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South Padre Island, TX

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South Padre Island, TX

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 39
Population2,852
Foreign Born5.7%
Population Density1,061people per mi²
Median Age59.0 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2010, this city has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
A-
Great

A high quality of life with strong walkability, manageable living costs, healthy neighborhood signals, and solid amenity access.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

144/100

44% above national average

B

The Real Cost of Living in South Padre Island, Texas

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $43k$80k
Comfortable $142k$209k
Luxury $185k+$287k+
Elite (Top 5%) $264k+$409k+
Affordability Ratio

29%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A+
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean92%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
40
Positive
7
Poor
0
Negative
5

Groceries

5 within 10 miles

0.4mi

Gas

0 within 10 miles

Hospital

2 within 20 miles

0.2mi

Airport

United States Coast Guard Station Heliport

2.8mi

Post Office

USPS — South Padre Island, TX

0.6mi

Critical Amenities

Country Clubs

Nearest private club or country club.

Golf2Nearest 3.9 mi
Camping20Nearest 7.2 mi
Marina12Nearest 1.2 mi
Winery0 
Ice Rink0 
Gun Range1Nearest 1.2 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
C
Average

A middle-class area roughly in line with national averages across income, home values, education, and employment.

Median HHI
$62k-1.6%
18% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$592k
10% below US avg
College Educated
52.5%
50% above US avg
WFH
18.0%
26% above US avg
Homeownership
66.2%
1% above US avg
Median Home
$499k
77% above US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
F
High Risk

Significantly higher crime rates than 85% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
108.8
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−6.7%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

Robbery
0.96 / 1k Residents46% above US avg
Aggravated Assault
10.11 / 1k Residents277% above US avg

Property Crime

5yr−6.7%
Burglary
11.07 / 1k Residents352% above state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: EVENSwing

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for South Padre Island, Texas
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
A-
High Autonomy

Strong independent fundamentals that actively favor personal liberty and low regulation.

State Policy

Tax Burden
B
Fair8.6% of income
Property Rights
C+
FairIJ Grade C+
Firearm Rights
A
GreatFPC Grade A
Homeschooling
A+
GreatNo notice required

Energy independence: Net exporter (220% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A-
OpenFarm sales legal
Gambling Laws
D+
RestrictedTribal · Poker · Betting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Growing Season354 days364 frost-free
Annual Rainfall33.8"
Elevation7 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
C
Exposed

Meaningful friction. Expect exposure to either population pressure, blast zones, or natural disaster risk. Consider buying a retreat property.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
A
Good275 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
C-
Weak1,061/sq mi
Fallout Danger
B+
Good5 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorHurricane
Border / Coast
D
Poorborder 25 mi · coast 0.1 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$165.1M/yrfor the county

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-15T06:31:11.000Z

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