Is Eagle Pass Safe, Pros and cons of living in Eagle Pass

Eagle Pass, Texas, situated on the border with Mexico, offers a unique blend of cultural influences and a distinct lifestyle shaped by its geography and history. This South Texas city presents a compelling option for those seeking a more affordable cost of living and a community with deep roots.

The city’s economy is significantly influenced by its border location, with trade and cross-border commerce playing a vital role. Eagle Pass is also a hub for transportation and logistics, benefiting from its strategic position along major trade routes. The community is characterized by its strong Hispanic heritage, which is reflected in its culture, cuisine, and daily life.

Is it Safe to Live in Eagle Pass?

Crime Statistics

Eagle Pass experiences a crime rate that is generally lower than the national average. In the most recent reports, the overall crime rate is about 3.7% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are notably lower, with rates significantly below the national average by approximately 57.7% (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, property crime rates in Eagle Pass are slightly higher than the national average, by about 7.3% (as reported by AreaVibes). This means that while violent incidents are less common, residents may face a slightly higher risk of theft or burglary. Overall, the chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Eagle Pass is about 1 in 50 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Neighborhood Safety

Safety perceptions can vary within Eagle Pass, with some residents considering the northern parts of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime rates are reported as 5.050 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Depending on the specific neighborhood, the chance of being a victim of violent crime can range from 1 in 136 in western areas to 1 in 319 in northern areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

When examining total crime incidents, the southern parts of Eagle Pass tend to see more occurrences, while the eastern part reports very few annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident in Eagle Pass is estimated at $244 per year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Eagle Pass

Overall Expenses

Eagle Pass offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. Overall living expenses in Eagle Pass are approximately 17.8% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by City of Eagle Pass EDC). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.

Household bills in Eagle Pass are also significantly lower, being 18% below the U.S. median (as reported by doxo). This includes expenses such as utilities, transportation, and food, contributing to a lower overall financial burden for residents.

Housing Costs

Housing in Eagle Pass is considerably more affordable compared to the national average. The housing cost index in Eagle Pass is 58.2, compared to the U.S. average of 100 (as reported by City of Eagle Pass EDC). The median listing price for homes in Eagle Pass is around $269,300 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). This is substantially lower than in many other parts of the country, making homeownership more accessible.

The median home value in Eagle Pass was approximately $230,098 as of early 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Rental prices are also competitive, with the median rental price being around $1,300 per month (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Eagle Pass’s economy is bolstered by several key sectors and major employers. Given its border location, trade and logistics are significant industries. The city also benefits from the presence of government entities and educational institutions.

While specific lists of major employers can fluctuate, industries such as retail, healthcare, and public administration are typically substantial contributors to local employment. The proximity to Mexico also facilitates cross-border employment opportunities and business activities.

Salaries and Unemployment

The average salary in Eagle Pass is approximately $60,043 per year, with an average hourly rate of $29 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a lower average annual salary, around $48,984 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Eagle Pass was reported as $57,207 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). This median income is lower than the national median household income, which was $76,510 in 2024 (as reported by Map AI).

The unemployment rate in Eagle Pass was 10.8% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). This rate is higher than the national average, indicating a more challenging job market compared to many other U.S. cities.

Climate in Eagle Pass

Temperatures

Eagle Pass experiences a hot semi-arid climate, characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 39°F to a high of 100°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is generally August, with average high temperatures around 99°F and average lows of 77°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Conversely, January is the coolest month, with average high temperatures around 67°F and average lows of 45°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city enjoys a significant number of comfortable weather days annually, with ideal temperatures often occurring between February and April, and again from mid-October to mid-December (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall

The annual precipitation in Eagle Pass averages around 21 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with a slight tendency towards higher amounts during the spring and fall months. September typically sees the most precipitation, with a secondary peak in May and June (as reported by Wikipedia).

May is often the wettest month, with an average rainfall of about 2.2 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, December tends to be the driest month, receiving around 0.5 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education in Eagle Pass

School Ratings

Public schools in Eagle Pass present a mixed picture. On average, Eagle Pass public schools have a math proficiency score of 42% and a reading proficiency score of 45% (as reported by Niche). The schools in the district have an average ranking of 4 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Texas public schools (as reported by Niche).

However, some individual schools within the Eagle Pass Independent School District have received higher recognition. Liberty Elementary School, Armando Cerna Elementary School, and Perfecto Mancha Elementary School are noted as top-ranked public schools (as reported by Niche). The Eagle Pass Independent School District itself received an overall Niche grade of B-minus, with a rating of 3.79 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).

Student Demographics and District Performance

The student body in Eagle Pass is overwhelmingly Hispanic, making up 99% of the student population in public schools (as reported by Niche). The Eagle Pass Independent School District has a high graduation rate, reportedly 92.2% (as reported by City of Eagle Pass EDC). The district also received an A+ rating from the Texas Education Agency for its performance on state standardized tests, graduation rates, and college/career readiness outcomes (as reported by City of Eagle Pass EDC).

Despite the district’s overall positive ratings, there is a notable performance gap between the highest and lowest-performing schools within the district (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district serves a large number of economically disadvantaged students, with many qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics of Eagle Pass

Population and Age

As of the 2020 census, Eagle Pass had a population of 28,130 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). Current estimates place the population slightly higher, with projections for 2026 around 29,075 (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Eagle Pass is around 30 years (as reported by CUBIT, World Population Review).

The age distribution shows about 27.1% of residents are under 18, and 16.6% are 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). This indicates a relatively young population overall, with a significant portion of the population in the working-age and younger demographics.

Race and Ethnicity

Eagle Pass is a city with a predominantly Hispanic population. According to recent data, Hispanic residents constitute about 94.2% of the population (as reported by CUBIT). White residents make up a smaller percentage, around 4.4% (as reported by CUBIT).

The city’s demographics reflect its location on the U.S.-Mexico border, with a strong cultural connection to Mexico. Approximately 30.2% of residents in Eagle Pass were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). Citizenship within the city stands at 84.8%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Housing Market in Eagle Pass

Home Prices and Ownership

The housing market in Eagle Pass is characterized by home prices that are generally below the national average. The median home price in Eagle Pass was reported as $276,787 in 2024 (as reported by Map AI). However, other sources indicate a lower median home value of approximately $230,098 as of early 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

The homeownership rate in Eagle Pass is around 60.3% (as reported by Data USA). Single-family detached homes are the most common housing type, making up over 70% of the city’s housing units (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Rental Market Trends

The rental market in Eagle Pass offers relatively affordable options. The median rental price in Eagle Pass is approximately $1,300 per month (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). This is considerably lower than the national average rent, which was around $1,910 per month as of early 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

There are a measured number of rental listings available, indicating a steady supply for renters. Year-over-year rent prices have seen a decrease of about 22.39% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research), which may influence renters to consider longer leases or explore relocation options.