Is San Elizario Safe, Pros and cons of living in San Elizario

San Elizario, Texas, offers a unique blend of historical charm and a developing community atmosphere. Situated in El Paso County, this city provides a glimpse into the region’s rich past while embracing contemporary living. Its location near the U.S.-Mexico border influences its cultural tapestry and daily life.

The city’s history dates back to Spanish exploration in 1598, with permanent settlement in 1789. Over centuries, San Elizario transitioned from Spanish to Mexican rule before becoming part of the United States in 1848. This layered history is evident in its architecture and the strong cultural influences present today.

Is it Safe to Live in San Elizario?

San Elizario’s overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average. The total crime rate is 85% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents, resulting in approximately 0.09 daily crimes (0.01 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes). This low rate of violent crime, reported at 40 per 100,000 people, positions San Elizario as one of the nation’s safer cities.

While the city boasts a low crime rate, some analyses indicate that the rate of crime is higher than the average U.S. city, with San Elizario ranking in the 28th percentile for safety (meaning it is safer than 28% of cities). However, other data suggests San Elizario has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., with a rate of 0 per one thousand inhabitants for violent crimes. NeighborhoodScout reports that your chance of becoming a victim of crime in San Elizario is 1 in 844, equating to a crime rate of 1.18 per 1,000 residents, making it one of Texas’s safest communities.

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in San Elizario presents a more affordable option compared to national averages. The median home value in San Elizario is $110,400, which is substantially lower than the national median of $332,700. This median property value has seen a modest increase of 3.66% between 2023 and 2024.

The homeownership rate in San Elizario stands at 68%, exceeding the national average of 65.2%. For those considering renting, the average rent in San Elizario is approximately $874 per month as of May 2026, which is 47% lower than the national average rent. This makes renting in San Elizario more affordable than in most U.S. cities.

Median Home Price

The median home price in San Elizario is reported as $110,400 (as of 2024). This figure is considerably lower than the national median home value. Data from Livability.com also lists the median home value at $119,581.

Rental Market

As of May 2026, the average rent in San Elizario is $874 per month. This is 47% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $874 per month, while a two-bedroom averages approximately $981 per month. To live comfortably with this average rent, an annual income of about $34,956 is recommended.

Cost of Living

San Elizario’s cost of living is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Overall living costs are 16% lower than the U.S. national average. This affordability is largely driven by lower housing expenses, which are 38.6% lower than the national average.

While housing is a significant contributor to the lower cost of living, other expenses also remain competitive. Food expenses are 32.0% below average, and energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also lower. These combined factors contribute to a monthly expense of approximately $1,605 for a single person and $3,552 for a family of four, positioning San Elizario as one of America’s less expensive cities.

Monthly Expenses

For a single individual, estimated monthly expenses in San Elizario, excluding rent, are around $1,605. For a family of four, these estimated monthly costs, also excluding rent, rise to approximately $3,552. These figures reflect the lower cost of essential goods and services available in the area.

Job Market and Economy

San Elizario’s economy is supported by various employment opportunities, with an average annual salary of $56,271 as of April 26. This salary averages out to about $27.05 per hour, or $4,689 per month. The majority of salaries in San Elizario fall between $37,514 and $75,650 annually, depending on occupation and experience.

The unemployment rate in El Paso County, which includes San Elizario, was 4.5% in February 2026. This rate reflects the broader economic conditions of the region and is a key factor for individuals seeking employment opportunities.

Average Salary

The average annual salary in San Elizario is reported to be $56,271 as of April 26. This figure is an average, and actual salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as job title, experience, and specific skills. For city employees, the average salary is reported higher at $75,460 per year, with a range typically between $65,987 and $86,345.

Unemployment Rate

As of February 2026, the unemployment rate in El Paso County, which encompasses San Elizario, was 4.5%. This represents a slight increase from the previous year. The unemployment rate is a critical indicator of the local job market’s health, reflecting the percentage of the labor force actively seeking employment but unable to find it.

Climate and Weather

San Elizario experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and cold, clear winters. The summers are typically hot and partly cloudy, with temperatures often in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. The hottest month is June, with average high temperatures around 96°F and lows of 71°F.

Winters are short, cold, and mostly clear, with temperatures usually in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures of 36°F and highs of 60°F. The annual average precipitation in San Elizario is approximately 9.71 inches, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, though August and September tend to be the wettest months.

Average Temperatures

San Elizario’s average daily high temperature during the hot season, from May to September, exceeds 90°F. The average daily high in January, the coldest month, is around 60°F, while the average daily low is 36°F. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 35°F to 97°F, rarely dropping below 25°F or exceeding 104°F.

Rainfall

The annual average rainfall in San Elizario is about 9.71 inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with August and September typically receiving the most rain, averaging around 1.83 inches in September. The period from late October to early June is generally dry, lasting about 7.4 months.

Education and Schools

Information regarding specific school ratings for San Elizario is not readily available in the provided search results. However, as part of the broader El Paso County, school districts in the area serve the community. For detailed information on school performance and ratings, it is recommended to consult local school district reports or specialized educational review websites.

Demographics

San Elizario has a population of approximately 10,116 residents as of the 2020 census. The city is experiencing slight growth, with a projected population of 10,555 in 2026. The demographics of San Elizario are predominantly Hispanic, with about 97.7% of residents identifying as Hispanic.

The median age in San Elizario is 31.1 years. The foreign-born population constitutes about 29.5% of residents as of 2024. This diverse demographic profile reflects the city’s historical and geographical context.

Population Breakdown

The population of San Elizario is around 10,116 individuals. The city is growing at a modest annual rate of 0.03%. The majority of residents, approximately 97.7%, identify as Hispanic. Other racial groups include White (2.3%) and Black (0%).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in San Elizario is 31.1 years. The population skews slightly younger, with 30.1% of residents under the age of 18. For every 100 females, there are approximately 94.3 males.

Major Employers

Specific major employers within San Elizario are not detailed in the provided search results. However, as part of the El Paso metropolitan area, residents likely find employment with major entities in El Paso, which include sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and retail. For detailed information on employment opportunities, it is advisable to research the primary employers in El Paso County.