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Is San Marcos a Good Place to Live? San Marcos, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Marcos ranks #919 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #382 of 524 smaller cities and #51 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.3%, #35 of 468) and low unemployment (3.6%, #112 of 476), and trails on high poverty (26.9%, #509 of 524) and low household income ($51,281, #500 of 524).
San Marcos by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Marcos'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 San Marcos?
San Marcos's cost of living index is 98.1, 2% below the US level of 100 and #584 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,322/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $306,851, 2% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | San Marcos | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.1#584 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $306,851#397 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 | $1,428/mo#283 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $310,400#564 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,322/mo#559 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.1x#1055 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 30.9%#1267 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.
San Marcos 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. San Marcos is in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is San Marcos safe?
San Marcos recorded 422 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 373 and 5% above Texas's 401. That ranks #748 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #332 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Marcos Police Department. Property crime runs 1,940 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | San Marcos | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 422#748 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,940#685 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 San Marcos?
The median household in San Marcos earns $51,281, 33% below the US figure of $76,827 and 30% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | San Marcos | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $51,281#1212 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 26.9%#1267 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +2.3%#81 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 San Marcos?
The median resident of San Marcos is 25.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #514 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 30.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Marcos | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 25.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 38.3%#514 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 30.8% | 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 San Marcos's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for San Marcos; its public schools have 13.6 students per teacher and spend $12,643 per pupil. 33.6% of adults are obese and 7.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | San Marcos | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.6#234 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,643#865 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.6%#665 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.9%#92 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 22.3%#1291 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 19.7%#1213 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. 9,029 students are enrolled in San Marcos's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Marcos?
The average commute in San Marcos is 24 minutes (Texas 23.7); 1.3% of workers take transit and 11.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Marcos scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.9°F and winters 52.4°F, with 36.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Marcos | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24 min#682 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.2%#1005 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 68.4% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.5% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.1% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.4#956 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 | 62.3 | 38.9 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 66.6 | 42.4 | 1.7 |
| Mar | 73.1 | 49.5 | 2.8 |
| Apr | 79.8 | 56.3 | 3.2 |
| May | 86.2 | 64.9 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 92.4 | 71.7 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 95.7 | 73.4 | 2.2 |
| Aug | 96.8 | 73.7 | 2.6 |
| Sep | 90.5 | 68.5 | 4 |
| Oct | 82.1 | 58.1 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 71.5 | 48.3 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 63.7 | 40.8 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Marcos.
| Measure | San Marcos | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 68.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 83.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 52.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 36.6 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 San Marcos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Marcos?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in San Marcos's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hays County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | San Marcos | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#508 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 Hays County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hays County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.011% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0028% | 71% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.003% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.089% | 59% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0098% | 54% 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 San Marcos compare with similar-size cities?
San Marcos is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #382 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 70,897.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | #919 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 | 24 min |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #1106 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 | 17 min |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #196 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 | 21.3 min |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #524 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 | 16.4 min |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #151 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 | 18.3 min |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #555 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data | 37.4 min |
| Tulare, CAPop. 70,945 | #1164 | 46.3 | $72,410 | $1,435/mo | 477 | 22.8 min |
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #12 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 | 25.2 min |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #925 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 | 19.8 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 San Marcos compare with the rest of Texas?
San Marcos ranks #51 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 51.4 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 30% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 5% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above 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 |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | … #47 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #48 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 |
| Abilene, TXPop. 128,053 | #49 | 52.0 | $62,648 | $1,157/mo | 457 |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #50 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of San Marcos among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is San Marcos's score calculated?
San Marcos scores 51.4 out of 100, #919 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 San Marcos. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Marcos's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
66.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Marcos. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Marcos'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
San Marcos's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
69.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Marcos. Similar-size median 56.1.
12.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Marcos. Similar-size median 42.4.
65.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Marcos. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Marcos's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Marcos'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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
Is San Marcos, TX a good place to live?
San Marcos ranks #919 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #382 of 524 smaller cities and #51 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.3%, #35 of 468) and low unemployment (3.6%, #112 of 476), and trails on high poverty (26.9%, #509 of 524) and low household income ($51,281, #500 of 524).
What is the cost of living in San Marcos?
San Marcos's cost of living index is 98.1, 2% below the US level of 100 and #584 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,322/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $306,851, 2% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in San Marcos?
San Marcos recorded 422 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 373 and 5% above Texas's 401. That ranks #748 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #332 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Marcos Police Department. Property crime runs 1,940 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in San Marcos?
The median household in San Marcos earns $51,281, 33% below the US figure of $76,827 and 30% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in San Marcos?
Median rent in San Marcos is $1,322/mo (Census), #559 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,428/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 30.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Marcos?
Zillow's typical home value in San Marcos is $306,851, down 3.4% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $310,400.
How are the public schools in San Marcos?
There is no city graduation rate for San Marcos; its public schools have 13.6 students per teacher and spend $12,643 per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Marcos?
The average commute is 24 minutes, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 9.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Marcos?
San Marcos averages 68.6°F over the year, 83.9°F in summer and 52.4°F in winter, with 36.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Marcos walkable?
San Marcos scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 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 San Marcos at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hays County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
Who lives in San Marcos?
San Marcos has 70,897 residents. The median resident of San Marcos is 25.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #514 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 30.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Marcos compare with the rest of Texas?
San Marcos ranks #51 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 51.4 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 30% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 5% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to San Marcos?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Marcos's population of 70,897 are St. Joseph, MO (#1106 overall), Waukesha, WI (#196 overall), Lafayette, IN (#524 overall), West Des Moines, IA (#151 overall), and Dale City, VA (#555 overall). San Marcos is #919.