5% (US 4.2%). 27.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pharr?
Median rent in Pharr is $1,037/mo (Census), #250 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,124/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pharr?
Zillow's typical home value in Pharr is $165,451, down 1.8% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $121,900.
How are the public schools in Pharr?
There is no city graduation rate for Pharr; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $14,129 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pharr?
The average commute is 21.1 minutes, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pharr?
Pharr 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 Pharr walkable?
Pharr scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Pharr 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 Pharr?
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 Pharr?
Pharr has 80,333 residents. The median resident of Pharr is 29.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1196 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pharr compare with the rest of Texas?
Pharr ranks #69 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 45.1 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 28% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 45% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Pharr?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pharr's population of 80,333 are Somerville, MA (#22 overall), Auburn, AL (#414 overall), Perris, CA (#1053 overall), Flint, MI (#1309 overall), and Jonesboro, AR (#1095 overall). Pharr is #1197.